Can You Use Niacinamide With Vitamin C?

Vitamin C and niacinamide are both skincare ingredients with great brightening properties, making them a viable option for those with discolouration, hyperpigmentation, dull skin, and dark spots from ageing or sun exposure. On top of brightening, the two are also good antioxidants; they help repair, protect and strengthen skin, especially when used in conjunction with a good SPF (which is always a must).

Can You Use Niacinamide With Vitamin C?

Yes—and the myths are outdated

You can absolutely use niacinamide and vitamin C together. Once thought to cancel each other out, recent research has debunked this myth. Instead, this combination can brighten skin, reduce inflammation, and help fade hyperpigmentation.
Niacinamide is gentle and barrier-supportive, while vitamin C is antioxidant-rich and brightening. Together, they create a balanced environment for a healthier, more even complexion.

What Does Niacinamide Do For Skin?

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a multi-tasking skincare ingredient beloved for its calming, brightening, and barrier-repairing properties. It helps reduce inflammation, improve uneven skin tone, minimise enlarged pores, and regulate oil production.
What makes niacinamide especially versatile is its compatibility with most other actives—making it a go-to for those building a layered skincare routine. It strengthens the skin barrier, boosts hydration, and supports overall resilience—ideal for anyone looking to smooth and rebalance their skin without irritation.

Key Benefits Of Niacinamide Include:

• Improved Skin Tone: Helps reduce hyperpigmentation, dullness, and blotchiness, leading to a more even and luminous complexion.
• Reduces Inflammation: Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties that calm red, irritated, or acne-prone skin—making it ideal for sensitive types.
• Regulates Oil Production: Balances sebum levels, helping to prevent breakouts and unwanted shine.
• Minimises Pore Appearance: Over time, it tightens and refines skin texture, visibly reducing enlarged pores.
• Strengthens the Skin Barrier: Reinforces your skin’s natural defences, helping retain hydration and fend off environmental stressors.
• Supports Elasticity: When used with retinol, it enhances skin firmness and resilience, reducing sensitivity.

(Source: Healthline, Wikipedia)

What Does Vitamin C Do For Skin?

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from oxidative stress caused by environmental aggressors like UV rays and pollution. It’s particularly prized for its brightening abilities, helping to fade pigmentation, even out skin tone, and boost radiance.
It also plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis, making it effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and improving skin firmness over time. Used daily, vitamin C enhances your skin’s defence mechanisms and improves overall clarity. However, due to its acidic nature, it can be irritating when paired with other strong actives unless layered with care.

Key benefits of vitamin C include:

• Brightens Skin: Fades dark spots and hyperpigmentation, boosting radiance and uniformity in skin tone.
• Supports Collagen Synthesis: Promotes firmness and elasticity by stimulating collagen production.
• Protects Against Environmental Damage: Acts as an antioxidant, neutralising free radicals from pollution and UV exposure.
• Evens Skin Tone: Reduces signs of sun damage and post-inflammatory marks for a clearer complexion.
• Enhances SPF Protection: When used in a morning routine, it boosts the protective effects of sunscreen.
• Refines Texture: Improves smoothness and reduces roughness caused by dryness or discolouration.
  
  

(Source: Women’s Health, Harvard)

Vitamin C: Suitable For Most Skin Types With Proper Formulation

Normal to Dry Skin: Look for formulas with added hydrators to brighten and support collagen without causing dryness.
Oily and Acne-Prone Skin: Choose lightweight, water-based serums to reduce post-acne marks and boost glow.
Sensitive Skin: Use lower concentrations (e.g. 10%) and stabilised forms like magnesium ascorbyl phosphate to minimise irritation.
Mature Skin: Highly beneficial for collagen stimulation and fading age spots.

Why Do Niacinamide And Vitamin C Work Well Together?

Niacinamide and vitamin C once had a reputation for being incompatible—but this myth has long been debunked. When used together, they offer complementary benefits that support a brighter, healthier complexion.

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that fades dark spots and promotes collagen synthesis, while niacinamide soothes inflammation, regulates oil, and strengthens the skin barrier. This makes them a great duo for reducing hyperpigmentation, improving skin tone, and calming sensitivity simultaneously.

You can layer them in the same routine or use vitamin C in the morning and niacinamide in the evening. Either way, their combined effect is a more even, glowing, and resilient complexion.

Comparing Niacinamide And Vitamin C Side-By-Side

• Primary function: Niacinamide – Brightens and calms | Vitamin C – Antioxidant, evens tone
  
• Reduces fine lines/wrinkles: Niacinamide ✅ Mildly effective | Vitamin C ✅ Collagen-boosting
  
• Improves skin texture: Niacinamide ✅ Smooths and refines | Vitamin C ✅ Refines and brightens
  
• Fades hyperpigmentation: Niacinamide ✅ Reduces dark spots | Vitamin C ✅ Strong brightening effect
  
• Treats acne & blemishes: Niacinamide ✅ Reduces redness | Vitamin C ❌ Indirect only
  
• Enhances skin firmness: Niacinamide ✅ Subtle firming support | Vitamin C ✅ Boosts firmness
  
• Boosts hydration: Niacinamide ✅ Hydrating | Vitamin C ⚠️ Can be drying
  
• Improves skin barrier: Niacinamide ✅ Supports skin barrier | Vitamin C ⚠️ May be sensitising
  
• Potential irritation: Niacinamide ✅ Very low risk | Vitamin C ⚠️ Potential stinging
  
• Suitable for sensitive skin: Niacinamide ✅ Excellent for sensitive skin | Vitamin C ⚠️ Use gentle formulations

Vitamin C also works well with

Resveratrol – An antioxidant that extends and enhances vitamin C’s free radical-fighting abilities.
Mandelic Acid (in rotation) – Helps fade hyperpigmentation when alternated with vitamin C for a gentler exfoliation strategy.
Sea Buckthorn Oil – Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids; offers a nourishing base that complements vitamin C’s brightening power.

Niacinamide also works well with

Peptides – Supports skin elasticity and boosts repair for smoother, firmer skin.
Zinc – Regulates sebum and inflammation; ideal for acne-prone or oily skin when paired with niacinamide.
Retinol – Minimises sensitivity from retinol, improves skin texture, and supports hydration and barrier repair.

How to apply niacinamide and vitamin C together

1. Cleanse your face and apply vitamin C serum in the morning.
   
   
2. Allow it to absorb for a minute or two.
   
   
3. Follow with niacinamide serum to calm the skin and reduce inflammation.
   
   
4. Lock everything in with a moisturiser.
   
   

Finish with a broad-spectrum SPF for protection and enhanced results.

FAQs

Does niacinamide stop vitamin C from working?
This is a skincare myth that’s been debunked. They can be layered safely and actually complement each other—vitamin C brightens, niacinamide soothes.

In what order should I apply them?
Apply vitamin C first, as it’s more pH-sensitive. Once it’s absorbed (after about 1–2 minutes), follow with niacinamide.

Are they suitable for daily use?
This pairing is gentle enough for daily application on most skin types, including sensitive or acne-prone skin.

If you're anything like us, you just can't get enough of the all-star, multi-purpose skincare staple that is niacinamide. Which is just great, as we have sourced all the top picks, along with a guide on How To Use Niacinamide Serum For Your Best Skin Yet. Thought we forgot about vitamin C? Of course not—and here's the proof: click here for another expert-recommended compilation of The Best Vitamin C Serums for the Face.