Skincare can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating countless products promising miracles. One ingredient that has genuinely stood out to me over the years is niacinamide. Known for its ability to calm inflammation, brighten the skin, and reduce redness, it has become a staple in my routine. So, when I decided to explore soaps infused with niacinamide, I was thrilled to discover some real gems. Let me walk you through my experience with three standout soaps that have made a noticeable difference in my skin—and share their pros and cons so you can decide if they’re worth adding to your own regimen.
1. CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Bar
If you’re a fan of dermatologist-recommended skincare, you’ve probably heard of CeraVe. Their Foaming Cleanser Bar has earned its reputation as a staple for normal to oily skin types.
First Impressions
This cleanser bar comes in simple cardboard packaging that’s recyclable, practical, and easy to handle. While there’s nothing particularly exciting about its appearance—a smooth, white bar—its clean and straightforward branding reflects its functionality. And yes, it’s fragrance-free, but some people, myself included, notice a faint “clean” scent that’s likely from its ingredients.
What Makes It Special?
The formula is where the magic lies. It contains niacinamide, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, all working together to cleanse while maintaining your skin’s natural barrier. Despite being soap-free, it creates a creamy lather that feels rich and luxurious on the skin. What really stood out for me was its ability to remove dirt and oil without leaving my skin tight or dry. The addition of kaolin clay adds a slight exfoliating effect, which left my skin feeling smooth.
The Ups and Downs
Pros:
- Dermatologist-recommended and non-comedogenic.
- Effectively cleanses without stripping the skin.
- Leaves the skin feeling soft and refreshed.
- Affordable and widely available.
Cons:
- Doesn’t completely remove stubborn makeup.
- Those with very sensitive or dry skin might experience some tightness.
- Softens quickly if left in water, so a draining soap dish is a must.

Overall, the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Bar is a fantastic choice if you want a mild, effective cleanser to keep oil and redness under control.
2. BMRS Niacinamide with Glutathione Soap
Next up is the BMRS Niacinamide with Glutathione Soap, a product that markets itself as a brightening powerhouse. Combining niacinamide, glutathione, and sakura extract, this soap aims to tackle uneven skin tone and dark spots.
What It Looks Like
This soap is smaller than average, weighing in at 70g. It has an appealing pink-and-white swirl design that’s visually striking. The packaging is minimal, wrapped in plastic, and lists key ingredients but lacks full transparency about concentrations.
How It Performed
Right off the bat, this soap produces a rich lather that feels luxurious on the skin. After about two weeks of use, I noticed a subtle brightening effect and slightly more even skin tone. However, this soap does have its quirks. For one, the sakura fragrance is quite polarizing—I found it pleasant, but others might find it too artificial or strong. Also, it’s not the most hydrating option out there, so if you’ve got dry skin, pairing it with a good moisturizer is essential.
The Ups and Downs
Pros:
- Brightens and evens out skin tone over time.
- Affordable and effective for oily and acne-prone skin.
- Rich lather makes it feel luxurious.
Cons:
- Can be harsh on sensitive or dry skin.
- Limited ingredient transparency.
- May cause redness or irritation if overused.

The BMRS soap is a great choice if you’re looking to address dark spots or dullness but be mindful of your skin type to avoid over-drying.
3. Revitale Advanced Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide Soap
Last but certainly not least is the Revitale Advanced Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide Soap. This soap intrigued me because of its unique blend of ingredients, including azelaic acid, niacinamide, and sea buckthorn extract, which target blemishes, redness, and uneven skin tone.
Packaging and Design
The soap comes in a standard cardboard box with clear labeling that lists its key benefits. Inside, the bar itself is a soft purplish-white color, and its compact size (2.82oz) makes it easy to handle. It also includes blue poppy seeds for exfoliation, which gives it a slightly gritty texture.
How It Works
From the first use, I noticed how creamy the lather was. The blue poppy seeds added a mild exfoliation that left my skin feeling smooth, but if you’ve got sensitive skin, this might feel a little abrasive for daily use. Over time, I saw improvements in my skin’s texture and a reduction in redness around my nose and cheeks. While it did help with hyperpigmentation, it wasn’t an overnight miracle—consistent use is key.
The Ups and Downs
Pros:
- Gently exfoliates while cleansing.
- Targets redness, blemishes, and uneven tone effectively.
- Compact and easy to store.
Cons:
- Can be drying if overused, especially for those with sensitive or dry skin.
- The gritty texture might not be suitable for everyone.
- Slightly more expensive for its small size.
If you’re looking for a soap that does a bit of everything—exfoliating, brightening, and reducing redness—the Revitale soap might be your perfect match.
Concluding Thoughts
Choosing the right skincare product is always a personal journey, and these niacinamide soaps are no exception. The CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Bar is a great everyday cleanser that works wonders for normal to oily skin. The BMRS Niacinamide with Glutathione Soap shines as a brightening soap but requires caution for those with sensitive or dry skin. Lastly, the Revitale Advanced Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide Soap is ideal for anyone seeking a multi-tasking soap to target blemishes and uneven skin tone.
No matter which one you choose, remember that consistency and proper use are key to seeing results. Don’t forget to patch-test and pair these soaps with a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Here’s to glowing, even-toned skin!