Can You Use Retinol and Niacinamide Together? Derms Weigh In (2024)

In skincare, you'll often hear dermatologists and estheticians talking about whether or not certain ingredients "play well together," as if they're children in a sandbox. One ingredient that's asked about more often than not: retinol. Another hot, hot, hot ingredient in skincare formulation right now? Niacinamide, a brightening, skin-soothing form of vitamin B3. The question is, do these two get along? Rest assured, these ingredients not only play well together, they're actually the best of friends. "Retinol and niacinamide are a powerhouse combination," says Corey L. Hartman, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham.

Ahead, find out everything you need to know about using these skincare ingredients together, including the best products to use, and more expert intel from Hartman as well as Tracy Evans, board-certified dermatologist and medical director at Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology in San Francisco.

A quick refresher on this skincare superhero. A derivative of vitamin A, retinol "is a less potent version of vitamin A compared to a retinoid, which is the most potent version of vitamin A," explains Hartman. Retinol has become a catch-all term for the category that includes prescription retinoids, like Tretinoin, and traditional retinol, which is found in over-the-counter skincare products. Then there's retinaldehyde (also called retinal), which is a more potent form of retinol, also available without a prescription.

"Using retinol is arguably the most important step that you can take for overall skin health and anti-aging after SPF," says Hartman, explaining that the ingredient's many benefits include "regulating cell turnover, promoting effective exfoliation, preventing acne, evening discoloration, controlling oil, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, and unclogging pores."

Like retinol, this beloved active ingredient has a number of benefits for the skin. "Niacinamide is a version of vitamin B3," says Hartman. "It is also found in numerous skincare products for its skin health benefits, including improvement of skin texture and tone and the reduction of wrinkles." But that's not all this multitasking ingredient can do: "Research has shown that niacinamide can also strengthen the skin barrier and defend skin from moisture loss," he says. Plus, "If you have acne, using niacinamide may help treat and reduce active breakouts."

Again, that's a resounding yes. "The skin-strengthening benefits of niacinamide partner well with retinol’s ability to regulate cellular turnover and control oil production," says Hartman. You can use separate products with niacinamide and retinol in your skincare routine, or, as the derm notes, there are many products that contain both ingredients together, like CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum and Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Max Night Serum.

One thing to keep in mind is the time of day you're using these products. "Retinol should be used at night only, while niacinamide can be used either at night or as part of your morning skincare routine," explains Hartman.

The ingredients have some similar benefits—such as minimizing the appearance of pores and reducing acne—but they have unique properties. In other words, using them together just amplifies their power. Plus, niacinamide can soothe any redness from retinol. "Niacinamide is an anti-inflammatory and helps with irritation in the skin," explains Evans. "As retinols can be skin irritants, this combination can soothe skin."

If you're using separate products, Evans says that layering is just fine but recommends "waiting a few minutes between applications" to maximize their efficacy. As for the order, "I recommend niacinamide be applied first to help reduce the irritation a retinol can cause," she says. Try using a niacinamide serum, like Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12%, followed by a retinol-spiked moisturizer like Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream to get the most out of each ingredient.

"There is little to no risk for using both ingredients, either in the same product or in the same skincare routine with two different products," says Hartman.

Although redness or irritation can occur, Evans insists that "all skin types can tolerate retinol." But if you're new to it or have sensitive skin, she says to use retinol every other or every third night to avoid irritating your skin. In addition, the derm says to "use with niacinamide and a hyaluronic acid moisturizer or a ceramide-based moisturizer at night" to reduce the risk of irritation. Also, if you're pregnant or nursing, you will want to avoid using retinol.

One thing you may not want to mix with retinol, however, is vitamin C. "This is too irritating for the skin," says Evans. Instead, she says, "Vitamin C should be applied in the morning and then retinol in the evening or at night."

Meet the experts

• Dr. Corey L. Hartman is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama.
• Dr. Tracy Evans M.D., MPH, is a board-certified dermatologist and Medical Director of Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology in San Francisco and Corte Madera, California.

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