From simple moisturizers to high-end sunscreens, niacinamide has become a star ingredient in a lot of skincare products.
So do you even need niacinamide separately? That depends on what your skin needs. Calm skin, an improved skin barrier, even skin tone, smaller pores, and acne prevention are some of the many benefits of a niacinamide serum.
Plum has made its reputation as a clean and consistent skincare brand over the years. After nearly a decade, will their products stand up to their name? Let’s find out with an in-depth and honest review of the 5% plum niacinamide serum with rice water.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we may receive a commission from the purchases made through these links. We will only recommend products that we have personally used!
Plum’s Claims and Ingredients
The Plum 5% Niacinamide Serum with Rice water is perfect for beginners and people with sensitive skin. It also has vegan and clean ingredients that make it suitable for everyone.
The Plum Niacinamide Serum claims to
- Fade Blemishes
- Smoothen skin texture
- Boost Hydration
- Beginner friendly (5%)
- Lightweight and quick-absorbing
- Fragrance-free
Niacinamide is the only active ingredient in this product. Being a water-soluble derivative of vitamin B3, niacinamide has been clinically proven to reduce dark spots and even out the skin tone.
If you have been following and reading about Korean beauty products and hacks, you know that rice water is a magical ingredient for both the skin and hair. Read our research on onion hair oils for better hair health!
The ingredient list does not mention how much rice water it contains; nevertheless, it is a good addition. Rice water helps smoothen skin texture and brightens skin tone,
Full Ingredient List of Plum 5% Niacinamide Face Serum With Rice Water & Amino Acid Complex
Aqua, Glycerin, Niacinamide (5%), Propanediol, Lysine, Histidine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Threonine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Proline, Glycine, Alanine, Valine, Methionine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Cysteine, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Water, Ethoxydiglycol, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Extract, Sodium PCA, Diglycerin, Urea, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Sorbitol, Pca, Allantoin, Lactic Acid, Methyl Gluceth-20, Benzyl Alcohol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl Glycol, Cyclodextrin, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyethylcellulose, and Sodium Gluconate
Physical Impression
The product comes in a 30-ml size variant. The outer box is simple yet premium, with a blue and white theme. Finally, the actual serum is in a stunning glass bottle, which also follows the blue and white color theme.
It also has a glass dropper. The overall packaging is convenient and beautiful, with an expensive feel.
Application Impression
The Plum Niacinamide Serum has a thin, watery texture. It is a colorless liquid that is slightly thicker than water and dries up within 10 seconds.
3-4 drops are enough to cover the whole face area. Just like other niacinamide products, this one foams a little during application as well.
Our team consisted of 2 women and 1 man (between 20-30 years of age). The product was tried on combination, oily and dry skin types. None of us had any irritation or side effects during or after the application.
Review and Results
Our team of three has been using the product for over 2 months. We are happy to say that this product accomplished most of what it said it would!
All three of us noticed a reduction in the number of new acne flare-ups. I (combination skin) also noticed that all new pimples were small and resolved much faster than usual.
We also saw a noticeable reduction in oil production within 2 weeks. Even though the oiliness was reduced, it wasn’t stripping or drying at all. If you’re looking to reduce oiliness, read my review of the Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Serum.
It also helped reduce some stubborn acne marks. Our skin also felt slightly smoother and softer. While their website does not mention the percentage of rice water content in the product, its results are similar to those of a rice water serum or toner.
However, none of the users noted a brightening or lightening effect. Our pores did not shrink either, but the oil reduction definitely helped with the appearance of large pores.
Here’s an Amazon link for the Plum 5% Niacinamide Face Serum With Rice Water & Amino Acid Complex
Pros
- Fades dark spots
- Reduces acne flare-ups
- Reduced oiliness
- Made skin smoother
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-Free
- Vegan and Clean ingredients
- Affordable
Cons
- Does not brighten skin
- Does not shrink pores
Star Review
✭✭✭✭
4 out of 5 stars. We Would Recommend Purchasing (WRP) this product!
Before You Go
While the Plum niacinamide serum did not brighten our skin or shrink our pores, it sure made our skin much better. If your major concerns are acne, oiliness, dark spots, and pigmentation, then this niacinamide serum is for you!
No matter if you’re a beginner or a seasoned niacinamide user, always opt for the 5% version to avoid skin irritation. As always, take care of your skin.
