Can you use niacinamide with moisturizer?

Yes

Niacinamide can go on as a serum before moisturizer with no waiting time, or come already built into the cream, and either way it suits morning and night.1 2 3 4 5 6

Evidence strength: Moderate

How we grade evidence

The chemistry

Lab work on cultured human skin cells showed that nicotinamide, the vitamin B3 behind niacinamide serums, switches up the cells' own production of ceramides and other barrier lipids (Tanno 2000). In a 12-week controlled study, 5% niacinamide improved fine lines, blotchiness, redness and texture in aging facial skin (Bissett 2005), and 2% lowered sebum output in a separate trial (Draelos 2006). Because it is water-soluble and non-acidic, it fits the serum step in the AAD order of wash, treatment, then moisturizer (AAD order). Many moisturizers now include it. In a randomized split-face acne trial, a cream combining ceramides and niacinamide outperformed a basic hydrophilic cream during retinoid treatment (Tempark 2024).

Order

Serum, then cream; or one cream with both.

Wait

None needed.

Check labels

Your cream may already contain niacinamide.

Common mistakes

People often double up without noticing: a 10% serum under a cream that also lists niacinamide, plus a toner with it. Higher totals are more likely to cause flushing or tingling on sensitive skin. Another mistake is expecting overnight change; the Bissett data were measured after weeks of use. A third is skipping moisturizer on oily skin; Draelos found oil control at 2%, but a light lotion still helps. Niacinamide is also one of the easiest actives to share a routine with, which is why it shows up in so many creams. It is not an acid, it does not need a special pH, and it does not ask for a waiting period. If you use a retinoid or an acid at night, niacinamide can sit in the moisturizer step alongside it without crowding the routine. No wait: serum then cream, or one cream that already lists niacinamide (Bissett 2005; Tempark 2024). Doubling a 10% serum under a niacinamide cream is a common flush trigger; check labels before stacking. Plays well next to retinoids and acids when the cream stays plain aside from the niacinamide. Map: /layering-order/.

Your routine

Morning

Cleanser
Niacinamide serum
Moisturizer
Broad-spectrum SPF 30+

Evening

Cleanser
Niacinamide serum, or skip if your cream has it
Moisturizer

Go slower if

If high-strength serums make you flush or itch, try a lower percentage or rely on a moisturizer that contains it (AAD test).

Evidence strength

Moderate. Niacinamide has controlled trials (Bissett 2005, Draelos 2006) and a trial of a niacinamide-containing moisturizer (Tempark 2024). Serum-first versus cream-first has not been compared.

Products with niacinamide

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Picked for niacinamide

10% niacinamide with 1% zinc PCA in a short formula.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

FAQ

Do I put niacinamide before or after moisturizer?

Before, as a thin serum on clean skin.

How long should I wait between niacinamide and moisturizer?

There is no need to wait.

Is a niacinamide moisturizer enough?

Often, yes. The Tempark trial used a single cream containing ceramides and niacinamide.

Does niacinamide help dry skin?

It raises ceramide production (Tanno 2000), which supports a drier barrier.

Can I use niacinamide every day with moisturizer?

Yes for most people, morning and night.

Should I stop niacinamide if I start retinol?

No. Many people keep niacinamide in the cream step while retinol runs at night.

Serum or moisturizer with niacinamide first?

If you use both, thin serum first, then cream. If the cream already has it, the serum is optional.

Where is the full routine map?

/layering-order/.

Your skin