Can You Use Niacinamide with Retinol?

Last Updated: 13/10/2025

The world of skincare has come a long way. The thought that many of us once used baby wipes as a cleanser now feels like a bad joke. Today, looking after our skin has become a priority, and we’re learning more and more about what it really needs. From reducing pore appearance to evening out skin tone, there’s an ingredient for almost everything. But with so much choice, it can get confusing. Some ingredients just don’t play well together, and it’s not always clear what you can safely combine.

That brings us to two of the most talked-about ingredients of the moment: retinol and niacinamide. Both are hero ingredients in skincare, but the question is: can you use niacinamide with retinol? Let’s find out.

Niacinamide and Retinol Explained

Before we explore whether these two ingredients can be paired, it helps to understand what makes each one special in its own right. Both have strong reputations in the skincare world, but they work in different ways to deliver results.

What are the Benefits of Niacinamide for Skin?

First, let’s look at niacinamide and why it’s so popular. Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide has become a standout in the crowded skincare world for good reason.

It helps to:

Minimise the look of blemishes and breakouts
Improve uneven skin tone
Support the skin’s moisture barrier
Brighten dull, tired-looking skin

Because of these benefits, niacinamide often features in brightening and barrier-supporting formulas that help smooth texture and enhance radiance. Products like High Potency Intensive Niacinamide-rich Smoothing Serum and Hypoallergenic Clean Correction Smoothing Restorative Serum deliver these results with potent concentrations of niacinamide to promote more even, resilient-looking skin.

What are the Benefits of Retinol for Skin?

Now, onto retinol. This vitamin A derivative has built its reputation as a skincare powerhouse. It’s one of the most effective ingredients you can add to your routine, and here’s why:

It helps unclog pores and prevent breakouts
It contributes to normal skin maintenance for smoother, plumper-looking skin
It visibly fades uneven tone, dark spots, and signs of aging
It improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

And retinol isn’t just for the face. Perricone MD includes it in formulas like Cold Plasma Plus+ Fragile Skin Therapy to help improve the look of thin, delicate skin on the body.

Can I Use Niacinamide with Retinol?

So, can you use niacinamide with retinol? The short answer is yes. Not only can they be used together, but niacinamide can actually make retinol easier to use. Its calming and hydrating properties help balance out some of the discomfort retinol is known for.

You can apply them in separate steps, like a retinol serum followed by a niacinamide cream. For a balanced pairing, combine High Potency Intensive Niacinamide-rich Smoothing Serum with High Potency Retinol Renewal Serum to help refine texture, even tone, and support smoother, more youthful-looking skin.

What are the Benefits of Niacinamide and Retinol Together?

When combined, niacinamide and retinol together become a true skincare power couple. Here’s why:

Niacinamide helps reduce the appearance of redness and sensitivity that retinol can sometimes cause
It supports the skin’s protective barrier, making it feel more resilient
Both ingredients work to refine the look of pores, each in their own way, for smoother-looking skin

In short, they balance each other out. Retinol drives powerful results, while niacinamide makes sure your skin stays calm and comfortable.

How to Use Retinol and Niacinamide Together

If you want to use both in your routine, here’s how:

Start with a clean, dry face.
Apply the lightest product first, usually a serum. If you’re layering, you can use niacinamide before or after retinol depending on the textures.
Finish with a moisturiser to lock everything in.
Use them in the evening, since retinol works best overnight.
Don’t forget SPF the next day, as retinol makes skin more sensitive to the sun.

For a minimalist option, pick a moisturiser that combines retinol and niacinamide together so you can save a step in your routine.

Niacinamide vs Retinol: Do You Need Both?

It isn’t really a case of niacinamide vs retinol. They each bring unique benefits to the table. Retinol is all about renewal and anti-aging, while niacinamide is a multitasker that brightens, hydrates, and strengthens. Used together, they’re even better.

The Takeaway

So, can you use niacinamide and retinol together? Yes. This duo doesn’t just work, it thrives. Niacinamide helps your skin stay calm and hydrated, while retinol visibly tackles breakouts, fine lines, and uneven tone. Whether you layer them or use a formula that mixes them, they’re a team worth adding to your routine.

Still curious about ingredient pairings? Take a look at our guide on What Vitamin C Serum Does to learn about another skincare favourite.

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