They say that two is better than one, and that's definitely the case when using niacinamide and retinol. Alone, the active ingredients are powerful and dramatically improve the skin, but together, the effects are even better. While some ingredients shouldn't be combined due to the increased risk of irritation, niacinamide and retinol pair up nicely together. Licensed esthetician, Lindsay Holdorf says, ""Combining niacinamide with retinol is one of the best strategies for achieving youthful, clear skin; together, they enhance cell turnover while calming irritation, making them perfect for all skin types." Here's everything you need to know about using niacinamide with retinol, when to use it, and the best products that pair the two ingredients together to make your skincare routine much easier.
Meet the Expert
- Lindsay Holdorf, Licensed Esthetician
In This Article
- What is Niacinamide?
- What is Retinol?
- Benefits of Pairing Niacinamide and Retinol
- How to Use Them
- FAQ
- The Bottom Line
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a type of vitamin B3 widely used to help treat acne, hyperpigmentation, and eczema and calm the skin. It is also a popular ingredient for tightening loose pores and reducing the look of enlarged ones, strengthening the skin, diminishing dullness, protecting against moisture loss, and softening fine lines and wrinkles. Niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning it is not stored in the body, so it must be replenished through an external source, like supplements or skincare products, to reap the benefits. However, it can also reduce the effects of environmental damage by acting as a barrier of sorts and helping to undo the signs of past damage.
Featured Product: Paula's Choice CLINICAL Niacinamide 20% Treatment
This highly concentrated niacinamide-rich serum works wonders for improving the skin’s tone and texture.
Related Article: 7 Niacinamide Benefits for Your Skin, According to Derms
What is Retinol?
Retinol is a vitamin A-derived skincare ingredient and a milder version of prescription-strength retinoids that is extremely popular for various reasons. It can help control acne, improve common signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores, and brighten discoloration by speeding up skin cell turnover. It also stimulates collagen production. As a result, the skin appears more even in tone and texture, firmer, and more elastic.
Featured Product: MDSolarSciences MD Revitalize Retinol Serum
We like this super lightweight serum for its ability to brighten, soften, and smooth the skin for more youthful-looking skin.
RelatedArticle: How to Apply Retinol: A Step-by-Step Guide for Maximum Results
Key Benefits of Pairing Niacinamide with Retinol
Niacinamide and retinol are powerful but pairing them together makes for even better results. While some active ingredients should not be combined, using niacinamide with retinol is a perfectly safe skincare combination. The benefits of using niacinamide and retinol together include the following:
- Increased anti-aging abilities
- Less irritation and dryness from retinol when used with niacinamide
- A better-stabilized skin barrier
- Increased hydration levels
- Improved skin tone overall
- Fewer breakouts that heal faster
Our esthetician, Lindsay Holdorf shares the benefits she sees with these powerhouse ingredients, "As an esthetician, I often see how combining niacinamide and retinol can transform skin by enhancing its texture, reducing fine lines, and minimizing breakouts—making it a powerhouse duo for anyone looking to achieve a radiant complexion."
How to Use Niacinamide and Retinol Together
Of course, the easiest way to use niacinamide and retinol is to find a skincare product that already contains both ingredients, so there's no product mixing on your part. But if you must do it the old-fashioned way, start using a product with niacinamide first, then put on your retinol (at night only). This will allow the niacinamide to protect against any potential irritation or dryness that the retinol can cause. Plus, applying the products in this order will not cause either one to negate the other's effects or raise its pH levels.
How Often Should You Use Niacinamide and Retinol?
It's important to listen to your skin and know what it can and can't handle when it comes to using niacinamide and retinol together. Some skin types may be able to use the combination daily, while others may only use retinol a few times per week. Ultimately, it comes down to your skin type, what it can handle, and the formulation of both products.
Shop Additional Niacinamide and Retinol Products
1. Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol and Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream
This power-packed cream is already infused with retinol and niacinamide to remove the guesswork. It also features a blend of soothing botanicals to help keep the skin hydrated and replenished while smoothing out lines and wrinkles and giving a firming effect.
Key Ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, bakuchiol, rambutan, ferulic acid
Skin Type: All skin types
Beauty Insider Tip: Even though most retinols are reserved for nighttime use, this one can be used during the day with sunscreen because it contains antioxidants and botanicals to prevent irritation from UV exposure.
2. Eminence Organic Skin Care Bakuchiol +Niacinamide Moisturizer
For skin that needs a little extra moisture, consider this gel-cream moisturizer your go-to. It's formulated with bakuchiol, a unique retinol alternative, but it still works hard to undo the signs of aging and uneven texture without any irritation.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, bakuchiol, panthenol
Skin Type: All skin types
Beauty Insider Tip: For a lighter application, emulsify a bit of the cream in your hands with a few drops of water. For extra hydration, apply a thicker layer onto the skin.
3. Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty Retinal Night Advanced 0.1% Retinal Firming Treatment
Formulated with retinaldehyde, which outperforms standard retinol, this clinically proven treatment helps to soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles while firming the skin. The unique delivery system ensures that the skin remains uncompromised and hydrated while supporting the skin barrier.
Key Ingredients: Retinaldehyde, peptides, lipids
Skin Type: Mature and breakout-prone
Beauty Insider Tip: Just like with retinol, a pea-size amount is more than enough product to cover the entire face.
4. NEOSTRATA Comprehensive Retinol 0.3% Night Serum
If improving your skin's tone and texture is high on your skincare wish list, then this serum is a must-have. Packed with retinol, this anti-aging nighttime serum helps to improve the skin's texture while eliminating dark spots and pigmentation for firmer, natural-glowing skin.
Key Ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid and NeoGlucosamine
Skin Type: All skin types
Beauty Insider Tip: For optimal skin hydration and renewal, pair this serum with Neostrata’s Hydra Filling Cream.
5. SENTÉ Even Tone Retinol Cream
A potent dose of pure retinol, niacinamide, and heparan sulfate analog improves the skin's tone and texture, reducing dark spots and making it firm and plump.
Key Ingredients: Retinol, herparan sulfate analog, ceramides
Skin Type: All skin types
Beauty Insider Tip: Lock in the cream with moisturizer, which also soothes the skin.
6. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum for Post-Acne Marks and Skin Texture
Developed by dermatologists, this serum helps to smooth away uneven skin texture and the appearance of acne marks, while minimizing the look of enlarged pores so that the skin looks better all around.
Key Ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, ceramides
Skin Type: Post-Acne
Beauty Insider Tip: Always apply sunscreen after using this serum to protect the skin from UV rays
7. La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum
We like this staple anti-aging serum for treating crepey skin on the face and neck. It makes the skin look and feel softer, smoother, more hydrated and rejuvenated with fewer lines, wrinkles, and sun damage. Since the formula combines retinol with vitamin B3, it's also the perfect product for sensitive skin.
Key Ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, thermal spring water
Skin Type: All skin types
Beauty Insider Tip: some retinol serums can turn yellow due to exposure to the air, but they are still effective.
8. Sunday Riley 5 Stars Retinoid and Niacinamide Eye Serum
The delicate skin under the eyes requires special TLC which is where this eye serum comes into play. Designed to restore and rejuvenate the skin while you sleep, it helps to target fine lines and wrinkles, stimulate natural collagen production, and smooth the skin for brighter, fresher, more youthful looking eyes come morning.
Key Ingredients: Retinoid complex, olive oil, shea butter, niacinamide, ceramides
Skin Type: All skin types
Beauty Insider Tip: Apply a small amount of the serum at night to the crow's feet, under the eyes, and between the brow bones and eyebrows.
9. Volition Beauty Sémillon Overnight Retinol Serum with Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid
Serums that pair niacinamide with retinol make for a one-two punch but add hyaluronic acid into the mix, and you have the makings of the perfect product to defend against premature aging, just like this one. Its trio of ingredients provides a triple threat to ward off lines, wrinkles, and discoloration with reduced irritation and firmer-looking skin.
Key Ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, glycerin
Skin Type: All skin types
Beauty Insider Tip: This serum also helps to balance out oil, making it great for oily skin
FAQ
Is Using Niacinamide With Retinol Safe for All Skin Types?
Yes, retinol and niacinamide are safe for all skin types. Those with sensitive or acne-prone skin may see more benefits than others, but that doesn't mean all other skin types should ignore this powerful duo.
The Bottom Line
Pairing retinol with niacinamide may be the missing piece in your skincare routine. Together, the power-packed actives pack a powerful punch to improve the skin's tone, texture, and health, making it healthy and youthful.
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