What ingredients to avoid when using niacinamide in your daily routine

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Niacinamide (or vitamin B3) is one of the most appreciated ingredients in skincare, recognized for its ability to reduce redness, control excess sebum, even out skin tone and support skin barrier function. Versatile and well-tolerated by most skin types, it can be used both morning and evening. However, not all active ingredients in your routine are compatible with niacinamide. Some combinations can reduce the effectiveness of products or lead to irritation, dryness or inflammation. In this article, you will learn which ingredients to avoid when using niacinamide, why this is important and how to organize your routine correctly for visible and safe results.

What ingredients to avoid when using niacinamide

While niacinamide is a gentle ingredient, some combinations can reduce its effectiveness or irritate your skin. To get the most out of this water-soluble vitamin, it's important to know which ingredients to avoid when using niacinamide. Here are the most common problematic combinations and why.

AHA and BHA acids (glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid)

These exfoliating acids have a much lower pH than niacinamide. AHAs and BHAs work best in an acidic environment (pH 3-4), while niacinamide needs a pH close to the skin’s natural pH (5-7). Combining the two in the same application can destabilize the formulas and reduce the effectiveness of both ingredients. What’s more, the combination can aggravate skin sensitivity, leading to redness, stinging, and peeling, especially in people with sensitive skin.

Use exfoliating acids at night and niacinamide in the morning, or leave at least 30 minutes between applications.

Pure Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

For many years, it was thought that niacinamide and vitamin C neutralized each other. Although recent research has shown that they can be used together under certain conditions, combining pure ascorbic acid (unstable vitamin C) with niacinamide can increase the risk of irritation, especially for reactive skin. In addition, the combination can lead to faster oxidation of products.

Apply vitamin C in the morning and niacinamide at night, or use more stable forms of vitamin C (such as vitamin C serum for the face ) that can be combined more easily with niacinamide.

Retinoids (retinol, tretinoin, retinaldehyde)

Both niacinamide and retinoids have positive effects on skin texture, acne, and fine lines, but when combined they can become irritating. Retinoids have an increased potential to dry and sensitize the skin, and when combined directly with niacinamide, redness, peeling, or a burning sensation may occur.

Apply retinoids at night and niacinamide in the morning. Alternatively, use niacinamide 20–30 minutes before retinoids to calm your skin and increase your tolerance. You can try nighttime skincare products, such as RETIPLUS 1% Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Cream .

Benzoyl peroxide

An effective ingredient in the treatment of acne, benzoyl peroxide can be very aggressive, especially in high concentrations. Combined with niacinamide, it can lead to severe dryness, inflammation, or irritation. Both ingredients act at the cellular level and can compromise the skin's natural barrier if used simultaneously.

Apply these ingredients on different days or at different times of day – for example, niacinamide in the morning, benzoyl peroxide in the evening.

Products with very low or very high pH

Niacinamide is stable in a pH range of 5 to 7. Products with an unbalanced pH (very acidic or very alkaline) can affect its stability and effectiveness. Some toners, chemical exfoliants, and acne treatments contain such formulas.

Check the pH of the products you use and choose compatible formulas that maintain the integrity of the active ingredients.

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What ingredients can be safely combined with niacinamide?

Niacinamide is appreciated not only for its multiple benefits, but also for its compatibility with a wide range of ingredients. When combined correctly, it can enhance the effects of other active ingredients and contribute to a balanced and effective routine. Here are some ingredients that work great with niacinamide and how you can integrate them into your skincare routine .

• hyaluronic acid – intensely hydrates and promotes the absorption of niacinamide;
• ceramides and peptides – repair the skin barrier, complement with niacinamide for a calming and anti-inflammatory effect;
• zinc – often formulated with niacinamide, to control sebum and reduce inflammation;
• Panthenol (provitamin B5) – supports hydration and helps soothe irritations;
• antioxidant botanical extracts – green tea, centella asiatica or licorice root are compatible and support antioxidant effects.

Recommendations for the correct application of niacinamide products

• start with a low concentration of niacinamide (2–5%), especially if you have sensitive skin;
• apply to clean, slightly damp skin, after toner and before moisturizer;
• avoid combining niacinamide with highly active ingredients in the same routine (exfoliants, retinoids, pure vitamin C);
• perform a sensitivity test (patch test) on a small area before introducing a new product into your routine;
• select properly formulated products that combine niacinamide with complementary, dermatologically tested ingredients.

Niacinamide is one of the most effective and well-tolerated ingredients in skin care, but to maximize its benefits you need to avoid the wrong combinations. Following these recommendations will help you build a balanced, effective and safe routine for your skin.

Do you want to properly introduce niacinamide into your daily routine? Discover carefully formulated products at Skinseen, which respect ingredient compatibility and provide visible results without compromising skin health.