Can You Use Niacinamide And Vitamin C Together? Everything You Need To Know
Niacinamide is a powerhouse ingredient that does so much for the skin. Here’s a beginner-friendly guide telling you everything you need to know about niacinamide and vitamin c, retinol and other skincare ingredients.
Table of Contents
What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. It is a popular skincare ingredient because it plays well with other skincare products. Niacinamide is a water-soluble and antioxidant vitamin, which means it helps the skin retain moisture and protects the skin’s barrier.
What are the benefits of niacinamide?
- Minimizes enlarged pores and softens the appearance of fine lines
- Reduces inflammation and redness from conditions such as acne and eczema
- Helps the skin retain moisture
- Increases the production of ceramides in the skin to protect the skin barrier
- Builds keratin in the skin, which is a protein that helps the skin stay firm and healthy
- Treats hyperpigmentation in concentration of 5% or higher
How to use niacinamide in a skincare routine
Using niacinamide in a skincare routine isn’t hard because it plays well with most skincare products. The most popular form of niacinamide is a serum, so you usually apply it after cleansing and toning and before moisturizing / SPF, depending on the time of day.
My recommendation is to use a niacinamide serum in a night-time routine because it’s a hydrating product and works the best as a leave-on treatment.
There’s nothing wrong with using niacinamide in the morning routine, but if you use vitamin C in the mornings, then you need to be a little careful. More on that below.
Niacinamide is compatible with vitamin C, retinol, antioxidants, peptides, hyaluronic acid etc, but you just need to know the best way to use it in conjunction with other skincare actives.
Niacinamide and vitamin C
There’s a lot of conflicting information about using niacinamide and vitamin C together due to outdated research and studies. Modern product formulations ensure that it is safe to apply both products to the skin.
So, the simple answer is yes, you can use niacinamide and vitamin C together.
But here’s my caveat: less is more. If you’re new to niacinamide and/or have sensitive skin, then follow the rule of alternating the time of day for both products. Use vitamin C in the AM and niacinamide in the PM.
Related:
Why You Need A Vitamin C Serum In Your Morning Skincare Routine — And Beginner Tips To Get Started
Niacinamide and retinol
Say hello to the anti-aging dream team: niacinamide pairs beautifully with retinol.
You can use both in the same skincare routine and be worry-free. Retinol is a potent ingredient and if you’re new to it, then you know it has the potential to irritate or dry out the skin until you are used to it. So, using a niacinamide serum right before applying retinol adds an extra layer of hydration and protection, keeping the skin moisturized and protected while the retinol gets to work. Make sure to use a moisturizer after retinol!
Related:
A Beginners Guide: What Is Retinol and How To It In A Skincare Routine
Niacinamide and AHAs / BHAs
The short answer is do not use niacinamide and AHAs/BHAs in the same skincare routine because niacinamide essentially neutralizes the pH of the exfoliators and reduces its efficacy. Also, to avoid sensitivities and reactions to using too many products at once.
Here’s the key: alternate the time of day — use niacinamide in the AM (don’t use vitamin C on these days) and use AHAs/BHAs in the PM.
Related:
How To Use Salicylic Acid And Retinol In Your Skincare Routine
What concentration to start off with?
If you have normal skin and no sensitivities, then it’s safe to start off with a niacinamide serum with a 10% concentration.
It’s safe to use niacinamide twice a day, just be mindful of how you are pairing it with other skincare products 🙂
Good products for first-time users
- The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (30 ml): USD $13
- Olay Regenerist Micro-sculpting Serum (approx. 4%) (50ml): USD $16
- Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops (40 ml): USD $34
- Honest Beauty Calm & Porefect Serum (30ml – clean beauty option): USD $30
