Can you use Retinol with Niacinamide?
Yes. Niacinamide is one of the best partners for retinol.
Why
Niacinamide supports the skin barrier and is very well tolerated, which helps offset the dryness and redness retinol can cause. Both target fine lines and uneven tone through different pathways, so they complement each other. Many retinol serums already include niacinamide.
How to use them together
- PM: cleanse, apply retinol, then a niacinamide serum or a moisturizer that contains niacinamide.
- Or use niacinamide in the morning and retinol at night.
- Sunscreen every morning.
Who should be careful
Retinoids are not recommended during pregnancy without medical advice. People with very sensitive skin, rosacea or eczema should patch test new products first.
About the ingredients
Retinol: An over-the-counter vitamin A derivative (retinoid) used for fine lines, texture and uneven tone. It converts to retinoic acid in the skin, so it is milder and slower than prescription tretinoin.
Niacinamide: Vitamin B3. Well tolerated, supports the skin barrier and helps with redness, oil and uneven tone.
FAQ
Can I use Retinol and Niacinamide together?
Yes. Niacinamide is one of the best partners for retinol.
Should I use Retinol or Niacinamide in the morning or at night?
PM: cleanse, apply retinol, then a niacinamide serum or a moisturizer that contains niacinamide. Or use niacinamide in the morning and retinol at night.
Who should be careful combining Retinol and Niacinamide?
Retinoids are not recommended during pregnancy without medical advice. People with very sensitive skin, rosacea or eczema should patch test new products first.
Do I need sunscreen with Retinol and Niacinamide?
Yes. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is recommended with any active skincare routine.
Sources
Studies and reviews on these ingredients and, where available, on this specific combination.
- Kafi R, et al. Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol). Arch Dermatol. 2007;143(5):606-612.
- Bissett DL, et al. Niacinamide: a B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance. Dermatol Surg. 2005;31(7 Pt 2):860-865.
Related combinations
- Can you use Retinol with Vitamin C?
- Can you use Vitamin C with Niacinamide?
- Can you use Retinol with Tretinoin?
- Can you use Retinol with Salicylic Acid?
- Can you use Retinol with Hyaluronic Acid?
- Can you use Tretinoin with Niacinamide?
- Can you use Niacinamide with Salicylic Acid?
- Can you use Niacinamide with Hyaluronic Acid?