Can I mix tretinoin with niacinamide?

Author: Stuart King  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Can you use tretinoin and niacinamide together? Dr. Mohta says that yes, absolutely! You can use them as separate products or combined into a single compounded formulation, because the synergistic effects can offer multiple benefits for the skin.

Should you use niacinamide before or after tretinoin?

Specifically, we recommend using niacinamide in the morning and tretinoin in the evening. You also don't want to start using these two products at the same time. If you do have a reaction to one or the other, introducing them separately can help you determine which may be causing the issue.

What not to mix with tretinoin?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it is especially important to avoid using the following skin products on the same area as tretinoin: Any other topical acne product or skin product containing a peeling agent (eg, benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, or sulfur).

Can we use niacinamide and retinol together?

On the other hand, if you want to fight stubborn, severe acne and reverse signs of skin ageing, a retinol-based serum is the perfect fix. But is it possible to reap the combined benefits of the two skincare workhorses? Can you use Niacinamide and Retinol together? The answer is a resounding yes.

Do you put retinol or niacinamide first?

It is not unusual to find a combination of niacinamide and retinol in a single skincare product, but you can use niacinamide and retinol as separate steps in a consistent routine. If you're using separate products, it is recommended that you apply retinol first then move forward with niacinamide application.

pm skincare routine *tretinoin*

What not to mix with niacinamide?

DON'T MIX: AHA/BHA and niacinamide

Niacinamide is used to treat hyperpigmentation and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, while alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are chemical exfoliants. To understand why niacinamide shouldn't be mixed with AHAs and BHAs, you need to consider pH.

How do you layer niacinamide and retinol at night?

Apply niacinamide after your retinol has completely settled into the skin (at night) and before moisturiser. Your morning skincare regime should always conclude with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. To establish your niacinamide and retinol routine, first determine which concentrate of retinol is right for your skin type.

What is the best combination with niacinamide?

Niacinamide + salicylic acid is what you need in your skincare routine. Salicylic acid is best known for its deep-cleansing properties and deep-penetrating action to unclog pores and slough off dead and dry skin. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of salicylic acid help clear away pustules and papules.

Which is best for open pores, niacinamide or retinol?

✅Use retinol serum at night. This helps in increasing collagen production which will support the structures around the hair follicle making open pores less prominent. ✅Use salicylic & niacinamide serum. Open pores are more prominent due on oily skin due to excessive sebum production from the oil forming glands.

What to layer after retinol?

We recommend either layering niacinamide after retinol or using niacinamide in your morning skincare routine and retinol in the evening.

What cancels tretinoin?

What cancels out tretinoin? The effectiveness of tretinoin can be reduced by sun exposure as tretinoin is photosensitive, which means it degrades in daylight.

What combos best with tretinoin?

Vitamin B3 or Niacinamide is a common choice for compounding with Tretinoin due to its skin brightening and pore tightening properties.

Is tretinoin 3 times a week enough?

When you first start using tretinoin, you may start with a lower percentage that you apply just two or three times a week. After two weeks, if your skin is adjusting well to the tretinoin, you can consider increasing use to every night as tolerated.

How long does tretinoin purge last?

Skin purging typically lasts anywhere between four to six weeks which is roughly in line with how long it takes for your skin cells to naturally turnover. During this phase, it might seem like your skin is getting worse but it should settle down and improve after you've passed this period.

What is the sandwich method of tretinoin?

Option one: The sandwich technique

After washing your face, apply a layer of moisturiser. Allow it to dry down for 5-10 minutes. Then, apply a pea-sized amount of tretinoin to your entire face. Allow this to dry down for 5-10 minutes.

Does tretinoin peeling ever stop?

Some people may notice that this side effect goes away within a few weeks of use, while others may have flaky skin for up to two months. Regardless of how long it takes to subside, tretinoin peeling is temporary and will go away once your skin gets used to the product.

How to layer niacinamide and tretinoin together?

While tretinoin and niacinamide can be used together, it's important to introduce each ingredient gradually and use caution to avoid any adverse reactions. It's generally recommended to use tretinoin at night and niacinamide in the morning to avoid any potential conflicts between the two ingredients.

Does niacinamide permanently shrink pores?

While it does not physically shrink pores, it addresses the underlying factors that contribute to their appearance.

What does retinol burn look like?

The skin goes red, inflamed, and peeling because retinol has chemically burned away the upper layer of skin, the new exposed skin has not had enough time to build up its natural protection film to UV light and pollutants that a good UV moisturising oil can help with and reduce the exposure to skin cancer risk, ...

What you Cannot mix with niacinamide?

Key Highlights. Mixing Niacinamide with AHAs or BHAs can cause adverse reactions, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Can I use vitamin C in the morning and tretinoin at night?

Yes, but not at the same time. When used in the right order, Vitamin C should be applied in the morning as it protects your skin from UV induced collagen loss, whilst tretinoin at night as this builds new collagen.

What order do you put retinol and niacinamide?

Remember to apply niacinamide before retinol-based products to help shield your skin and reduce unwanted irritation. The use of both ceramides and niacinamide when prepping your skin for retinol has proven to be highly effective for retinoid use.

Can I use niacinamide in the morning and tretinoin at night?

Can I use niacinamide while using tretinoin? Yes, you certainly can! When using both skincare superstars many find the best way of benefitting from each ingredient is too alternate applying them to the skin. You can opt for using niacinamide in your morning routine leaving tretinoin for the evening.

Do and don'ts niacinamide?

Don't use it with exfoliating ingredients: Niacinamide can increase skin sensitivity, so it's best to avoid using it with exfoliating ingredients such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid. Don't use it if you have an allergy: Niacinamide, like any other skincare ingredient, can cause allergic reactions in some people.

What happens if I use niacinamide after retinol?

Although it's usually recommended to apply products in order of thinnest to thickest, this advice applies regardless of product texture. Using niacinamide alongside retinol may help minimise any sensitivity or skin dryness, thanks to its skin moisture barrier supportive function.

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