How to Combine Niacinamide in Your Skincare Routine
Niacinamide is an effective skincare ingredient that features in many skincare products.
Knowing how to properly use and layer products that contain niacinamide will help you get the most benefit out of it.
In this article, we’ll cover what niacinamide is, its skincare benefits, and how to properly combine niacinamide with other skincare ingredients in your routine.
February 20th, 2025
From BIOTHERM
What is niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that has multiple skincare benefits - it improves skin elasticity, evens skin tone, reduces acne, adds radiance, and prevents wrinkles and fine lines, it can be found in some of our products such as Aquasource Hydra Barrier Cleanser, Lait Corporel Active Recovery, Aquapower Advanced Gel.
It is a skincare ingredient that features in many products such as face serums, moisturizers, treatments, and face masks.
Combining niacinamide with other skincare ingredients
When adding niacinamide-powered products to your routine, it’s essential to learn about its interactions with other skincare ingredients.
Keep reading to find out how niacinamide compares with other popular actives:
Niacinamide and AHA/BHA
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are popular exfoliants that feature in skincare products.
AHAs and BHAs have a lower pH value than niacinamide so they shouldn’t be used together to avoid ineffectiveness. It is beneficial to use them both in your routine, but either on different days or different times of the day. Use caution when using both and stop using if it causes irritation.
Niacinamide and zinc
Like niacinamide, zinc is another effective ingredient used in skincare products that cater to oily or acne-prone skin.
Niacinamide and zinc combine effectively together and are synergistic. You can use products that feature both of these skincare ingredients in tandem.
You’ll see acne improve and less oily skin over time.
Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating ingredient that holds moisture in the skin. It is a very common skincare ingredient in toners, serums, moisturizers, creams and facial treatments.
Hyaluronic acid works best at the beginning of your skincare routine, especially after your skin is still slightly damp after cleansing. It is safe and effective when combined with niacinamide, but we suggest using the hyaluronic-based products first and then following up with niacinamide treatments. For example, start by applying Life Plankton Regenerating Serum, which contains hyaluronic acid and other regenerating ingredients. Then follow up with the Blue Therapy Multi-Defender SPF 25 for a dose of niacinamide and sun protection.
Niacinamide and retinol
Retinol is a powerful anti-aging ingredient that works by resurfacing the skin and boosting collagen. It improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, fights dullness and sagging, and helps to fade acne scarring.
It pairs well with niacinamide. Retinol can be irritating to the skin, and niacinamide can help to reduce that irritation and repair the skin barrier.
Using both together is effective and recommended. Biotherm’s Blue Retinol Night Serum contains both pure retinol and niacinamide to fight all signs of aging while you sleep.
How to pair niacinamide with other products in your skincare routine
Here’s how to proper and layer niacinamide in your skincare routine for the best results:
- Start by removing makeup and cleansing skin with a gentle cleanser such as the Aquasource Hydra Barrier Cleanser. It’s important to start with clean, fresh skin.
- Apply any hyaluronic-based serums first for hydration, such as the Life Plankton Regenerating Serum.
- Follow up with the Blue Therapy Multi-Defender SPF 25 – it contains niacinamide and other regenerating ingredients to improve all signs of aging. It also protects against UVA/UVB sun damage.
- In the evening, use an anti-aging serum that combines pro-retinol and niacinamide for double the benefits – try the Blue Retinol Night Serum.
And that’s it! Follow this skincare routine consistently morning and night to see the best results.
