Medik8 Niacinamide Peptides Review: A Pore-Refining Powerhouse Worth the Hype?

The Short Answer

Medik8 Niacinamide Peptides is a lightweight serum built around 10% niacinamide, 3% Crystalide™ peptide and 1% zinc PCA, designed to help improve the appearance of enlarged pores, uneven texture and congestion. It suits oily to combination skin particularly well and layers easily under moisturiser without pilling or greasiness.

Quick Facts

• Size: 30ml (approximately 80 applications)
• Key actives: 10% Niacinamide, 3% Crystalide™ Peptide, 1% Zinc PCA, N-Acetyl Glucosamine, Sodium Hyaluronate
• Texture: Lightweight, non-greasy serum
• Fragrance: Fragrance-free
• Comedogenic: Non-comedogenic
• Formerly known as: Clarity Peptides (reformulated)

What Makes It Work

The formula pairs a generous 10% concentration of niacinamide — one of the most widely researched actives for helping improve the appearance of pores and oiliness — with N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG). These two ingredients are well-documented for working synergistically to support a more even, refined-looking complexion.

Zinc PCA at 1% adds oil-regulating support, whilst the Crystalide™ peptide (palmitoyl tetrapeptide-10) contributes to a smoother, more radiant skin surface. Sodium hyaluronate rounds out the formula with lightweight moisture retention, preventing the mattifying effect that some niacinamide serums can produce on drier areas.

Who It's For

• Oily or combination skin looking to help manage visible pore size and excess shine
• Anyone dealing with congestion-prone skin or rough texture
• Those wanting a gentle, fragrance-free active serum that layers well
• Routine minimalists — it covers pores, texture and radiance in one step

Who Should Skip It

• Very dry or dehydrated skin types may find it insufficient on its own — pair with a richer moisturiser if you try it
• If you have a known sensitivity to niacinamide (uncommon, but possible at 10%)
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, contact our team for advice before use

How to Use

Apply two to three pumps to cleansed skin morning and evening, before moisturiser. It layers well beneath SPF in the morning and pairs comfortably with most actives, including retinoids at night. If you are new to niacinamide at this concentration, consider introducing it once daily for the first week to gauge tolerance.

Avoid mixing directly with pure vitamin C serums (L-ascorbic acid) in the same application step, as the combination can reduce efficacy and occasionally cause flushing. Use one in the morning and one in the evening instead.

Our Verdict

Medik8 has built a thoughtful formula here. The combination of niacinamide, NAG, zinc PCA and peptides addresses multiple visible skin concerns — pore appearance, texture, oiliness and dullness — without irritation or fragrance. The lightweight texture absorbs quickly and plays well with other products in a layered routine.

It is not a hydration-heavy serum, so genuinely dry skin types should treat it as one step in a broader routine rather than a standalone. For oily and combination skin, however, it earns its place as a daily staple that helps improve the appearance of clarity and smoothness over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Medik8 Niacinamide Peptides with retinol?

Yes. Niacinamide and retinoids complement each other well. Apply this serum first, allow it to absorb, then follow with your retinoid. Niacinamide may also help soothe some of the irritation associated with retinoid use.

How long before I see results?

Most users notice a smoother skin texture within the first two to four weeks of consistent twice-daily use. Visible improvements in pore appearance may take slightly longer as the formula works cumulatively.

Is this the same as Medik8 Clarity Peptides?

Niacinamide Peptides is the reformulated successor to Clarity Peptides. Medik8 updated the formula with a higher peptide concentration and added NAG for enhanced texture-smoothing benefits.