We recommend using no more than three serum formulations in a single regimen for optimal layering and ingredient delivery. As a summary, we suggest applying water-based solutions first, followed by anhydrous or oil formulations, and finally cream or suspension formulations.
You'll want to apply water-based treatments first, followed by anhydrous (water-free) solutions or oil formulations, followed by creams or suspensions. This means that you would apply a water-based serum such as Amino Acids + B5 before an anhydrous serum or oil such as Retinol 0.2% in Squalane..
Avoid layering The Ordinary retinol products and The Ordinary vitamin C/antioxidant serums. Rather, these ingredients are best used separately; retinol at night and vitamin C in the morning, and always follow with sunscreen.
When used together, always go with applying hyaluronic acid first, followed by Niacinamide. By following this, you would be able to attract plenty of hydration first. After that, apply Niacinamide to help regulate sebum production and help with the minimization of pores.
If you're applying them together, you should apply Vitamin C first, followed by hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. Don't use it with AHAs, BHAs, and retinol at once. You can use it in low concentrations of AHA and BHA in your routine on alternate nights – Vitamin C one night and retinol the other.
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.
We recommend using no more than three serum formulations in a single regimen for optimal layering and ingredient delivery. As a summary, we suggest applying water-based solutions first, followed by anhydrous or oil formulations, and finally cream or suspension formulations.
To maximize their benefits, apply a hyaluronic acid serum to replenish moisture, followed by a vitamin C serum to boost radiance and protect against environmental damage. By combining these two powerhouse ingredients, you can achieve a more vibrant, youthful complexion.
One of our fave combos is combining niacinamide and hyaluronic acid together before applying them to the skin. For those wondering "Can you use lactic acid and niacinamide together?", yes you can! Check out our guides on how to use The Ordinary's Lactic acid and how to use The Ordinary Niacinamide serum.
Similar to retinol, niacinamide should not be used with acidic skincare ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids. Ordinary niacinamide combined with an acid can cause a bad chemical reaction of redness and flushing.
To use the formulations together in an evening regimen, after cleansing with your preferred cleanser, apply a few drops of Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. Follow with a pea-sized amount of Retinal 0.2% Emulsion once weekly to start and gradually increase to twice weekly, as few days apart, as tolerated by your skin.
3. When layering, apply hyaluronic acid before niacinamide. Fiction. Our lab recommends that water-based serums be applied in the order of your skin concerns.
We have developed this guide to offer suggestions on how to combine multiple formulations from The Ordinary in a single regimen. In general terms, water formulations should be applied before oil formulations and we recommend using a maximum of three serum formulations in a single regimen.
For that reason, mixing peptides and glycolic acid is not recommended. Why shouldn't these acids be mixed with peptides? The reason peptides and salicylic acid as well as peptides and glycolic acid aren't efficacious ingredient combinations is because peptides are susceptible to hydrolysis when exposed to acids.
That said, for the best results, we suggest using hyaluronic acid first, followed by niacinamide. The order here matters because, as a rule of thumb, you should always go in order of consistency. Start with the products and ingredients with a lighter consistency and work up to a thicker consistency.
Niacinamide works well with other skincare ingredients, including retinol and hyaluronic acid. However, some ingredients, like vitamin C, may interact negatively with niacinamide. Therefore, it's recommended to use products containing these ingredients at different times of the day or on alternate days.
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.
Niacinamide might not reach its full effectiveness when mixed with AHAs or BHAs. Moreover, this combination could be overwhelming for your skin, leading to adverse effects such as skin peeling, redness, and itchiness.
It's an ingredient found in a number of moisturizing skin-care products as well as in certain foods and supplements like multivitamins. Can you use niacinamide every day? Yes. In fact, you can use niacinamide-containing topical products in the morning and night because it's generally a gentle ingredient.
It's suitable for all skin types and fits easily into your existing skincare routine. As for when to use niacinamide serum, we typically recommend applying products in order of consistency. That means your serum should come after toner, but before richer lotions or creams.