If you're building a skincare routine, chances are you’ve come across niacinamide and vitamin C as standout ingredients. Both are known for their impressive skin benefits, but can you use niacinamide with vitamin C, or will they interfere with each other?
For years, there has been confusion about combining these two ingredients, stemming from early studies and outdated theories. Today, however, dermatologists and skincare professionals agree: not only can you use niacinamide with vitamin C, but you can often get better results when you do.
When used correctly, niacinamide and vitamin C can form a powerful, complementary duo, giving your skin a balanced, science-backed boost that fits effortlessly into a modern skincare routine. Let’s explore the science, how to layer them properly and which formulated products are already combining these ingredients effectively.
What Is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin that helps support and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier. It's especially known for its ability to:
- Reduce redness and inflammation
- Improve hydration levels
- Control excess oil production
- Help even skin tone and texture
- Reduce the appearance of enlarged pores
It’s also well-tolerated across most skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. Many allmedic products are powered by niacinamide. For example, the allmedic Ultra Repair Cream features 10% niacinamide to help restore skin barrier function, calm irritation and lock in moisture and is ideal if your skin needs repair support alongside active ingredients.
Modern skincare science has confirmed: yes, you can use niacinamide with vitamin C in the same routine for glowing, balanced skin.
What Does Vitamin C Do for Your Skin?
Vitamin C is one of the most researched and well-regarded ingredients in skincare. It’s most commonly used for:
- Brightening dull complexions
- Supporting collagen production
- Reducing the appearance of pigmentation and dark spots
- Offering antioxidant protection against environmental stress
Stabilised forms, such as ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, offer high potency with less irritation and are more compatible with other actives, making them ideal for combination routines.
Can You Use Niacinamide and Vitamin C Together?
The concern around combining niacinamide and vitamin C stems from early research in the 1960s, which suggested they could cancel each other out. However, that study used unstable forms of both ingredients and conditions (high temperatures and acidic pH) that don’t reflect how modern skincare is formulated or applied.
Today, research confirms that niacinamide with vitamin C is safe, stable and often more effective together. When combined, they:
- Address multiple skin concerns at once (e.g. pigmentation, texture, inflammation)
- Complement each other’s brightening and antioxidant benefits
- Offer a balanced approach for both sensitive and resilient skin types
How to Layer Niacinamide and Vitamin C
If you’re using both ingredients separately, apply them in order of texture — typically, vitamin C serum first, followed by niacinamide. You can use them in:
- The same routine, morning or night
- Alternating routines (e.g. vitamin C in the morning, niacinamide at night)
Alternatively, you can opt for pre-formulated products that already combine the two. The allmedic Complete Repair Serum is a perfect example — it includes both Kakadu Plum - a botanical, stable form of Vitamin C and 5% niacinamide, along with other calming and brightening actives.
Products formulated to combine both actives confirm that you can use niacinamide with vitamin C, without irritation or compromise.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While using niacinamide and vitamin C together is generally safe, certain application habits or product choices can limit their effectiveness or cause irritation. Keep the following in mind:
- Using unstable forms of vitamin C: Stick to stabilised derivatives if you’re worried about irritation or combining actives.
- Over-layering with exfoliants: Avoid using strong acids like glycolic or salicylic at the same time if your skin is sensitive.
- Skipping moisturiser: Always finish your routine with a hydrating product to support the skin barrier.
Tip: The allmedic Skin Repair Cream (with niacinamide, glycolic and salicylic acids) is ideal for those looking to combine barrier support with gentle exfoliation — just alternate with vitamin C products as needed.
Recommended Products Featuring Niacinamide and/or Vitamin C
If you're ready to explore this powerhouse combo, Allmedic offers a range of formulations designed to support brighter, healthier skin, whether you're layering the ingredients or using them together in one step:
- Detoxifying Skin Lotion – Combines stabilised vitamin C, niacinamide and ferulic acid in a single formulation. Ideal for daily use on dull or congested skin.
- Optimal Eye Serum – A targeted eye treatment with stabilised vitamin C and niacinamide to help reduce dark circles and support collagen.
- Ultra Repair Cream – A niacinamide-rich moisturiser that hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier. Perfect for use after vitamin C serums.
- Skin Repair Cream – Contains niacinamide with exfoliating acids to refine texture and support blemish-prone skin. Use alongside a separate vitamin C product for added radiance.
- Complete Repair Serum - An advanced multi-faceted serum that combines potent ingredients to optimize skin function and address various signs of damage.
Final Thoughts
So, can you use niacinamide with vitamin C? Absolutely! Not only are they compatible, but when used together or in sequence, they can help you achieve clearer, brighter and more resilient skin. For best results, choose well-formulated products that prioritise ingredient stability, like those in the allmedic range, developed to work with the skin, not against it.
FAQs
Can you mix niacinamide and vitamin C in your skincare routine?
Yes, you can mix niacinamide and vitamin C in your skincare routine without causing irritation or reducing their effectiveness. When properly formulated, these ingredients actually complement each other to support brighter, clearer skin.
Should you use niacinamide before or after vitamin C?
If applying them separately, it’s generally recommended to use vitamin C first, followed by niacinamide. This layering approach allows the vitamin C to penetrate effectively before sealing in benefits with niacinamide.
What happens when you use niacinamide and vitamin C together?
When you use niacinamide and vitamin C together, the skin can benefit from both antioxidant protection and improved texture. The combination may also help reduce uneven tone, redness and signs of environmental damage.
How can I use niacinamide and vitamin C in the same routine?
Start with a vitamin C serum, let it absorb and follow with a product containing niacinamide. Alternatively, choose a single product that already includes both ingredients for convenience and consistency.
What are the benefits of using vitamin C and niacinamide together?
The benefits of using vitamin C and niacinamide together include brighter skin, reduced dark spots and improved hydration. Their combined antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make them ideal for daily use.
Is niacinamide or vitamin C better for hyperpigmentation?
Both ingredients help fade pigmentation, but vitamin C is more effective at breaking down existing spots, while niacinamide prevents new ones from forming. Together, they offer a multi-pronged approach to treating uneven skin tone.
How long should I wait between niacinamide and vitamin C?
If applying separate products, waiting 30 to 60 seconds between layers can help with absorption. However, if both ingredients are in the same formula, no wait time is needed.
