Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid: Can You Use Them Together?

If you love skincare, then you know that there are a ton of ingredients to consider. No matter your skin type, the right formula will be out there for it. Two common ingredients in many formulas are niacinamide and hyaluronic acid

The question on everyone’s minds is whether these two ingredients work well together? So, the answer to this question is a resounding yes. When you use niacinamide with hyaluronic acid in the same skincare routine, both ingredients offer their own benefits for the skin. 

Where HA helps to hydrate and tighten while also preventing wrinkles, on the other hand, niacinamide boosts skin radiance. Undoubtedly, layering these two powerful antioxidants on top of each other will give an even more impressive effect than if they were used alone. 

Let’s look at the distinctions, uses, and benefits of each in greater detail so you can start using this dynamic duo with confidence.

What is Niacinamide? What Does Niacinamide Do?

Niacinamide, also named vitamin B3 and nicotinic acid, is like a skincare superhero in terms of effectiveness. It not only benefits in the reduction of excessive oil production, but it may also aid in the treatment of hyperpigmentation and clogged pores.

Source: depositphotos.com
Source: depositphotos.com

In addition, it has anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce redness and sensitivity. Niacinamide also helps improve barrier function and increases ceramide and free fatty acid levels in the skin, leading to a reduction in dryness.

Although this fantastic ingredient is appropriate for almost every skin type, its advantages are quickly realized. Furthermore, you don’t need to be a cosmetics chemist to utilize it correctly.

Niacinamide benefits:

  • Decreases excess sebum production
  • Reduce the visibility of pores
  • Brightens complexion and lessens hyperpigmentation
  • Treat acne
  • Minimize wrinkles and fine lines
  • Boost collagen production
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Hydrate skin

As niacinamide’s numerous advantages suggest, this multi-purpose component may appeal to a wide range of skin types, from sensitive, mature, and dry skin to oily, acne-prone, and combination skin.

What is Hyaluronic Acid? And, What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do?

Humectants are chemicals that draw moisture to the skin and deliver it in a liquid form. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring humectant in your body, part of your skin’s natural moisturizing factors (NMFs).

Hyaluronic acid has the ability to pull water from the deeper layer of your skin, that is, your dermis, and deposit it on the outer layer of your skin, your epidermis. As a result, your skin will be extremely hydrated.

When your skin is moist, you’ll see less definition in your fine lines, and the overall texture of your skin will improve. Hyaluronic acid has been used in skincare products as a humectant. This substance is best for dry or dehydrated skin types, although it is beneficial to all skin types.

Hyaluronic Acid benefits:

  • Skin hydration
  • Healing properties
  • Can treat eczema
  • Moisturizing
  • Tighter Skin Tone
  • Anti-aging
  • Increases skin elasticity
  • Stimulates skin cell regeneration

Hyaluronic acid controls sebum production by preventing the overproduction of oil, which clogs pores and causes breakouts.

Can You Use Niacinamide With Hyaluronic Acid?

Yes, they can! Both hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are water-based treatments that may be used in conjunction with your skincare regimen, whether you have dry, dehydrated, or excessively oily skin.

This duo, when used together, makes a powerful skincare combination since they work together to enhance each other’s moisturizing properties. Furthermore, hyaluronic acid should be applied first since it can bind a large quantity of water, ensuring that the skin is hydrated all day long. 

Niacinamide comes next because it will aid in the maintenance of sebum production in the skin, which will keep it balanced. Additionally, niacinamide’s moisturizing effects are due to the fact that it increases stratum corneum ceramide, fatty acid, and cholesterol levels, while hyaluronic acid controls the water that enters and leaves your skin cells.

Related: Can you mix niacinamide with retinol?

Why Should You Use Them Together?

When you apply niacinamide serum and hyaluronic acid together, you’re tackling your skin’s hydration in two directions. They also work together to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by promoting collagen synthesis and improving elasticity, respectively.

1. Enhance skin hydration together

Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide combine to make the skin appear smoother. But they also help increase water levels in the skin and improve its hydration. 

2. Regulate sebum production

Niacinamide regulates sebum production, while hyaluronic acid attracts and retains moisture. When used together, they help to keep the skin balanced and free from oiliness or dryness.

3. Boost collagen production

Together, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid also boost collagen production. This can help improve the skin’s appearance, including hyperpigmentation and dark spots

4. Improve skin elasticity

The combination of both these powerful ingredients also helps to enhance skin elasticity. In addition, it can help reduce the appearance of other signs of aging, such as loose skin.

5. Gentle on the skin

Both are gentle on the skin, making them ideal for use together. They won’t cause any irritation or sensitivity and can be used to improve the appearance of sensitive skin.

Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid: How to Layer Them

Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid can be combined in a single product, or they may be layered separately. Typically, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are created at the same pH (between 5.0 and 7.0).  

If you choose to layer, start with hyaluronic acid to moisturize the skin cells, then add niacinamide to protect the surface and prevent moisture loss. Finally, seal these active ingredients with your favorite moisturizer

They can be used at various times of the day. For instance, try using hyaluronic acid in your morning routine to keep skin hydrated all day long and niacinamide at night time as part of an overall skincare routine for a healthier-looking complexion.

The good news is that there is no need to follow a specific sequence when applying them. Simply apply them based on the kind of product you’re using (i.e., lotion or serum ). As a rule of thumb, start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thicker ones.

While hyaluronic acid immediately moisturizes your skin, niacinamide takes up to 4 weeks to restore the lipids within your stratum corneum. Thus a ceramide-based lotion is recommended while combining niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.

Common Misconceptions About This Combination

A few misconceptions are floating around about using niacinamide with hyaluronic acid. One is that they cannot be used together because they cancel each other out. This is not true! Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid actually work well together to improve the overall condition of your skin.

Another myth is that they only benefit older skin. This, too, isn’t correct! Anybody can use niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to improve the overall skin appearance.

With Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, the likelihood of your skin being irritated is minor. If you experience any irritation on the skin, cease using one of the active components and see which one caused it. You may also utilize them separately.

List of Products That Contain Both Ingredients, Including Face Masks, Serums, and Moisturizers

If you are looking for a product that contains both niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, you are in luck. There are many products on the market that contain these two ingredients. Here is a list of some of our favorites:

Best Hyaluronic Acid Products:

1. No products found.

  • Multi-functional serum
  • Leaves skin firmer and smoother
  • Increase the skin’s hyaluronic acid by 30%

No products found.

2. No products found.

  • Ideal for dry, dehydrated skin
  • Lessen the look of fine lines and texture
  • Oil-free and fragrance-free

No products found.

3. No products found.

  • It contains Vitamin B5, which keeps the skin soft and smooth
  • Replenish skin hydration
  • Lightweight serum

No products found.

Best Niacinamide Products:

1. No products found.

  • Brightens and even out the skin tone
  • Shrink the appearance of pores, signs of aging
  • It combines vitamin C, niacinamide, and licorice extract

No products found.

2. No products found.

  • Budget-friendly 
  • It even out the skin tone, texture and refine pores
  • Control sebum production

No products found.

3. No products found.

  • Clears skin and radiant complexion
  • Helps with clogged pores and fine lines
  • Clean formulation and ideal for even sensitive skin

No products found.

Who Can Benefit More From Using Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid In Combination?

The combination of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid will be particularly beneficial for acne-prone skin because this type often contains too much oil and lacks adequate water/hydration.

In addition, using both ingredients together is also a good option if you have mature skin that needs help in reducing fine lines and wrinkles due to its moisturizing ability.

Final Verdict

The truth is, if you use both of these ingredients together, they will not break down or irritate your skin. They can actually enhance each other’s benefits and provide a better appearance for the skin. So there isn’t such a thing as “too much” when it comes to using these two excellent substances.

Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid have been shown to provide numerous benefits for the skin, but using them together can supercharge your hydration level. This will not only leave you feeling refreshed but also help prevent acne-related problems like blackheads or whiteheads

However, if we are going to select the finest for all skin types, it would be:

  • Paula’s Choice BOOST 10% Niacinamide Booster
  • The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

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