Which comes first niacinamide or hyaluronic acid or salicylic acid?

Author: Miss Precious Zboncak  |  Last update: Friday, September 26, 2025

As for using salicylic acid with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide the best way of applying the all effectively is starting with a exfoliating toner containing salicylic acid, followed with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and prevent skin irritation, then finally niacinamide to regulate the production of sebum of the skin.

What goes first, hyaluronic acid or niacinamide or salicylic acid?

Hyaluronic acid has a very large molecular weight. It is impossible for its to penetrate the stratum corneum therefore, the niacinamide and any other serum you have should come first as it's not just going to lay on top.

Should I use niacinamide or salicylic acid first?

Salicylic Acid cleanser should always come first, then Niacinamide 10%. Be careful though because Salicylic Acid allows any active ingredients to penetrate deep to the skin.

What is the correct order of serums?

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.

Can I use hyaluronic acid with salicylic acid and niacinamide the ordinary?

Yes, you can.

How to Apply Salicylic Acid on Face

How long to wait between salicylic acid and niacinamide?

If you don't want to compromise on individual ingredient performance by using an all-in-one product, then you should use a salicylic acid serum first and leave for AT LEAST 30 minutes to allow full absorption before applying the niacinamide (or anything else).

In what order do I use the ordinary serums?

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..

How to layer hyaluronic acid and niacinamide?

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.

Which serum can be used with salicylic acid?

Niacinamide serum and salicylic acid serum

To learn how to apply salicylic acid serum on face, start by applying it to cleansed skin. Let it absorb completely into your skin before following up with a 5% niacinamide serum. This combination helps to maximize the benefits and improve your skin's texture.

What are the 7 steps of skincare?

  • Step 1: Cleansing. Start with the basics: skin cleansing. ...
  • Step 2: Exfoliation. Eliminate impurities and dead cells by carrying out an effective exfoliation. ...
  • Step 3: Mask. Apply a mask specific for you. ...
  • Step 4: Toner. ...
  • Step 5: Serum or concentrate. ...
  • Step 6: Eye contour. ...
  • Step 7: Moisturising cream. ...
  • Step 8: Sun protection!

Is it better to use hyaluronic acid in the morning or at night?

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.

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 to use salicylic acid and niacinamide together minimalist?

Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid

Both Niacinamide and Salicylic acid are water-soluble and go perfectly well when layered together. Both these active ingredients have anti-aging as well as anti-acne action. Salicylic acid, being oil-soluble too, can penetrate the skin cells and reach the deeper skin layers.

Which is better for beginners niacinamide or salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid is ideal for acne-prone and oily skin types. It helps regulate oil secretion and remove dead skin cells. Niacinamide is healthy for all skin types because it soothes the skin and does not usually trigger reactions. Helps remove dead skin cells, decrease sebum secretion, and minimise the size of pores.

What order should I do my skincare?

The right morning routine will help your skin feel calm and hydrated all day long.
  1. Step 1: Cleanser. A clean face is your starting point for a healthy, glowing complexion. ...
  2. Step 2: Toner. ...
  3. Step 3: Serum. ...
  4. Step 4: Moisturizer. ...
  5. Step 5: Eye Cream. ...
  6. Step 6: Sunscreen.

How to use salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid together before?

Here's a step-by-step guide for incorporating both ingredients into your routine:
  1. Cleanse Your Skin: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oil.
  2. Apply Salicylic Acid: Use a salicylic acid toner, serum, or treatment. ...
  3. Follow with Hyaluronic Acid: ...
  4. Finish with Moisturizer: ...
  5. Use Sunscreen (Morning Routine):

Do you use niacinamide before or after salicylic acid?

Layering Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid

After you cleanse your skin, apply a salicylic acid product. Then, follow that with niacinamide, and finish by moisturizing and adding sun protection. Niacinamide can be used to counteract some of the drying effect of salicylic acid while reducing skin irritation and blemishes.

What not to pair with salicylic acid?

Salicylic Acid is considered to be one of the most effective peeling agents. Using Salicylic Acid with Retinol or Benzoyl Peroxide can dry out the skin, causing flakiness and redness.

Can I use niacinamide every day?

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.

Can I use hyaluronic acid with niacinamide and salicylic acid?

As for using salicylic acid with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide the best way of applying the all effectively is starting with a exfoliating toner containing salicylic acid, followed with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and prevent skin irritation, then finally niacinamide to regulate the production of sebum of the skin.

In what order should serums be layered?

To ensure each formula can permeate skin layers properly, you should always order each serum (and every product in a routine) from lightest weight to heaviest. Allow some time in between each layer for the ingredients to absorb into skin. Introduce each serum slowly and monitor how your skin responds.

When to use niacinamide, morning or night?

Should You Use Niacinamide In the AM Or PM? Niacinamide is recommended to be applied up to two times per day. Given this advice, it is typically applied once in the AM and again in the PM before bed. Unlike retinol, niacinamide doesn't increase skin sensitivity and higher chance of reactions from the sun.

Do you put hyaluronic acid or niacinamide first?

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.

What can you layer with salicylic acid?

There are several ingredients that can be used alongside salicylic acid.
  • Glycolic acid.
  • Lactic acid.
  • Malic acid.
  • Hyaluronic acid.
  • Niacinamide.
  • Peptides.
  • Ceramides.
  • Retinol.

When to use salicylic acid the ordinary?

Apply once daily in the evening. Apply a small dot to the target area or apply a small amount over the face for general use. Do not use on sensitive, peeling or compromised skin. Avoid the eye contour and contact with eyes.

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