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Home > Skin & Beauty > Can Niacinamide and Vitamin C Be Used Together?

Can Niacinamide and Vitamin C Be Used Together?

April 29, 2022 - Updated on November 2, 2022
8 min read
By Sarita Sanke, MD | Dermatology

In this article:

  • Can Niacinamide and Vitamin C Be Used at the Same Time?
  • What Is Niacinamide and What Are Its Benefits?
  • What Is Vitamin C and What Are Its Benefits?
  • How to Layer Niacinamide and Vitamin C
  • What Kind of Products Are Most Effective?
  • Precautions When Using Niacinamide and Vitamin C Serum
  • Side Effects of Using Niacinamide and Vitamin C Together
  • Should You Layer Niacinamide Before or After Vitamin C?
  • Final Word

Niacinamide and vitamin C are both popular skin care ingredients found in several beauty products.

can niacinamide and vitamin C be used together?

While both are touted as excellent remedies individually, several myths surround the use of niacinamide and vitamin C together. Some sources state that they negate each other’s effects, while others suggest that using the two together can cause skin irritation.

However, there is no scientific evidence behind these claims. This article will take a deeper look at the issue.

Can Niacinamide and Vitamin C Be Used at the Same Time?

Yes. You can actually use both niacinamide and vitamin C in your skin care routine without fear of any adverse effects. Recent studies indicate that both these ingredients may work together to improve your skin health and brighten your skin tone. (1)

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All the claims about the ill effects of combining these two ingredients stem from research studies published in the 1960s. They showed that ascorbic acid and niacinamide combined to form nicotinic acid in the lab.

However, the vitamin C formulations used in skin care products are way more stable and less concentrated than ascorbic acid, and such reactions are not possible in normal conditions. Hence, the aforementioned research studies are outdated and inaccurate. (2)

Thus, you can use a single product containing niacinamide and vitamin C or use different products by layering them.

What Is Niacinamide and What Are Its Benefits?

skin benefits of niacinamide

Niacinamide is a derivative of vitamin B3. (3) It is a natural compound found in many plants and animals. It is a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage and photodamage, making it look younger and fresher. (4)

Moreover, niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin and helps hydrate the skin deeply. It is known for rejuvenating the skin and clearing away blemishes, dark spots, and wrinkles. (5)

A lot of skin benefits are associated with the use of niacinamide. Some of them are:

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  1. Tackles hyperpigmentation: Niacinamide is known to lighten dark spots and treat hyperpigmentation due to its antioxidant properties. (6)
  2. Repairs the skin barrier function: Niacinamide stimulates ceramide production and collagen production in the skin and also keeps it hydrated. (7)
  3. Fights aging: The antioxidant properties of niacinamide help fight the signs of aging – wrinkles and fine lines. It also stimulates collagen production that helps treat saggy skin. (8)(9)
  4. Provides hydration and helps treat abnormally dry skin: 2% niacinamide has proven to be more effective in hydrating the skin than other over-the-counter moisturizers and Vaseline. (10)(11)
  5. Reduces skin oiliness: Niacinamide can help control sebum production and reduce pore size. (12)
  6. Curbs acne: Niacinamide has strong anti-inflammatory properties that help clear acne. Some studies indicate that 4% niacinamide is as useful as a mild topical antibiotic when it comes to acne treatment. (13)
  7. Lightens skin: Niacinamide has antioxidant properties that help clear skin discoloration and hyperpigmentation. (14)
  8. Treats some skin concerns: Niacinamide can be helpful in treating skin conditions that cause inflammation and irritation, such as dermatitis and rosacea, due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties. (15)

What Is Vitamin C and What Are Its Benefits?

skin care benefits offered by vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential vitamin required for many different bodily functions. It is highly beneficial for the skin and helps keep it bright, blemish-free, and soft. (16)

Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, berries, and green leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach. (17)(18) It is not naturally synthesized by the body and hence needs to be supplemented via your diet.

Topical application of vitamin C (10–20%) can help treat a variety of skin issues. (19)(20)

The benefits of vitamin C application include: (21)

  1. Fades dark spots and helps even skin tone: Topical application of vitamin C helps fight hyperpigmentation and dark spots. (22)
  2. Plays a vital role in collagen production: Vitamin C helps stabilize collagen levels in the body and protects it from degradation. (16)
  3. Protects the skin: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can protect the skin against free radical damage. (17) It is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties. (18)
  4. Prevents photoaging: Vitamin C has antioxidant properties that can protect the skin from the damage caused by exposure to UV rays. (17)(19)
  5. Fights aging: Vitamin C helps delay the signs of aging by reducing elastin levels in the skin, which prevents wrinkles, fine lines, and saggy skin. (17)(20)(23)(24)
  6. Replenishes vitamin E: Vitamin C also helps replenish levels of vitamin E. (17)
    Facilitates wound healing: Vitamin C is known to promote wound healing and fading of scars. (25)
  7. Relieves dry skin: Vitamin C helps moisturize the skin deeply and can be an effective cure for dry skin. (26)

How to Layer Niacinamide and Vitamin C

Here are a few ways to use vitamin C and niacinamide together:

ways to use and layer niacinamide with vitamin C for skin care

1. Use your vitamin C serum first, and let it dry.

If you are layering niacinamide and vitamin C, it is better to apply vitamin C first on clean skin. Let it dry for a couple of minutes before applying niacinamide.

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2. Find a product with both ingredients.

You can use a serum or cream containing both ingredients. There are several combination products available on the market.

3. Use niacinamide-containing moisturizers.

Nowadays, niacinamide can also be found in moisturizers and toners. Since it is water-soluble and increases skin hydration, it may be a good idea to use a moisturizer containing niacinamide.

4. Use them alternately.

You can follow the AM/PM routine in the application of vitamin C and niacinamide. Apply one product in the morning and the other in the evening.

What Kind of Products Are Most Effective?

what type of skin care products can offer maximum benefits?

Niacinamide and vitamin C are common skin care ingredients found in a variety of products including serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and toners.

However, serums remain the best formulation for these ingredients to be absorbed into the skin for maximum benefit. Both vitamin C and niacinamide are water-soluble and easily absorbed in serum form.

Ideally, the niacinamide concentration should be 2%–10%, whereas vitamin C can be found in the range of 5%–10%.

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Precautions When Using Niacinamide and Vitamin C Serum

Here are some precautions you can follow when using niacinamide and vitamin C:

  1. Always perform a patch test before applying anything on your face or skin.
  2. Remember to cleanse your face before applying any serums.

Side Effects of Using Niacinamide and Vitamin C Together

There are a few uncommon side effects associated with the use of niacinamide and vitamin C. They are:

  • Allergic reactions: hives, skin irritation, swelling, etc., especially when overused or applied in high concentrations
  • Mild redness in some people when using vitamin C

Should You Layer Niacinamide Before or After Vitamin C?

should you layer niacinamide before/after vitamin C?

You can apply vitamin C serum on your face first, let it dry, and then use niacinamide. This way, the chances of having an adverse skin reaction are reduced.

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Final Word

Niacinamide and vitamin C are completely safe to use together and are, in fact, beneficial for your skin. You can use a single product containing both ingredients or layer them.

If you have sensitive skin, you may want to use one in the morning and the other in the evening.

References
  1. Telang PS. Vitamin C in dermatology. Indian dermatology online journal. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673383/. Published April 2013.
  2. Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579659/. Published August 12, 2017.
  3. Makarov MV, Trammell SAJ, Migaud ME. The chemistry of the Vitamin B3 metabolome. Biochemical Society transactions. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6411094/. Published February 28, 2019.
  4. Basto R; Andrade R; Nunes C; Lima SAC; Reis S; Topical delivery of niacinamide to skin using hybrid Nanogels enhances photoprotection effect. Pharmaceutics. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34834383/.
  5. Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin – researchgate.net. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6650737/.
  6. Hakozaki T; Minwalla L; Zhuang J; Chhoa M; Matsubara A; Miyamoto K; Greatens A; Hillebrand GG; Bissett DL; Boissy RE; The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer. The British journal of dermatology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/.
  7. Topical niacinamide provides skin aging appearance … https://www.researchgate.net/publication/291992098/.
  8. Development of cosmeceuticals – researchgate. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Basavaraj-Nanjwade/publication/316415313/.
  9. D; FPZJB. Efficacy and tolerability of a skin brightening/anti-aging cosmeceutical containing retinol 0.5%, niacinamide, Hexylresorcinol, and resveratrol. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27391637/.
  10. Purnamawati S, Indrastuti N, Danarti R, Saefudin T. The role of moisturizers in addressing various kinds of dermatitis: A review. Clinical medicine & research. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5849435/. Published December 2017.
  11. Christman JC; Fix DK; Lucus SC; Watson D; Desmier E; Wilkerson RJ; Fixler C; Two randomized, controlled, comparative studies of the stratum corneum integrity benefits of two cosmetic niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers vs. conventional body moisturizers. Journal of drugs in dermatology: JDD. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206073/.
  12. Endly DC, Miller RA. Oily skin: A review of treatment options. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5605215/. Published August 2017.
  13. Khodaeiani E; Fouladi RF; Amirnia M; Saeidi M; Karimi ER; Topical 4% nicotinamide vs. 1% clindamycin in moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris. International journal of dermatology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23786503/.
  14. Navarrete-Solís J, Castanedo-Cázares JP, Torres-Álvarez B, et al. A double-blind, randomized clinical trial of niacinamide 4% versus hydroquinone 4% in the treatment of Melasma. Dermatology research and practice. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3142702/. Published 2011.
  15. J; WAS-JAAJG. Topical application of NADH for the treatment of rosacea and contact dermatitis. Clinical and experimental dermatology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12558633/.
  16. Ganceviciene R, Liakou AI, Theodoridis A, Makrantonaki E, Zouboulis CC. Skin anti-aging strategies. Dermato-endocrinology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583892/. Published July 1, 2012.
  17. Al-Niaimi F, Chiang NYZ. Topical vitamin C and the skin: Mechanisms of action and clinical applications. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5605218/. Published July 2017.
  18. Addor FAS. Antioxidants in dermatology. Anais brasileiros de dermatologia. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5514576/. Published 2017.
  19. DePhillipo NN, Aman ZS, Kennedy MI, Begley JP, Moatshe G, LaPrade RF. Efficacy of vitamin C supplementation on collagen synthesis and oxidative stress after musculoskeletal injuries: A systematic review. Orthopaedic journal of sports medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6204628/. Published October 25, 2018.
  20. EF; FRER. Double-blind, half-face study comparing topical vitamin C and vehicle for rejuvenation of photodamage. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11896774/.
  21. Lobo V, Patil A, Phatak A, Chandra N. Free radicals, antioxidants and Functional Foods: Impact on human health. Pharmacognosy reviews. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249911/. Published July 2010.
  22. Sanadi RM, Deshmukh RS. The effect of vitamin C on melanin pigmentation – A systematic review. Journal of oral and maxillofacial pathology: JOMFP. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7802860/. Published 2020.
  23. (PDF) topically applied vitamin C increases the density of … https://www.researchgate.net/publication/8258060/.
  24. Topical ascorbic acid on photoaged skin. clinical … https://www.researchgate.net/publication/10694441/.
  25. Mohammed BM, Fisher BJ, Kraskauskas D, et al. Vitamin C promotes wound healing through novel pleiotropic mechanisms. International wound journal. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7949787/. Published August 2016.
  26. Michalak M, Pierzak M, Kręcisz B, Suliga E. Bioactive compounds for skin health: A Review. Nutrients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7827176/. Published January 12, 2021.
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