Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner Review

I ordered my first skincare product from Good Molecules in October. It’s been almost two months since I’ve started using it and I am excited to be writing this review because it’s going to be good! I didn’t have luck with the niacinamide serum from The Ordinary and since then I’ve been on the hunt for a niacinamide product with a percentage lower than 10%. I think I’ve finally found a winner, here’s my Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner review.
As far as toners go I haven’t been the biggest fan. My first toner was a green tea toner from a brand I can’t recall the name of right now and I’ve flirted with astringent. Most recently my fascination with The Ordinary got me into the Glycolic Toning Solution. The Ordinary’s toning solution works great for texture and tone but it was too harsh on my skin (albeit I initially was using it incorrectly) so after it expired I decided not to repurchase it.
Fast forward to my current love, Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner is a hydrating, brightening toner that leaves the skin soft and supple.
Related: First Impressions: The Ordinary Skincare
Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner Ingredients

I bought this toner for two reasons: decreased sebum production and complexion brightening. Niacinamide is the ingredient responsible for reducing sebum production and the appearance of pores. While ingredients like arbutin and licorice root extract have the capacity to target hyperpigmentation (dark marks) and even/ brighten the skin tone.
I’m still not free from getting breakouts at some point or another during every month so I thought this product would be a good tool to add to my fighting cystic acne and scarring kit.

What does it promise to do?
According to the Good Molecules website, this brightening toner should:
“Promote bright, even skin and less visible pores with this alcohol-free toner from Good Molecules. Niacinamide Brightening Toner is formulated with a soothing blend of brightening ingredients that work to reduce the appearance of dullness, uneven skin tone, and enlarged pores.”
My thoughts and experience
Did it shrink my pores?
No and that’s because I don’t have a particular challenge with visible pores. For the most part my pores aren’t visible at all. Instead I was looking forward to less oily skin. Although this benefit was not shared on the packaging niacinamide is well researched as having the ability to reduce sebum production.
Less sebum means my skin is less likely to become clogged thereby leading to potentially less acne. The thought of having less acne flare ups is reason enough to give this a try. And I’m glad I did.
On my first day of using the toner I was dramatically less oily than on previous days and I noticed my skin was smooth to the touch.
I’m happy to report that the smoothness hasn’t gone away and at 2 months in I’m still experiencing silky smooth skin. Before, while having cystic acne I struggled with rough and bumpy skin. I even struggled with keep my skin hydrated despite using a moisturizer. My skin would be smooth after a day of exfoliating with Paula’s Choice BHA liquid exfoliant but by the next day my skin felt rough again.
So no I can’t say for sure that it shrunk my pores but it was incredibly hydrating.
Related: What Paula’s Choice BHA Exfoliant Did To My Skin
Does it brighten the skin?
It’s only been two months but I think I have seen a small difference. I have been using pictures to document the changes. The main difference I’ve noticed would be its effect on dullness.
I have dry acne prone skin. Now I know I said that I have problems with my face becoming oily throughout the day but my skin in its normal state is very dry. After I’ve done my morning skincare routine and moisturized to the gods my skin is far less and dry and is at this point prone to being oily/greasy.
Since using this brightening toner my skin seems more balanced. I don’t get quite as oily but my skin feels far more moisturized. I’m very happy with that result. As a result of this balance my skin appears more radiant and supple. Hydrated skin glows and that’s the brightening effect I’ve seen thus far.
I’d like to give it at least until the 3 month mark to compare photos of my acne scars to see if those were lightened. I’ll update this post in about a month with that information.
How do I use it?
Currently, I use it once daily, in the mornings. I apply a liberal amount to a cotton pad and wipe it all over my face.
I apply it after I’ve cleansed my face and before my moisturizer. The directions also say you can apply it to your palm and distribute it onto your face.

Where can I buy it?
You can find the Good Molecules toner from their website at the best price. There are some sellers on Amazon that offer Good Molecules products but the prices are much higher.
If you shop it from the official Good Molecules website the normal price is $14 USD.
Final thoughts
Overall I like this toner because it’s gentle and my skin feels nourished. It has the right amount of niacinamide to yield skin altering results without the irritation and that’s commendable. I see why this niacinamide brightening toner is one of Good Molecules’ top sellers because it’s:
- A great hydrating toner for acne prone skin, even for hormonal acne.
- It really helps soothe inflammation and pimples are reduced quickly.
- It’s worth the spend and provides good value for money.
- It’s the best toner I’ve used so far.
And that’s my official Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner review. Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried this product or are you currently considering it.
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Veneece
I’ve considered buying something from this brand at some point…looks like a product worth trying🤔