Can You Use Niacinamide With Hyaluronic Acid?

Some skincare actives are strong, powerful hard-hitters, but sometimes easy does it. If you have sensitive or damaged skin, don't despair; several skincare ingredients are very impactful, yet still gentle on the skin.

Wondering if niacinamide and hyaluronic acid make a good team? Explore how this pairing can boost hydration and even out skin tone without clogging pores.

Can You Use Niacinamide With Hyaluronic Acid?

Yes, and they complement each other wonderfully

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a multi-tasking ingredient that balances oil, strengthens the skin barrier, and improves tone and texture. Hyaluronic acid is a moisture magnet that deeply hydrates the skin. Together, they’re a match made in skincare heaven.

When layered correctly, hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin, creating the perfect base for niacinamide to brighten and smooth without irritation.

What Does Niacinamide Do For Skin?

Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3, well-tolerated by most skin types and praised for its versatility in treating a range of issues—from dullness to breakouts.

Key benefits of niacinamide include:

• Reduces Redness and Blotchiness: Calms skin and reduces inflammation
• Regulates Sebum: Balances oil production to prevent shine and congestion
• Minimises Pores: Improves skin elasticity for a more refined texture
• Fades Hyperpigmentation: Helps lighten dark spots and even skin tone
• Strengthens the Skin Barrier: Boosts ceramide production to improve resilience
• Antioxidant Defence: Helps protect skin from oxidative stress

(Source: Wikipedia, Vogue)

Niacinamide: Best for oily, sensitive, or uneven skin

• Oily/Combination Skin: Controls shine and smooths uneven areas
• Sensitive Skin: Reduces inflammation and strengthens the barrier
• Pigmented Skin: Fades discolouration and evens tone
• Mature Skin: Supports elasticity and boosts brightness

What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do For Skin?

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring molecule known for its water-binding ability. It acts like a sponge, drawing in moisture to keep skin plump, soft, and well-lubricated.

Key benefits of hyaluronic acid include:

• Deep Hydration: Holds up to 1000x its weight in water
• Plumps Skin: Reduces fine lines caused by dehydration
• Improves Elasticity: Boosts skin’s suppleness and bounce
• Soothes Sensitivity: Calms inflammation and irritation
• Strengthens Barrier: Reinforces skin’s outer layer to prevent water loss
• Enhances Absorption: Helps other ingredients work better

(Source: Cleaveland Clinic, Vogue)

Hyaluronic Acid: Ideal for all skin types

• Dry Skin: Intensely hydrates and relieves tightness
• Oily Skin: Light, non-comedogenic hydration
• Sensitive Skin: Calms irritation and redness
• Ageing Skin: Visibly plumps fine lines and boosts elasticity

Why Do Niacinamide And Hyaluronic Acid Work Well Together?

Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid enhance each other’s benefits when layered. While hyaluronic acid delivers hydration to plump and smooth, niacinamide helps to lock in that moisture, build the skin’s defence system, and tackle discolouration and oiliness.

When used together correctly, this duo provides:

• Hydration + Regulation: Hydrates deeply while controlling excess oil
• Barrier Strengthening: Reduces moisture loss and enhances resilience
• Brightening & Balancing: Evens skin tone while smoothing texture
• Increased Tolerance: Great for sensitive skin or those new to actives

Niacinamide also works well with:

• Zinc – soothes inflammation and balances sebum
• Retinol – reduces sensitivity and enhances anti-ageing benefits
• Azelaic Acid – targets pigmentation and redness

Hyaluronic acid also works well with:

• Ceramides – restore the barrier and prevent dehydration
• Peptides – support firmness and skin structure
• Panthenol (Vitamin B5) – soothes and retains moisture

How To Apply Niacinamide And Hyaluronic Acid Together

1. Cleanse: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities.
2. Apply Hyaluronic Acid: While the skin is still damp, spray or apply a few drops of hyaluronic acid and pat gently.
3. Apply Niacinamide: Layer niacinamide serum over hyaluronic acid once absorbed.
4. Moisturise: Follow with a moisturiser to seal everything in.
5. Apply SPF (AM): Niacinamide pairs beautifully with SPF to brighten and protect during the day.

Tip: Both ingredients are water-based and can be used morning and night.

Compare Niacinamide And Hyaluronic Acid Side-By-Side

• Hydration: Niacinamide ⚠ Helps retain moisture | Hyaluronic acid ✅ Deep hydration
  
• Oil regulation: Niacinamide ✅ Balances oil | Hyaluronic acid ❌ No effect on oil
  
• Reduces pigmentation: Niacinamide ✅ Brightens dark spots | Hyaluronic acid ❌ No direct effect
  
• Soothes sensitivity: Niacinamide ✅ Calms redness | Hyaluronic acid ✅ Calms and hydrates
  
• Strengthens barrier: Niacinamide ✅ Boosts barrier with ceramides | Hyaluronic acid ✅ Prevents water loss
  
• Anti-ageing: Niacinamide ✅ Improves elasticity | Hyaluronic acid ✅ Plumps fine lines
  
• Works for all skin types: Niacinamide ✅ Especially oily/sensitive | Hyaluronic acid ✅ Universally compatible
  

FAQs

Can I use niacinamide and hyaluronic acid together every day?
Yes, they’re gentle enough for daily use and suitable for both morning and evening routines.

Which should I apply first: hyaluronic acid or niacinamide?
Apply hyaluronic acid first to draw moisture into the skin, then niacinamide to seal it in and provide additional skin benefits.

Will layering them cause irritation?
Unlikely. Both are well-tolerated, even on sensitive skin. Just ensure you’re using appropriate concentrations.

To get the most out of this perfect pairing, How To Use Niacinamide Serum For Your Best Skin Yet as well as all The Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums For Plumping And Firming.

We haven't forgot about HA - check out our recommendations on When to Use Hyaluronic Acid Serum & Products to get the most impact from the best products.