Can You Use Niacinamide with Vitamin C?
The short answer is YES! Not only should you combine these two super ingredients, we encourage it! Layering niacinamide and vitamin C enhances the benefits of both these antioxidants. Read on to learn how to incorporate the Bright & Balanced Duo into your daily routine.
Myth Busting
It’s time for some myth busting, this time about confusing claims surrounding two of our favourite skin care ingredients: niacinamide and vitamin c. Blogs, and even some beauty magazine articles, state that while the two ingredients are great on their own, combining them creates a two-fold problem: One, it neutralises the effectiveness of both ingredients, and two, it might create a substance (nicotinic acid, also known as niacin) that reddens skin.
Good news: Research confirms that combining niacinamide and vitamin C doesn’t cause skin issues; in fact, the duo offers numerous benefits for your skin.
What’s propelling the idea that niacinamide and vitamin C can’t be combined is old research that was interpreted incorrectly. The studies showing incompatibility between niacinamide and vitamin C date back to the early 1960s (yes, that far). These studies were off from the start because they used non-stabilised forms of both ingredients, whereas both ingredients are typically stabilised when used in modern-day cosmetics formulas.
Niacinamide Vs Vitamin C
Both niacinamide and vitamin C are essential vitamins and powerful antioxidants, but they each have their own unique benefits:The Benefits of Niacinamide
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Minimises the appearance of large pores
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Tackles rough, uneven skin texture
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Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
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Works to decrease the look of an uneven skin tone and dark spots
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Assists in protecting skin from pro-ageing environment aggressors
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Helps reduce trans epidermal water loss for more hydrated skin
The Benefits of Vitamin C
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Demonstrated to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
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Potent antioxidant that lessens the impact of damage from UV rays
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Helps support skins collagen content resulting in a firmer, younger look and a more stable skin architecture
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Fading the look of dark spots and uneven complexion
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Repairs skin barrier
The Benefits of Using Niacinamide and Vitamin C Together
Using niacinamide and vitamin C together gives you a stronger defense against environmental stressors and skin concerns. They tackle similar issues—like collagen production and discoloration—but in different ways. Vitamin C supports collagen stabilization and production, while niacinamide promotes collagen synthesis. For hyperpigmentation, vitamin C inhibits pigment production, while niacinamide prevents pigment transfer. This dual approach ensures a more comprehensive treatment for your skin concerns.
Niacinamide and vitamin C — which comes first?
Before you begin layering, you need to find the right vitamin C and niacinamide products to add to your skin care routine. These two vitamins appear in several skin care product types, including cleansers, treatments and moisturisers. However, to get the most out of them, a leave-on product, like a toner, treatment (serum or booster) or moisturiser, is the best for both vitamin C and niacinamide. The more time these two are allowed to stay on skin, the better.