Good Molecules: Niacinamide Brightening Toner

#Skincare

#Products

2025-11-26

If you know The Ordinary, then you've probably heard of Good Molecules.

The concept is simple: effective skincare at a fair price. The ingredients are backed by research, and the formulas are straightforward yet effective.

One of their best-selling products is the Niacinamide Brightening Toner, designed to fade hyperpigmentation and minimize enlarged pores. But is it worth trying? Let's take a closer look.

Btw, here's the full ingredient breakdown of the Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner.

What is hyperpigmentation and what does "skin brightening" mean?

Hyperpigmentation is a harmless skin condition where patches of skin appear darker than the surrounding areas. It can affect all skin tones.

Common triggers include hormonal changes, excessive UV exposure, or inflammation. These factors cause melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) to create more melanin, which then transfers to upper skin layers, resulting in dark spots.

Brightening means making the skin more radiant and even, which includes fading hyperpigmentation.

Forms of hyperpigmentation

Well-known forms of pigmentation are:

❯ Melasma: Caused by hormonal changes, often during pregnancy, forming mask-like dark patches.
❯ Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): Dark spots left behind after pimples or skin inflammation.
❯ Sunspots: Caused by sun exposure or sunburn. Prevent with sun protection.

Treatment of hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation can be treated by:

❯ Stopping the overproduction of melanin in deeper skin layers
❯ Preventing melanin from transferring to the surface

Treatment takes time, typically 4–8 weeks, since changes in deeper skin layers are neccessary.

Why the Niacinamide Brightening Toner works

The Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner is designed to brighten the skin and help fade hyperpigmentation, thanks to a combination of well-researched ingredients.

Niacinamide

Its key active, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), works by preventing the transfer of melanin to the upper layers of the skin, helping to reduce dark spots over time.

Niacinamide also balances sebum production, which can help minimize the appearance of enlarged pores, making it a great fit for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin.

Beyond brightening and pore refinement, Niacinamide provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits and supports the skin barrier by promoting ceramide synthesis.

The benefits of Niacinamide:

❯ Anti-inflammatory properties
❯ Acts as antioxidant
❯ Has a positive effect on the skin barrier (increases synthesis of ceramides).

Arbutin

Another important ingredient is Arbutin, a trusted brightening agent that reduces melanin overproduction in the deeper layers of the skin.

Hydroquinone may be a more powerful ingredient used in brightening skincare products, but it’s also known to be harsh. Arbutin —its gentler relative— delivers similar benefits with far less irritation. At 2%, it strikes a great balance between effectiveness and safety.

Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract

The toner also contains a touch of Licorice Root Extract (Glycyrrhiza Glabra), which can further help regulate melanin production and provides mild anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

However, its concentration is low (0.1%), so its impact on hyperpigmentation is veeeerryyyy subtle.

3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid

Finally, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a stable and less irritating Vitamin C derivative, with remarkable antioxidant and brightening benefits.

However, it is present at a low concentration (0.1%), which means it contributes very little to brightening or anti-aging effects.

Altogether, the key ingredients work synergistically: Niacinamide and Arbutin actively target dark spots, while Niacinamide also helps refine pores and strengthen the skin. This makes the toner an effective choice for achieving a brighter, more even complexion.

Although other brightening ingredients like Licorice Root Extract and Vitamin C are included, their concentrations are too low to deliver noticeable results.

Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner: Ingredient List

As shown in the section above, most of the brightening effects are likely because of Arbutin and Niacinamide. Niacinamide is also responsible for reducing the size of the pores.

Here is the full ingredient list:

What do we think?

Good Molecules' Niacinamide Brightening Toner is a very potent product. It contains several (well-researched) ingredients.

The Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner is a potent, well-formulated product.

Most brightening effects come from Niacinamide and Arbutin, while Niacinamide also helps with enlarged pores.

The product is:

❯ Alcohol-Free
❯ Fragrance-Free
❯ Oil-Free
❯ Safe For Fungal Acne
❯ Vegan
❯ Cruelty-Free.

To sum up

The Niacinamide Brightening Toner is definitely worth a try. Sensitive skin users may experience slight irritation due to 2% Arbutin, so introduce it slowly.

Since the toner is potent, you can even skip a serum if needed. Adjust your routine based on your skin's needs.

Here's the full ingredient breakdown again for reference. Don't forget to help others by reviewing the product!

PROOF/ FURTHER READING:

Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, February 2010, 3(2), Pages 22–41. How Much Do We Really Know About Our Favorite Cosmeceutical Ingredients?

British Journal of Dermatology, September 2000, 143(3), Pages 524-31. Nicotinamide increases biosynthesis of ceramides as well as other stratum corneum lipids to improve the epidermal permeability barrier.

Dermatologic Therapy, September 2017, 30(5), in internet: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28220628 (13.09.2019). The role of nicotinamide in acne treatment.

Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, June 2006, 8(2), Pages 96-101. The effect of 2% niacinamide on facial sebum production.

Dermatological Surgery, July 2005, Volume 31, Issue 1S, Pages 860-866. Niacinamide: A B Vitamin that Improves Aging Facial Skin Appearance.

Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, July 2017, 10(7), Pages 14–17. Topical Vitamin C and the Skin: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications.

Experimental Dermatology, June 2003, 12(3), Pages 237-44. Topical ascorbic acid on photoaged skin. Clinical, topographical and ultrastructural evaluation: double-blind study vs. placebo.

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, June 2010, Volume 9, Issue 6 Supplement, Pages 72-81.

Phytotherapy Research, 2003, 17(9), Pages 987-1000.

Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, February 2003, 51 (5), Pages 1201–1207.

International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research | Apr - Jun 2021 | Vol 13 | Issue 2. Alpha Arbutin as a Skin Lightening Agent: A Review