Yes, you can use niacinamide with retinol. They are one of the easier pairings in skincare, and many people find niacinamide makes retinol easier to live with.
What each one does
Retinol is a form of vitamin A. It speeds up skin cell turnover and is one of the best-studied ingredients for fine lines, uneven texture and breakouts. The trade-off is irritation: dryness, flaking and redness, especially in the first weeks.
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. It supports the skin barrier, helps skin hold on to moisture and evens out tone. It is gentle and suits almost every skin type. Our niacinamide guide covers its benefits in full.
Why they work well together
Because niacinamide strengthens the barrier that retinol can stress, the two balance each other. Retinol does the resurfacing, and niacinamide helps the skin cope with it. Neither one weakens the other.
How to layer niacinamide and retinol
There are two simple ways to do it:
- Use them at different times: niacinamide in the morning and retinol at night. This is the easiest option if your skin is sensitive.
- Use both at night: apply the thinner product first, wait a minute, then the next. A niacinamide serum usually goes on before a retinol cream.
Always follow retinol with a moisturizer, and wear sunscreen the next morning, since retinol makes skin more sensitive to the sun.
Starting slowly
If retinol is new to you, start two or three nights a week and build up. Niacinamide can be used daily from the start. A gentle cleanser helps too. The Nourishing BioPro Cleanser contains niacinamide and panthenol along with mild fruit acids, so check how your skin feels before combining it with retinol on the same night.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use niacinamide and retinol every day?
Niacinamide, yes. Retinol is best built up slowly, a few nights a week at first.
Which goes first, niacinamide or retinol?
Apply the thinner texture first. In most routines that is the niacinamide serum, then retinol.
Can I use retinol while pregnant?
Retinoids are generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor before using them.