Q + A Niacinamide Facial Serum Review

Q + A Niacinamide Facial Serum
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
4.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does Q + A Niacinamide Facial Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Q + A Niacinamide Facial Serum has to offer:
 
✅ Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
✅ Considerable anti-wrinkle efficacy: Q + A Niacinamide Facial Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 4.5 out of 10, indicating a moderate ability to reduce wrinkles.
✅ Soothing: Q + A Niacinamide Facial Serum contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Q + A Niacinamide Facial Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Q + A Niacinamide Facial Serum:
 

🔵 Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Q + A Niacinamide Facial Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈75.0%), Propylene Glycol (est. ≈6.0%) and Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, providing significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

📌 Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

💧 A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

🟣🟣 Considerable Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Q + A Niacinamide Facial Serum has a moderate anti-wrinkle rating of 4.5 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%),
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
 
Among others, Q + A Niacinamide Facial Serum also contains Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.
 
Therefore, this ingredient does not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 
📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some additional anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Q + A Niacinamide Facial Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈75.0%) and Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

🔴 Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Q + A Niacinamide Facial Serum is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈75.0%) and Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Q + A Niacinamide Facial Serum

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Q + A Niacinamide Facial Serum to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using Q + A Niacinamide Facial Serum as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

Pros & Cons of Q + A Niacinamide Facial Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Q + A Niacinamide Facial Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
Provides considerable anti-wrinkle efficacy thanks to Niacinamide
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
✅ Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients like Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice and Niacinamide
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - it needs to be paired with occlusives to seal in humectants
   

Summary: Q + A Niacinamide Facial Serum

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Q + A Niacinamide Facial Serum
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing, making it ideal for oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant boost, beneficial for all skin types.
 
Q + A Niacinamide Facial Serum contains ingredients with solid, robust evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy, in concentrations that may deliver a noticeable anti-wrinkle effect.
 
Rich in antioxidants, Q + A Niacinamide Facial Serum helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation. This product is also formulated with a high concentration of soothing ingredients, offering the potential to calm and comfort irritated skin. Whether you’re experiencing redness, irritation, or general sensitivity, its soothing properties may help restore balance and provide relief.
 
That said, there are some things about Q + A Niacinamide Facial Serum worth noting.
 
Looking at its moisturizing profile, we found that it doesn’t contain any occlusive ingredients, potentially allowing the moisture attracted to the skin by humectants to evaporate. Therefore, if it’s used as the only moisturizer in a routine, it’s recommended to pair it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Function:
Origin:
Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Passiflora Edulis Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Prunus Persica (Peach) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Sinensis (Orange) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Capparis Spinosa Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Maltodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
90.7
75
6
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 90.7 10
10.0
75
6
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
75
6
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 90.7 10
10
All humectants
90.7
75
6
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 3 4.5
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
4.5
Niacinamide
4.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
3
Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
4.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
75
3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 81.1 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
81.1
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
75
Niacinamide
3
Sodium Hyaluronate
1
Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit Extract
0.3
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
0.3
Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract
0.3
Prunus Persica (Peach) Fruit Extract
0.3
Citrus Sinensis (Orange) Fruit Extract
0.3
Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract
0.3
Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
75
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 79.2 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
79.2
75
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %75
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Propylene Glycol
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
Water
Est. %4
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Niacinamide
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Betaine
Est. %2
Function
Origin
BetaineAn ingredient derived from the sucrose in sugar beets. It has a negative chemical charge and a positive chemical charge on the same molecule. This allows betaine to be hygroscopic or humectant and thus provide moisturization by drawing water to the skin.
Glycerin
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Pentylene Glycol
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Allantoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AllantoinA fluffy, white powder that acts as a humectant due to its water-loving chemistry and as an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells. It has also been shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Biosaccharide Gum-1A polysaccharide with humectant moisturizing and soothing properties.
Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit ExtractObtained from the seeds and peels of the melon fruit, this extract has emollient fatty oil and antioxidant phenolic compounds.
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lycium Barbarum Fruit ExtractAn extract obtained from Goji berries with moisturizing and antioxidant polysaccharides and glycoproteins. It is also rich in other antioxidants such as vitamins B and C, carotenoids, flavonoids, and phytosterols.
Passiflora Edulis Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Passiflora Edulis Fruit Extract
Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit ExtractAn extract derived from pineapple fruits that contains various antioxidants, vitamin C, and bromelain - an enzyme mixture that acts as a mild exfoliant. Bromelain also has some anti-inflammatory activity and may help with the healing of wounds and scars.
Prunus Persica (Peach) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Prunus Persica (Peach) Fruit ExtractPeach fruit extract is an extract made from the fleshy part of peach fruits. It is used in skincare to add a sweet and fruity peach flavor to the product. This extract contains a plethora of valuable antioxidant compounds. The most abundant are organic acids (mainly malic acid), vitamin C, carotenoids, and flavonoids.
Citrus Sinensis (Orange) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Sinensis (Orange) Fruit Extract
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oryza Sativa (Rice) ExtractAn abrasive rice extract rich in various emollient fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamin E.
Capparis Spinosa Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Capparis Spinosa Fruit Extract
Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf ExtractAn antioxidant and fragrant extract from the leaves of the olive tree. It contains a promising anti-aging compound called Oleuropein, and a prospective anti-pigment compound called Cornoside.
Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower ExtractA fragrant extract derived from the flowers of the Italian honeysuckle. It has a pleasant, sweet, floral scent. Not much is known about its compounds and their functions.
Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower ExtractAn extract from the white flowers of the Japanese honeysuckle. Apart from an essential oil responsible for its jasmine-like scent, the extract also contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory iridoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids.
Maltodextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MaltodextrinA formula helper manufactured from starch. It has a sweet flavor and is often used in rinse-off products to support their foaming structure. Maltodextrin is also used to stabilize emulsions and to absorb and bind other ingredients in the formula.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Sodium Gluconate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium GluconateA chelating ingredient that ensures that the harmful metal ions in a formula are unreactive. It also protects other ingredients from degrading.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.