New Beauty: “The Best Alternatives If Retinol Is Too Harsh for Your Skin”

Like retinol, niacinamide helps smooth skin and decrease the appearance of pores, but without the harshness. “Niacinamide boosts the hydrating ability of moisturizer, so look for it as an ingredient in moisturizer if you’re looking for hydration, or as an ingredient in an anti-aging serum,” says Dr. Loss.