Can You Use Niacinamide with Retinol?

Niacinamide and retinol uses in skincare

Before we try pairing niacinamide with retinol, let’s take a closer look at what these individual ingredients can do on their own.

Niacinamide: also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide has likely made an appearance in your skincare routine before, since it is commonly formulated in a range of moisturisers, serums and cleansers. Niacinamide has brightening properties, it strengthens the skin moisture barrier, and improves the appearance of skin concerns like enlarged pores, fine lines and uneven skin tone. It can also be used to target visible redness. With this epic list of benefits, it’s easy to see why niacinamide is so compatible with a range of skin types.

Retinol: this vitamin A derivative has quite the reputation in the skincare world for its skin-boosting properties. Using retinol can help stimulate collagen synthesis and encourage skin cell turnover, pushing smoother, brighter, clearer skin to the surface. Retinol is a fixture in many anti-ageing skincare routines, but it’s also something of a hero ingredient for oily and congested skin to manage blocked pores and curb excess oil. You’ll find retinol formulated in a serum concentrate, a moisturiser or eye cream.

Can you use niacinamide and retinol together?

To answer this question we spoke to Michelle Henry, MD FAA, NYC based board certified dermatologist and L’Oreal Paris consultant. “Niacinamide is one of those ingredients like ceramides” Dr Henry explains. “It plays really well with other ingredients.”

Niacinamide can be used with retinol in either serum form or a moisturiser. First-time users can be prone to retinol sensitivity, especially if you already have dry or sensitive skin. You may experience dryness, redness and tightness. Niacinamide helps comfort the skin moisture barrier and mitigate visible redness, so this often makes niacinamide and retinol quite a harmonious pairing.

How can I use niacinamide with retinol?

Now that we have confirmed that niacinamide and retinol play well together, let’s get into the nitty gritty of how, when and how often to apply both ingredients. These factors will affect the efficacy of retinol and niacinamide and how they interact with the skin. Dr Henry stresses the importance of monitoring your skin for signs of sensitivity when using niacinamide and retinol. Continue reading as we unpack how to use this powerful duo to your advantage.

The correct order to layer retinol and niacinamide

It’s important to take care when layering skincare serums and consider their consistency and potency before applying to the skin. So, should you apply niacinamide or retinol first?

First to note is when to use these ingredients. Retinol should be used in the evening as it can increase skin sensitivity to the sun and cause potential irritation. It is best to let it work its magic overnight, then apply a broad-spectrum SPF the following morning to protect the skin against UV rays.

We recommend starting your routine with a retinol serum such as the Revitalift Laser Pure Retinol Night Serum. Always apply to dry, freshly cleansed skin and wait a few minutes before layering any products over your retinol to allow it to fully absorb into the skin. If you are using hyaluronic acid, you can apply this next – this also gives the niacinamide something damp to cling to. Next apply 3-4 drops of Bright Reveal Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum, then seal in hydration with your moisturiser of choice. For your morning routine, finish your skincare routine with SPF. As mentioned, using retinol will increase skin sensitivity to the sun, so this step is a must.

How often to use niacinamide and retinol

To capitalise on the benefits of niacinamide and retinol and avoid potential sensitisation, Dr Henry recommends introducing both ingredients into your routine slowly – particularly retinol which can cause initial discomfort to sensitive skin. We suggest starting with retinol 1-2 times per week and keeping a close eye on how your skin responds before gradually increasing use. Since retinol can make you more photosensitive, it should only be applied at night. On the other hand, Dr Henry advises that niacinamide serum (or its moisturiser equivalent) can be used up to 2 times per day.

How to use retinol and niacinamide together if you have sensitive skin

We know that dry or sensitive skin can’t always tolerate retinol, especially in a higher concentration. If you have dry skin, sensitive skin or it’s your first time using retinol, we recommend using the Laser X3 Retinol + Niacinamide Pressed Night Cream. It’s a lightweight cream that combines retinol, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. This combination allows more sensitive skin types to harness the anti-ageing power of retinol alongside nourishing ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.

At night, cleanse your face as normal, then apply a pea-sized pump of this night cream on the face, avoiding the eye contour. As with any retinol, L’Oréal Paris experts suggest gradually introducing this cream into your routine, beginning with 2 nights in your first week, every other night in your second week, then nightly during your third week and thereafter.

We hope you enjoyed our guide on using retinol and niacinamide together. Up next, we explore the compatibility of niacinamide and vitamin c.