You can (and should) consider layering niacinamide and retinol in the same routine, especially if you have sensitive skin. Retinol is a well-known ingredient that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging.
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 serums, being lightweight, should be applied before the thicker-textured retinol products. For an evening skincare routine: Begin with a mild, non-exfoliating acid cleanser to cleanse the skin. Pat dry after. Apply a hydrating toner if available; otherwise, skip this step.
Use a few drops of niacinamide serum on your face and neck, gently patting it into the skin. Serums have a lightweight texture, allowing the active ingredient to penetrate deeply. After applying the serum, use a moisturizer to lock in hydration and further support your skin barrier.
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.
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.
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.
For smoother-looking skin, pair Retinaldehyde and Hyaluronic Acid. For clearer-looking skin, pair Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. For hydrated skin, pair Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide.
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.
You can pair niacinamide and hyaluronic acid together as part of your skincare routine, as both are water-based ingredients. A hyaluronic acid product like Hyalu B5 serum should be applied first to hydrate and replenish the skin.
While niacinamide plays well with most ingredients, there are some you should avoid pairing it with. For example, mixing niacinamide with acidic ingredients like glycolic or lactic acid can cause flushing and potential irritation.
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.
You might be experiencing breakouts if your skin is too sensitive to niacinamide or if you are using it in combination with other irritating products. These breakouts could be new pimples, redness, and inflammation in areas where you do not normally get acne.
Applying sunscreen at the end of your skincare routine is a must. Whether you are using a 5% niacinamide or a 10% niacinamide, ensure to follow up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen generously to avoid sun damage.
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.
Bear in mind that you can have more than one Niacinamide product in your skincare routine. After cleaning and drying your skin, you can apply a Niacinamide toner, then a Niacinamide serum, or a face cream. What we emphasise most is the order of layering of the product.
Take for example Vitamin C and Niacinamide - two active ingredients we don't recommend using together in the same routine. The key word here is routine. You can use Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% in the AM routine and Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% in the PM routine -- just not together in the morning or evening.
“Niacinamide is best absorbed on damp skin,” the dermatologist suggested. If you are using it in combination with other active skincare ingredients, you can apply it on dry skin. “Otherwise, as a solo agent, application on damp skin gives best results,” dermatologist Aanchal Panth added.
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.
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.