Can You Use Adapalene and Niacinamide Together?

Yes, they work well together

Yes. Niacinamide doesn’t exfoliate, so it pairs well with adapalene. Many people use a niacinamide serum or moisturizer after adapalene at night, or in the morning instead.

How to use adapalene and niacinamide in one routine

Morning

Cleanser, niacinamide, moisturizer, sunscreen

Night

Cleanser, thin layer of adapalene, niacinamide moisturizer

Why

Adapalene is the active doing the heavy lifting, and it is the one that causes early dryness. Niacinamide adds no exfoliation on top.

In a 1995 trial, 4% niacinamide gel improved inflammatory acne about as well as 1% clindamycin gel, so it is a reasonable companion for acne-prone skin.

What to watch for

Judge adapalene at 8 to 12 weeks. Adding niacinamide won’t speed it up.

Check your whole routine

The checker below starts with this pair selected. Tap anything else you use to see every pairing and a routine that keeps them apart.

Tap the actives you use (pick two or more)

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Adapalene (Differin) + Niacinamide
Fine together
Niacinamide is not an exfoliant, so it doesn’t stack irritation. It pairs well with most actives. Read more

A routine that keeps them apart

Morning

Cleanser → Niacinamide → moisturizer → sunscreen

Night

Cleanser → Adapalene (Differin) → Niacinamide → moisturizer

On a prescription? Ask your prescriber before adding other actives. Want this checked against your actual products? Acnera scans your whole routine.

Frequently asked questions