As a rule, it's usually best to apply your acid product first, then niacinamide. In some cases, the order may also depend on the product textures.
Thin to Thick: Layer by lightest to thickest consistency. Many serums have a similar viscous consistency, but if you notice one is thicker, start with the thinner formula first. Take Your Time: Give each serum several seconds to set before moving onto the next.
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.
Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid can make a powerful pair. If you're using a facial serum like our CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum, layer the serum directly onto clean skin before applying your niacinamide product in the next layer.
Niacinamide generally works well with most products, but it's best not to combine it with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in the same routine as it can cause irritation. Additionally, avoid using it with strong exfoliants or retinoids in high concentrations to prevent skin sensitivity. For more, check out my Quora Profile.
Niacinamide and vitamin C
This combination sparks a lot of debate among skincare experts. Some say that since both niacinamide and vitamin C contain antioxidants, they cancel each other out and might even lead to irritation.
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.
In general, niacinamide makes the most sense towards the end of your routine, after you've applied any acids or other active ingredient-based serums. If using it in the daytime, make sure to apply sunscreen afterward.
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.
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.
Hyaluronic acid serums are usually lightweight and absorb quickly, so you don't need to wait longer than a minute or two to apply a niacinamide cream. If both products are thick or sticky, wait until the skin absorbs the first layer to avoid mixing and diluting the products.
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.
Hyaluronic acid and Niacinamide are a great pair as both are water-based treatments. When used together, always go with applying hyaluronic acid first, followed by Niacinamide.
And for those clogged pores and inflamed bumps, dot on salicylic acid (use these ingredients one at a time to avoid irritation). A good rule of thumb, is to apply them after your serums and before your moisturizer.
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.
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.
As the percentages suggest, 10% niacinamide contains a higher concentration and strength than 5%. With twice the concentration of their 5% counterparts, 10% niacinamide products offer enhanced delivery of nutrients to skin cells.
Consider pairing your niacinamide face serum with hyaluronic acid for an enhanced skincare regimen. Combining niacinamide with hyaluronic acid can brighten, hydrate, and plump up your skin. Apply niacinamide serum on a cleansed skin and let it absorb. After a few seconds, follow up with hyaluronic acid face serum.
If you have dehydrated skin, use hyaluronic acid serum both in the morning and at night. In the morning, it might help hydrate your skin and prepare it for the day ahead. At night, it might help repair and rejuvenate your skin while you sleep. Be sure to follow up with a moisturizer to lock in the hydration.
As a general rule, serums should be applied from thinnest to thickest consistency. Thin formulas are lighter and have a smaller particle size, which means they can penetrate the skin faster and deeper. By applying them first, you're not hindering their efficacy and slowing down their absorption rate.
Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid
While you may not see any significant results during the first few weeks, there should be a notable difference by about 4 weeks. After 8 weeks, you should notice more hydrated, smoother, and toned skin.
Some may also have skin discoloration due to using niacinamide combined with other active ingredients that are too harsh for your skin type. Niacinamide can also cause problems when it's mixed with the following substances: Acids, including lactic acid, glycolic acid, and azelaic acid.
There are several active ingredients that can be paired together and are beneficial for your skin. However, glycolic acid and niacinamide cannot be used together at the same time. This is because mixing these two ingredients can make these acids less effective.