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I Tried and Tested the Plum Niacinamide skincare range for three weeks: Here's how my sensitive skin reacted
Not every skincare product works for sensitive skin. I reviewed the Plum Niacinamide skincare range for three weeks, and my skin is grateful.
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Our Picks
| Product | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
Plum Simply Bright 2% Niacinamide Face Wash with Rice Water | Brightens, Softens & Smoothens Skin | for Oily, Acne Prone, Dry, Normal, Sensitive Skin | Gentle & Non-Drying | for Men & Women | 150mlView Details  | ₹337 | |
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The Derma Co Face Wash View Details | ||
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Unlock Personalized ₹57x 6 months₹337  100% Secure Flexible EMI Tenure | ||
Biotique Rice Water & Niacinamide Gel Face Wash Removes Excess Oils & Reduce Blemishes of the Skin | Glass Skin | For Men & Women - 100mlView Details | ₹147 | |
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Deconstruct Salicylic Acid Oil Control Face Wash with Niacinamide | Facewash for Men & Women | 100mlView Details | ₹269 | |
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Cos-IQ Vitamin B3-5% Niacinamide Face Wash for Smooth and Even Skin, Tan Removal & Glowing Skin, pH Balanced & Paraben Free (30 Days Pack, 100ml)View Details | ₹196 | |
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Every product we recommend is chosen through a combination of Primary Research and Secondary Research.
When it comes to skincare, very few skincare brands have stood out for me. And Plum is one of them. There are two reasons for me to love this brand. Firstly, it is vegan and paraben-free, and secondly, the presence of Niacinamide, which suits sensitive skin types. I have used Plum's other skincare range, which did wonders for my skin, so the moment I received the Plum Niacinamide range, I knew I was actually in good hands!
After using it consistently for a few weeks now, I feel like I’ve finally formed a solid opinion on how each product performs individually and as a routine. I tried the toner, face wash, sunscreen, serum, and face cream together to really see if the range works holistically and overall, I’d say it’s a good beginner-friendly routine with a few hits and a few misses.
Products I used
Plum 3% Niacinamide Alcohol-Free Toner
Plum Simply Bright 2% Ni acinamide Face Wash
Plum 2% Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50
Plum 5% Niacinamide Face Serum
Plum Rice Water Niacinamide Gel Cream
Plum Simply Bright 2% Niacinamide Face Wash With Rice Water
Let me start with the cleanser. I genuinely enjoyed using this face wash. It is gentle, doesn’t strip my skin, and gives that clean feel minus the tightness. I have sensitive skin, and this worked pretty well for me for daily use. What I liked most was that it foamed lightly and rinsed off easily without leaving any residue. However, I didn’t notice any major brightening from just the face wash alone. It’s more of a maintenance product than a treatment. Moreover, for people with oily skin, the face wash might be too subtle to try.
Plum 3% Niacinamide Alcohol-Free Toner With Rice Water
Next is the toner. This is one of my favourite products in the range. It’s lightweight, hydrating, and absorbs quickly into the skin. I liked how it added an extra layer of hydration without feeling sticky. Over time, I did feel my skin looked a bit more even-toned. That said, if you already use a strong active routine, this toner might feel too mild. Also, the packaging tends to dispense more product than needed.
Plum Rice Water Niacinamide 10% Serum
The face serum is the star product. This is where I saw the most noticeable results. My skin texture improved, and I could see my skin becoming more spotless. It has a slightly viscous texture but spreads easily and absorbs well. I also appreciated that it didn’t irritate my skin, even at 10% niacinamide. However, it can feel a bit sticky if you apply too much, and layering it under sunscreen sometimes makes my skin feel heavy.
Plum Rice Water Niacinamide Brightening Gel Cream
Moving on to the moisturiser, This gel cream is perfect for oily to combination skin types. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and gives a subtle glow. But for me, the cream did not do much for me. Though it did not lead to a skin reaction, and I did not feel any redness or itching, I was hoping for a more nourished formulation. It sits well under makeup too. But if you have dry skin, this might not be enough on its own, and you might need a heavier cream.
Plum Rice Water SPF 50 PA++ Sunscreen
Finally, the sunscreen. This was a bit of a mixed experience for me. On the positive side, it’s lightweight, blends easily, and doesn’t leave a white cast (which is a big win for Indian skin tones). It also has a slightly dewy finish that makes skin look healthy. However, I did notice that it can feel a bit greasy after a few hours, especially in hot weather. Also, reapplication can get slightly uncomfortable if you already have multiple layers underneath.
What I really liked about the range
The products are beginner-friendly and gentle on the skin. Consistent use gave me a subtle glow and improved skin texture. The serum actually works on blemishes over time. The product's lightweight formulations suit oily/combination skin, and it is affordable compared to many other niacinamide-based routines.
What I think could be improved
- Results are gradual, not dramatic—so patience is required
- Some products (like the toner and face wash) feel too mild on their own
- The sunscreen can get slightly greasy in humid weather
- The moisturiser may not suit dry skin types
- A bit of stickiness when layering multiple products
Final thoughts
Overall, I think the Plum niacinamide range is great for those who want a paraben-free, vegan formula, without harsh actives. It’s not a miracle-working range, but it delivers steady, visible improvement with consistent use. For me, the serum and toner stood out the most, while the sunscreen and moisturiser were decent but not perfect. As far as the cleanser is concerned, I like the fact that it did not strip off my natural oils.
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The products featured in this review were provided to HT Shop Now by the brand for testing and evaluation. Our opinions remain independent and based on our personal experience with the items. Please patch test the products before use. At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products.
