Can You Use Niacinamide With Benzoyl Peroxide?

There once used to be concerns that benzoyl peroxide could oxidise and deactivate niacinamide. However, newer research and real-world evidence show that this isn’t a major issue in modern formulations. When used correctly—either layered or spaced apart—these ingredients work well together.

Niacinamide helps reduce the side effects of benzoyl peroxide while supporting its acne-fighting actions. The result? Clearer skin with less redness, dryness, and peeling.

Can You Use Niacinamide With Benzoyl Peroxide?

Yes—and this combination is one of the best ways to treat acne while keeping your skin calm and balanced.

Niacinamide and benzoyl peroxide are two standout ingredients when it comes to managing oily and acne-prone skin. Benzoyl peroxide is highly effective at killing acne-causing bacteria and clearing breakouts, but it can also cause dryness, redness, and irritation. That’s where niacinamide comes in—it strengthens the skin barrier, soothes inflammation, and improves overall tolerance.

Together, they form a balanced, acne-fighting routine that targets both the cause and side effects of blemishes. If you’ve struggled with harsh acne treatments in the past, adding niacinamide to your benzoyl peroxide routine could make all the difference.

Why this combo works:

• Soothing + clarifying: Niacinamide calms while BPO treats acne.
  
  
• Improves tolerance: Niacinamide buffers dryness and irritation from BPO.
  
  
• Faster recovery: Skin heals better with both bacteria control and barrier support.
  
  
• Helps prevent new marks: Fewer breakouts = fewer scars, and niacinamide fades existing ones.

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What does benzoyl peroxide do for skin?

Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) is a time-tested ingredient for treating acne. It works by penetrating the pore and releasing oxygen, which kills the bacteria that contribute to breakouts. It also helps remove excess oil and dead skin cells, making it effective for both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne.

However, BPO is a strong active and can cause side effects, especially when you first start using it. Dryness, flaking, and redness are common, particularly in higher concentrations (5–10%).

Key benefits of benzoyl peroxide:

• Kills acne-causing bacteria: Prevents new breakouts from forming.
  
  
• Unclogs pores: Removes oil and debris to clear congestion.
  
  
• Reduces inflammation: Calms red, swollen blemishes.
  
  
• Prevents future breakouts: Keeps pores clean with regular use.
  
  
• Works fast: Visible improvement in a few days to weeks.
  
  

Best for:

• Mild to moderate acne
  
  
• Oily and congested skin
  
  
• Body acne (back, chest, shoulders)
  
  
• Teen or adult breakouts
  
  

Benzoyl peroxide is available in cleansers, gels, creams, and spot treatments, often in concentrations of 2.5%, 5%, and 10%.

What does niacinamide do for skin?

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is one of the most versatile and well-tolerated ingredients in skincare. It’s known for its ability to calm inflammation, regulate oil production, fade pigmentation, and strengthen the skin barrier. Best of all, it pairs well with nearly every other active ingredient—including retinoids, AHAs, and, yes, benzoyl peroxide.

Niacinamide is especially helpful in acne routines because it reduces the likelihood of irritation, dryness, and redness, making your regimen more effective and sustainable long-term.

Key benefits of niacinamide:

• Reduces inflammation: Calms redness and irritation.
  
  
• Balances oil: Helps control shine and sebum production.
  
  
• Fades post-acne marks: Lightens dark spots and discolouration.
  
  
• Strengthens skin barrier: Improves hydration and resilience.
  
  
• Minimises pores: Helps skin appear smoother and more refined.
  
  
• Improves texture: Softens rough patches and supports smoother skin.
  
  

Best for:

• Oily or combination skin
  
  
• Redness-prone or sensitive skin
  
  
• Post-acne hyperpigmentation
  
  
• Anyone using strong actives like benzoyl peroxide or retinol
  
  

Niacinamide is commonly used in serums and moisturisers at concentrations of 5–10%.

Comparing Niacinamide With Benzoyl Peroxide Side-by-Side

Benefit	Niacinamide	Benzoyl Peroxide
Primary Function	Vitamin B3 derivative that strengthens the skin barrier, balances oil, and reduces redness	Antibacterial agent that kills acne-causing bacteria and prevents new breakouts
Treats Acne & Blemishes	✅ Helps calm inflammation and supports acne treatment	✅ Highly effective at clearing and preventing breakouts
Kills Acne-Causing Bacteria	❌ No antibacterial action	✅ Oxygenates pores to kill bacteria
Reduces Redness & Inflammation	✅ Strong anti-inflammatory benefits	⚠️ Can cause temporary redness or dryness
Balances Oil Production	✅ Regulates excess sebum for clearer skin	✅ Reduces surface oil by drying acne lesions
Fades Post-Acne Marks	✅ Brightens and evens tone over time	⚠️ Can cause dryness or flaking if overused
Hydration & Barrier Support	✅ Strengthens and replenishes barrier function	❌ May weaken barrier with frequent use
Irritation Potential	✅ Very low – helps reduce irritation	⚠️ Moderate – can cause dryness or peeling
Suitable for Sensitive Skin	✅ Excellent for sensitive or acne-prone skin	⚠️ Use in low concentrations or short-contact formulas
Best Time to Use	AM & PM – daily use supported	PM (or AM as a rinse-off cleanser)

How to safely combine Niacinamide With Benzoyl Peroxide

Option 1: Use both in the same routine

This is suitable for most people using lower concentrations of benzoyl peroxide (2.5–5%).

1. Cleanse with benzoyl peroxide.
   
2. Follow with a niacinamide serum or moisturiser (wait a few minutes for it to absorb).
   
3. Seal with a barrier-supporting moisturiser.
   
4. Use SPF during the day—BPO can increase sun sensitivity.
   
   

Option 2: Use at different times of day

If your skin is more sensitive or you're using a stronger benzoyl peroxide product:

• AM: Cleanser → Niacinamide → Moisturiser → SPF
  
  
• PM: Cleanser → Benzoyl peroxide → Moisturiser
  

This gives your skin a break between actives while still delivering the benefits of both.

Option 3: Use on alternate days

You can also alternate days to allow for more barrier recovery, especially when first starting out.

For niacinamide days...

For benzoyl peroxide days...

For all the breakout-prone or oily skin people out there, we've put a microscope to some of the best products on the market and all the best ways to use them: read up on How To Use Niacinamide Serum For Your Best Skin Yet, as well as The Top Moisturisers For Oily Skin Types.