Can retinol and niacinamide be used together?

Retinol and Niacinamide are basically Batman and Robin's skincare answer. Not only is this superstar duo a great match, it'll give you that previously coveted complexion effect. There are plenty of studies showing the success of these two ingredients in treating the skin. So let's take a closer look at how you can use them together in your skincare routine. 

What is Niacinamide? Niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin B3 found in the body and is essential for maintaining healthy skin. It has a powerful water-locking ability to keep the skin hydrated while repairing damage to the protective barrier. 

Thanks to the antioxidant properties of Niacinamide, it also fights against environmental factors such as pollution, UV damage, toxins and skin stressors. What is retinol? 

Retinol, part of the vitamin A family, is known for its ability to unclog pores of debris, bacteria, and sebum buildup, making it an effective ingredient for fighting blemishes like blackheads and acne. With its exfoliating properties, this skin-renewing ingredient fights the signs of aging from fine lines and wrinkles. 

Since retinol is one of the most popular skin ingredients on the market, you have a variety of retinol-rich products to choose from. Since retinol can cause some skin reactions, such as dryness and irritation, it is recommended that you consult a dermatologist if you are not sure which retinol concentrate is best for you and your skin. You can learn more about the most effective forms of retinol on the Beauty Insiders blog. 

Can I mix retinol with niacinamide? 

These two popular skincare ingredients can help improve skin in a variety of ways, from reducing the appearance of blemishes and acne to evening out skin tone and fighting the signs of aging. Here are some of the benefits you can reap when using these products: 

Skin care benefits of niacinamide. increase cellular energy. Helps keep skin hydrated. Reduces signs of skin aging. Helps treat acne and other skin imperfections. Improves the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Repairs skin from sun damage. Skincare Benefits of Retinol. The skin is chemically peeled to make it look more radiant. Reduces signs of skin aging. Eliminates active spots and acne. Evens skin tone and reduces hyperpigmentation 

As you can see, using both niacinamide and retinol in one product or as part of your skincare routine can lead to many improvements. You'll also find that using these ingredients together can have a positive impact on the effects of both on the skin, for example, topically using a formula with Niacinamide reduces irritation caused by retinol. 

Niacinamide protects the skin barrier, absorbs moisture and counteracts the initial drying effects of retinol on the skin as part of a daily routine. You will find that you will experience the benefits of fewer side effects. However, care must be taken when adding retinol to your skincare routine before applying any product to your face. 

How do I use Retinol and Niacinamide together? 

You'll find several options when using niacinamide and retinol. The easiest and most convenient way is to use a product that contains two powerful skin actives. If you decide to use it in a separate product, it's best to use niacinamide first, as it helps protect the skin from irritation caused by retinol. 

Here's a quick overview of how to use retinol and niacinamide in your daily skincare routine. After thoroughly cleansing the skin and removing make-up, bacteria and debris, start by cleansing and drying the face. If you plan on exfoliating your skin, now is the time to do so. However, if you have dry or sensitive skin, it's best to skip this step. 

Depending on your skin preference, you can use Niacinamide and Retinol alone or combine them in one product. If using separate products, it's best to start with niacinamide. So make sure the product has the thinnest/lightest formula possible. Use your retinol product of choice after niacinamide 

Don't forget to apply sunscreen with SPF 30+. This skin routine breakdown shows the most effective and easiest way to use retinol and niacinamide together. Many people find this works well for their skin. If you notice that your skin becomes flaky, red, and uncomfortable, you may need to use it less frequently and consider the strength of your retinol. There is a dedicated blog post that explains in more detail the strength of retinol to use. 

What are the benefits of using retinol and niacinamide together? 

The benefits of each ingredient have been described previously. Incorporating them into your daily care will give you effective yet gentle skin results. Visibly improves the overall health and appearance of the complexion. 


Niacinamide gently treats the skin to help reduce the signs of premature aging, discoloration and breakouts (from blackheads to pimples). Retinol has similar benefits, but as you know, comes with some caveats. Combining these two ingredients is a much safer way to use retinol, especially if you haven't already incorporated it into your skincare routine. 

Can Niacinamide be used with Retinol and Vitamin C? 

You can now better understand how retinol and niacinamide can benefit your skin. Surely it wouldn’t hurt to add other ingredients like vitamin C to the mix, right? Incorrect! Making your own active-ingredient cocktail may feel like too much to avoid, no matter how confident you are about using those skin ingredients. 

One of the most important factors to remember is that not all skin care ingredients work well together. Unfortunately, niacinamide and vitamin C don't work as they can cause redness when used together. To avoid this and reap the benefits of using all three active ingredients, you can use vitamin C in the morning and a combination of retinol and niacinamide in the evening. 

This suggests that some skin ingredients need to be cautious, such as B. retinol, which can actually find skincare teammates. By combining Niacinamide and Retinol, you can improve complexion and address a range of skin concerns, from fine lines to hyperpigmentation, in one high-potency formula.