Can You Use Salicylic Acid With Niacinamide?

Suppose you're looking for a skincare combination that offers all the pore-refining, clarifying and exfoliating properties without any of the redness and skin barrier damage that oftentimes comes with them. In that case, you may want to read up on the wonderful properties of both salicylic acid and niacinamide. Both are very different composition-wise—and yet quite similar in the sense that each ingredient is a great choice for anyone with acne, dull skin or excess sebum (oil produced by the skin).

Can You Use Salicylic Acid With Niacinamide?

Yes—this duo actually works great together.

Salicylic acid and niacinamide might sound like they’d clash—one’s a potent exfoliant, the other a calming vitamin—but they’re highly compatible and can even boost each other’s effects. Salicylic acid (a beta-hydroxy acid or BHA) unclogs pores and reduces oil, while niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier, balances sebum and reduces inflammation.
Used together correctly, they create a powerhouse routine for oily, acne-prone or combination skin types.

What Does Salicylic Acid Do For Skin?

Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), which means it penetrates into pores to break down sebum and dead skin cells. Derived from willow bark, it's a staple for treating acne, blackheads, and congestion.

Its keratolytic action (breaking down keratin) makes it excellent for smoothing rough texture and reducing blemishes. While potent, salicylic acid is often well tolerated when used in moderation.

Key benefits of salicylic acid include:

• Deep pore exfoliation: Cuts through oil to unclog pores and prevent breakouts.
  
  
• Reduces oiliness: Minimises excess sebum production and surface shine.
  
  
• Fights acne: Targets active spots and helps prevent new ones forming.
  
  
• Improves texture: Smooths bumpy areas and refines overall skin tone.
  
  
• Anti-inflammatory: Calms redness and swelling associated with blemishes.
  
  
• Brightens complexion: Removes build-up that can cause dull, congested skin.
  
  

(Source: L’Oreal Paris, Wikipedia)

Salicylic Acid: Best for oily, congested, or acne-prone skin

• Oily Skin: Controls oil and clears pores without stripping.
  
  
• Acne-Prone Skin: Especially effective against blackheads, whiteheads and inflammatory acne.
  
  
• Combination Skin: Helps keep oily T-zones clear and matte.
  
  
• Sensitive Skin: Use with caution or opt for lower concentrations (0.5–1%).
  
  
• Dry Skin: May cause irritation—buffer with hydrating layers.
  
  

What Does Niacinamide Do For Skin?

Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin and multitasking skin hero. It helps reinforce the skin barrier, calm inflammation, and improve texture, tone, and hydration levels.

Its versatility makes it suitable for almost every skin type, and it plays especially well with actives that can be irritating—like salicylic acid or retinol.

Key Benefits Of Niacinamide Include:

• Strengthens skin barrier: Enhances ceramide production and moisture retention.
  
  
• Calms redness and inflammation: Great for rosacea, sensitivity, or acne-prone skin.
  
  
• Minimises pores: Helps tighten and refine enlarged pores.
  
  
• Regulates oil production: Balances skin and reduces shine.
  
  
• Improves tone and texture: Fades dark spots and evens out skin tone.
  
  
• Boosts elasticity and firmness: Encourages collagen production with long-term use.
  
  

(Source: Wikipedia)

Niacinamide: Universally Skin-Friendly

• Oily Skin: Reduces oil and visible pores.
  
  
• Dry Skin: Reinforces moisture barrier.
  
  
• Acne-Prone Skin: Helps prevent breakouts and fades post-acne marks.
  
  
• Sensitive Skin: Soothes and calms.
  
  

Ageing Skin: Supports elasticity, firmness and tone.

Why Do Salicylic Acid And Niacinamide Work Well Together?

This combo is more synergistic than you might expect.

Salicylic acid dives deep into pores to exfoliate and clear out gunk, but this can temporarily disrupt the skin barrier. Niacinamide steps in to repair, hydrate and soothe, offsetting the potential irritation of salicylic acid.

Together, they balance exfoliation with support, making the routine more effective and less sensitising.

Rather than cancelling each other out, they form a smart tandem:

• Salicylic acid clears.
  
  
• Niacinamide calms and conditions.
  
  

This makes them ideal for oily, acne-prone skin that also needs barrier support and hydration.

When can salicylic acid and niacinamide work well together?

You can use salicylic acid and niacinamide in the same routine, morning or night. They’re gentle enough to be layered when formulas are balanced and skin is acclimated.

If your skin is sensitive, try using salicylic acid first and waiting a few minutes before applying niacinamide. Alternatively, use a product that combines both in pre-formulated concentrations to minimise layering issues.

The key is to monitor how your skin reacts—start slow and build tolerance.

Compare salicylic acid and niacinamide side-by-side

• Primary function: Salicylic acid – Exfoliates and unclogs | Niacinamide – Soothes and balances
  
• Reduces acne: Salicylic acid ✅ Clears breakouts | Niacinamide ✅ Prevents and calms
  
• Minimises pores: Salicylic acid ✅ Unblocks debris | Niacinamide ✅ Tightens appearance
  
• Balances oil: Salicylic acid ✅ Reduces sebum | Niacinamide ✅ Regulates production
  
• Improves tone: Salicylic acid ⚠️ Indirect via exfoliation | Niacinamide ✅ Brightens and evens
  
• Strengthens barrier: Salicylic acid ❌ May weaken | Niacinamide ✅ Reinforces and protects
  
• Potential irritation: Salicylic acid ⚠️ Can cause dryness | Niacinamide ❌ Very low risk
  
• Suitable for sensitive skin: Salicylic acid ⚠️ With caution | Niacinamide ✅ Highly tolerated

Niacinamide Also Works Well With:

• Zinc PCA – Helps regulate oil and calm acne.
  
  
• Hyaluronic Acid – Deep hydration boost.
  
  
• Retinol – Reduces irritation and supports anti-ageing routines.
  
  
• Tranexamic Acid – Enhances brightening and fades pigmentation.
  
  

Salicylic Acid Also Works Well With:

• Lactic Acid – Can alternate for different exfoliating strengths.
  
  
• Azelaic Acid – Helps calm redness and acne.
  
  
• Green Tea Extract – Adds antioxidant and soothing effects.
  
  
• Panthenol (Vitamin B5) – Helps hydrate and repair post-exfoliation.
  
  

How To Apply Salicylic Acid And Niacinamide Together

You can layer these in a single routine or alternate them depending on sensitivity.

If layering together:

1. Cleanse
   
   
2. Apply salicylic acid (toner or serum)
   
   
3. Wait 2–5 minutes
   
   
4. Apply niacinamide serum
   
   
5. Follow with moisturiser and SPF (morning)
   
   

If alternating:
Use salicylic acid in the morning and niacinamide at night—or switch days. This reduces the chance of barrier disruption.

Always finish with SPF during the day, especially when using exfoliants.

A.M.

P.M.

FAQs

Can salicylic acid and niacinamide be used together?
Yes. They’re highly compatible and can actually balance each other out—salicylic exfoliates while niacinamide soothes.

What does each ingredient target?
Salicylic acid unclogs pores, treats acne and smooths texture. Niacinamide evens tone, strengthens the barrier and regulates oil.

Is it better to use them separately?
You can, especially if you’re new to actives. Try salicylic in the AM and niacinamide in the PM, or alternate days.

Do I need to moisturise after?
Yes, especially after salicylic acid. Follow with a nourishing moisturiser to protect the skin barrier.

If you're interested in levelling up your routine and getting the most out of your routine, find out How To Use Niacinamide Serum For Your Best Skin Yet with our expert advice. Stressed skin got you stressed out? Don't fret - we've got a guide on all The Best Salicylic Acid Cleansers for Stressed Skin.