Paula's Choice

Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster

Name: 10% Niacinamide Booster
Brand: Paula's Choice
Price: 44 USD
Availability: InStock

Booster·Mid-Range·$44 / 20ml — $2.20/ml

Paula's Choice Sephora Dermstore Amazon

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Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster$44 / 20ml — $2.20/ml

Paula's Choice Sephora Dermstore Amazon

Formulation Summary

A lightweight, water-like niacinamide booster designed to mix into your existing products or use alone. At 10% niacinamide with supporting ingredients like vitamin C, licorice root, and acetyl glucosamine, it's formulated to minimize pores, even skin tone, and address early signs of aging.

Unlike simpler niacinamide serums, this formula pairs 10% niacinamide with acetyl glucosamine (which research suggests works synergistically with niacinamide for hyperpigmentation), ascorbyl glucoside (a stable vitamin C derivative), and multiple soothing botanicals including licorice root and allantoin. The ultra-light texture is intentional; the brand designed it as a booster so that other products can be added.

Quick Facts

TextureUltra-light, watery liquid

ColorClear

Fragrance-free✓ Yes

Cruelty-free✓ Leaping Bunny

Vegan✓ Yes

ScentNo added fragrance

Designed For

•Enlarged pores and uneven texture
•Uneven skin tone and dullness
•Post-acne marks and discoloration
•Fine lines and early aging concerns

May Not Suit

•Very sensitive skin that reacts to high-concentration niacinamide
•Those who prefer simpler formulas with fewer ingredients
•Anyone looking primarily for oil control
•Those seeking a standalone hydrating serum

Key Ingredients

Ingredient	Concentration	Function
Niacinamide	10%brand-confirmed	Minimizes pore appearance, brightens skin tone, supports barrier function, reduces fine lines
Acetyl Glucosamine	—	Works synergistically with niacinamide for hyperpigmentation; supports skin renewal
Ascorbyl Glucoside	—	Stable vitamin C derivative for antioxidant protection and brightening
Licorice Root Extract	—	Soothes redness and irritation; helps with discoloration
Panthenol	—	Vitamin B5 for hydration and skin barrier support
Sodium Hyaluronate	—	Attracts and holds moisture in the skin

The Formulation Explained

Niacinamide plus acetyl glucosamine

The star pairing here is 10% niacinamide with acetyl glucosamine. Research suggests these two ingredients work synergistically for hyperpigmentation. Together they may be more effective than either alone for evening skin tone and fading dark spots.

Multiple brightening pathways

Beyond niacinamide, the formula includes ascorbyl glucoside (a stable vitamin C derivative) and licorice root extract. This multi-ingredient approach addresses discoloration through different mechanisms.

Designed as a booster, not a standalone

The ultra-light, watery texture is intentional. Paula's Choice designed this to mix with other serums, moisturizers, or foundations. You can use it alone, but it's meant to layer without adding weight or causing pilling.

What's not in here

No zinc (unlike The Ordinary's niacinamide serum), so this isn't specifically targeting oil control. No fragrance, essential oils, or parabens. The formula is Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free and vegan.

Ingredients to Know

PhenoxyethanolIrritancy: 1/5

Common preservative. Generally well-tolerated; rare sensitivity in some individuals.

EthylhexylglycerinIrritancy: 1/5

Preservative booster and skin conditioning agent. Occasionally sensitizing for very reactive skin.

Butylene GlycolComedogenicity: 1/5

Humectant and penetration enhancer. Well-tolerated by most.

User Feedback Patterns

Texture takes adjustment:The watery, almost runny texture surprises some users. It can feel like it's not "doing" anything. The brand intends for it to be mixed with other products, which helps with application.

Price comparison to The Ordinary:At roughly 7x the price of The Ordinary's niacinamide serum, value is a common discussion point. Users who prefer it cite the more elegant texture, additional beneficial ingredients, and lack of pilling.

Gradual, cumulative results:Most users report noticing effects (smoother skin, smaller-looking pores, more even tone) after several weeks of consistent use rather than immediate results.

Plays well with other products:The booster format gets consistent praise for layering easily. Users report no issues combining it with retinol, acids, or other actives.