Is the ordinary salicylic acid better than niacinamide for acne?

Author: Miss Aleen Parisian V  |  Last update: Thursday, July 24, 2025

Skin Type Suitability: Salicylic acid is particularly effective for oily and acne-prone skin due to its ability to penetrate and clean out pores. Niacinamide, on the other hand, is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and dry skin, due to its gentle and soothing properties. 3.

Which Ordinary acid is best for acne?

The Acne Set 2.0: 3-Step Regimen from the Ordinary is a regimen with Salicylic Acid 2% Solution for the treatment of acne and clearer skin.

Is niacinamide the best for acne?

[1]Niacinamide is also a well-known skin care ingredient for its ability to fight acne and scarring. In fact, it's considered a healthier and more effective alternative to retinol.

What is better than salicylic acid for acne?

Benzoyl peroxide.

This ingredient kills bacteria that cause acne, helps remove excess oil from the skin and removes dead skin cells, which can clog pores. Benzoyl peroxide products that you can buy without a prescription are available in strengths from 2.5% to 10%.

Should I use Niacinamide or salicylic acid for acne?

Skin Type Suitability: Salicylic acid is particularly effective for oily and acne-prone skin due to its ability to penetrate and clean out pores. Niacinamide, on the other hand, is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and dry skin, due to its gentle and soothing properties. 3.

SALICYLIC ACID VS GLYCOLIC ACID | Which one should you use?

What do most dermatologists recommend for acne?

Drugs that contain retinoic acids or tretinoin are often useful for moderate acne. These come as creams, gels and lotions. Examples include tretinoin (Avita, Retin-A, others), adapalene (Differin) and tazarotene (Tazorac, Avage, others).

Does niacinamide push out acne?

As already discussed, Niacinamide does not cause Purging. However, it may cause bumps, pimples or irritation in a few cases. You can follow these guidelines if you are suffering from pimples or similar other skin irritations. Avoid scrubbing often, as it may result in breakout and purging.

Is 10% niacinamide too strong?

For general skin tone correction, a niacinamide concentration between 4-5% is often effective and well-tolerated by most individuals. For those looking to tackle more pronounced hyperpigmentation, a higher concentration of 10% may be beneficial, though it's important to monitor the skin for any signs of irritation.

What kills acne bacteria fast?

Benzoyl peroxide works as an antiseptic to reduce the number of bacteria on the surface of the skin. It also helps to reduce the number of whiteheads and blackheads, and has an anti-inflammatory effect.

Which acid is not good for acne?

Stearic Acid

Stearic acid is a common emollient in skincare products that helps to soften and lubricate the skin. However, it can also be harmful to acne-prone skin since it has the ability to clog pores and worsen acne. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid stearic acid in products if you have acne-prone skin.

Can salicylic acid cause cystic acne?

Salicylic acid is one ingredient that may cause a temporary bout of acne. 1 Known as "skin purging," worsening acne is a short-term reaction to ingredients that speed up cell turnover. Salicylic acid helps your body quickly get rid of dead skin cells.

Can I use the ordinary salicylic acid and niacinamide together?

Salicylic acid and niacinamide complement each other and can provide synergistic results when used together. After you cleanse your skin, apply a salicylic acid product. Then, follow that with niacinamide, and finish by moisturizing and adding sun protection.

Which serum is best for pimples?

Rashel Aloe Vera Face Serum and Dr. Rashel White Skin Face Serum is the best serum for acne prone skin. Enriched with gentle yet effective ingredients like aloe vera extract niacinamide, this helps to reduce the inflammation and heal acne.

Does salicylic acid cause purging?

Salicylic acid can cause skin purging. Also known as BHA, it's the chemical exfoliant most associated with this phenomenon because its oil-soluble nature lets it penetrate pores, breaking apart clumps of skin cells trapped in the pore lining.

Which is better, niacinamide or salicylic acid?

Salicylic Acid does exfoliate the skin, but it is not well known for its capacity to assist in the management of acne scarring. Niacinamide is the greatest option if you have scarring because it works wonders to lighten pigmentation and discolourations.

What clears acne the fastest?

If you have a pimple, using benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or a pimple patch can help it go away faster. Your dermatologist can give you a cortisone injection to make a deep, painful, inflamed pimple heal quickly. Avoid picking or trying to pop your pimple — this can lead to more inflammation, redness, and scarring.

Does niacinamide help with acne?

How does niacinamide work? Niacinamide is an anti-inflammatory that works to reduce the swelling and redness associated with acne. It also works to regulate the amount of acne-causing oil being produced by the glands in your skin.

How long does niacinamide take to clear acne?

How long does Niacinamide take to work? Using 5% or 10% Niacinamide-containing products show better effects with no skin problems like irritation. Most studies show that even though you may find improvement immediately after starting Niacinamide, it usually takes anywhere between 8-12 weeks for a visible change.

Am I breaking out or purging?

Appearance. The blemishes caused by purging are usually smaller, come to a head quicker and heal faster. Breakouts, however, can vary widely in appearance, including blackheads, whiteheads, deeper cystic spots or hormonal acne along the jawline. They might heal slowly and can range in size and severity.

Should I stop using niacinamide?

People of all skin types can use niacinamide—from dry to oily or combination skin. To be sure it's safe, though, always apply niacinamide products to a test area of skin and observe for reactions. If you experience redness, itchiness, or further irritation, stop its use and consult a professional.

What age is acne the worst?

Acne is a common issue for many people, especially for teenagers and young adults in their 20s. Some have mild symptoms, while others can have very severe issues. Acne effects around 90% of adolescents with the prime age across all genders being the teenage years of 14-19 years old.

What is the strongest acne treatment?

Isotretinoin: This is a potent medicine that attacks all four causes of acne—bacteria, clogged pores, excess oil, and inflammation (redness and swelling). About 85% of patients see permanent clearing after one course of isotretinoin.

How to tell if acne is hormonal or bacterial?

How to Tell if Acne is Hormonal or Bacterial?
  1. Breakout Zones: Bacterial acne typically invades the forehead, nose, and cheeks, while hormonal acne prefers the chin, jawline, and lower face.
  2. Timing: Hormonal acne often adheres to a cyclic pattern, intensifying before menstruation and subsiding afterward.

Previous article
Does Vaseline help with smile lines?
Next article
What determines if your hair goes grey or white?