Last Updated on November 12, 2023 by Ryan

Niacinamide and retinol: a powerful combo

A top-notch skincare routine is the key to glowing, youthful skin. But with so many skin care products on the market, it can be challenging to know which ones are the “right ones” to achieve clean skin.

Everything becomes further confusing when buzzwords like niacinamide and retinol are thrown around. What are these two ingredients, and are they the gateway to the most beautiful skin you’ve ever seen and felt?

If you’re on the hunt for a new skincare routine, keep reading. Below, you will find everything you need to know about niacinamide and retinol. More importantly, you’ll discover the top six products that utilize the effects of retinol and these ingredients in the best way possible.

Table Of Contents
  1. What is Niacinamide?
  2. What is Retinol?
  3. Top Six Products to Try
  4. Niacinamide and Retinol: Which One First?
  5. What About Using Niacinamide, Retinol, and Hyaluronic Acid?
  6. Final Words

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is one of the go-to ingredients for radiant skin that crushes undesired signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, giving you the perfect skin texture. A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide is a powerful antioxidant that increases ceramide production to reduce the dead skin cells on your skin barrier. Together, niacinamide works to combat aging signs while diminishing wrinkles and dark spots.

But youthful skin isn’t the only plus to using niacinamide. It is also known for its soothing effects on the skin. This is perfect for those who use potent exfoliators regularly – like retinol.

What is Retinol?

Retinol is an A vitamin that’s anything but gentle. This vigorous exfoliator is a must-have for those who have sensitive skin looking to bring their bright and beautiful skin back to life. Retinol can quickly fix issues like dullness, uneven skin tones, and wrinkles, all while improving overall brightness.

The downside to a retinol treatment is that it’s pretty abrasive, and using it too regularly can harm the skin. That’s why it’s recommended to use another product alongside retinol so that you can enjoy the benefits without any of the adverse side effects and maintain your skin hydrated.

And which product is best to pair with retinol? Niacinamide, of course! The soothing properties of niacinamide make a niacinamide and retinol skincare combination a powerhouse for diminishing the signs of aging while promoting healthy, youthful, and overall stunning skin.

Top Six Products to Try

Needless to say, a skincare routine that involves niacinamide and retinol is a must. And if you’re somebody struggling with enlarged pores in general, try out some of these products below! Which one will find its way into your makeup bag?

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Retinol Serum

Oversized, blotchy, and unsightly pores? Say “no more!” with this advanced retinol + ferulic texture renewal serum from Dr. Dennis Gross. This gentle, daily texture-renewing serum is designed to shrink pores, combat future blackhead outbreaks, and eliminate undesirable skin concerns like fine lines and wrinkles.

It is an impressively simple silicone-free serum to use and feels lovely on the skin. It works for all skin types, whether you struggle with excessive dryness or sebum production – or find yourself somewhere in between.

Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Serum

People with oily skin types will appreciate that the Caudalie pore-minimizing serum was designed just for them. This majestic pore-minimizing serum is acne-prone skin serum cleanly formulated and crafted to handle even the toughest acne breakouts. The powerful formula combines salicylic acid and niacinamide, two well-known ingredients for alleviating acne and skin irritation.

Not only will you see improvements in the acne department, but this pore-minimizing serum works great to cut down on oils, leaving you with more easily-manageable skin. No more unsightly shiny skin from sun up to sun down!

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Firming Collagen Cream with Peptides and Niacinamide

Signs of aging are no match for this incredible moisturizer from First Aid Beauty. With a blend of niacinamide, peptides, and collagen, even the worst cases of elasticity loss can bounce back in no time at all.

This lush moisturizer works best on normal and dry skin types, as it is known to heavily hydrate the skin to create a more youthful and vibrant appearance by inducing collagen production on your skin.

Farmacy 10% Niacinamide Night Mask

There is something oh-so-soothing and delightful about thick creamy beauty products; maybe that’s why this clean product by Farmacy created this amazing overnight recovery skin brightening cream!

This “overnight recovery” cream means serious business. It works on all skin types so that you can feel confident in your purchase. Regardless of your skin struggles, you can rest assured any fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, and/or dullness will be knocked out of the park by the benefits of niacinamide, and best of all, the product is cruelty-free!

For truly Red Carpet ready skin, consider adding this overnight gel formula to your beauty routine.

The Ordinary Niacinamide Oil Control Serum

Excessive oil leads to one major problem: very shiny skin. You will likely find yourself applying makeup powder throughout the dry, trying to calm down the shininess – only to find out that all of the makeup buildups have led to an influx of acne breakouts. What now?

If you’re tired of struggling with oily, acne-prone, and red skin, consider The Ordinary oil control serum. This serum not only puts an end to the shiny skim dilemma but will also unleash beautiful, red-free skin free of blemishes and hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage.

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ Sunscreen

Are you looking for the perfect product you can wear all day? Then choose the beloved Shisedo Sun Protector. The formula is ultra-lightweight, SPF 50+ to protect the skin day in and day out. With this formula, you not only protect your skin from harmful UV rays; but also get protection against pollutants, and dryness.

Niacinamide and Retinol: Which One First?

Steps to apply products

If you’re not using a combo niacinamide and retinol product, you might be curious about which one you should use first as separate products.

Well, it’s best to start with niacinamide before using your retinol at-night skincare product. The niacinamide product will work as a protective barrier. It will still allow the retinol to “do its job,” but it will lessen the abrasive effects that can be damaging to the skin.

What About Using Niacinamide, Retinol, and Hyaluronic Acid?

Niacinamide, retinol, and hyaluronic acid pair together?

Hyaluronic acid is another popular skincare ingredient used in products. It’s the go-to for skin benefits like fending fine lines and wrinkles while replenishing the skin with plenty of moisture. That leaves many to wonder if you can use niacinamide and retinol with hyaluronic acid.

The answer is yes, you can use all three – and your skin will thank you for it. Here is a recommendation for a serum that provides niacinamide and hyaluronic acid together by the popular clean brand Merit. While niacinamide and retinol work wonders on their own, the added splash of hyaluronic acid will create “next-level” skincare that produces the most beautiful skin of your life.

Final Words

Niacinamide and retinol (okay, and hyaluronic acid, too) are wonderful ingredients that should be found in your skincare routine. Together, they’re a powerhouse of anti-aging and skin-brightening benefits that will leave your skin looking flawless. Try and work both of these ingredients into your routine. Niacinamide will combat the potentially skin-harming effect of retinol, so you end up with all the things you want – and nothing you don’t.

Do you use niacinamide and retinol products? Which one of the products mentioned above can you not wait to try?

Can you use niacinamide with retinol?

Yes, they work great together! remember, you can combine niacinamide with all serums and creams. Retinol only with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, BHAs, or AHAs.

Should I use niacinamide before or after retinol?

First niacinamide, then after at least 5 minutes apply retinol increases your skin’s tolerance.

Can I use niacinamide with retinol everyday?

Yes, you can use them every day, but try to start slowly if you have sensitive skin before you use retinol everyday.

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Meet Kourtney, a fashion and beauty enthusiast who tells stories through style. To her, clothing is a language, and every accessory adds punctuation to her narrative. Kourtney explores vintage fashion markets on weekends, blending classic with contemporary to create a signature style that reflects her vibrant personality. Beyond aesthetics, she's a passionate advocate for body positivity and inclusivity in fashion, celebrating diversity to ensure everyone feels seen and embraced.