Combining Niacinamide with Vitamin C – Althaea Soul

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

  • Minimises the appearance of large pores

  • Tackles rough, uneven skin texture

  • Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

  • Works to decrease the look of an uneven skin tone and dark spots

  • Assists in protecting skin from pro-ageing environment aggressors 

  • Helps reduce trans epidermal water loss for more hydrated skin 

The Benefits of Vitamin C

  • Demonstrated to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

  • Potent antioxidant that lessens the impact of damage from UV rays

  • Helps support skins collagen content resulting in a firmer, younger look and a more stable skin architecture 

  • Fading the look of dark spots and uneven complexion 

  • 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.

The sequence for applying skincare products (after cleansing your face) follows the same general rule, whether you’re talking about your morning routine or your evening one. You should apply the thinnest, lightest ones first and increase product thickness as you layer, ending with your heaviest product last. (Typically, this is your face cream or moisturiser.) The only exception is that sunscreen should always be the final step in your morning skincare routine.
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If you are using our Solstice 10% Vitamin C Serum and Clarity Niacinamide Cream, use Solstice first, allowing about a minute to absorb into your skin. Then apply a layer of Clarity. Wait another minute, then move to your moisturising step (if you have one!)
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Whilst you can apply niacinamide both morning and night, if you also use a Vitamin A product, such as Revive 1% Vitamin A Gel, that is best used in the evening, saving your Bright & Balanced Duo for the A.M.
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By harnessing the combined power of vitamin C and niacinamide, you’re giving your skin the best of both worlds—radiance, balance, and long-lasting protection. Embrace this dynamic duo, and watch your skin glow like never before.
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