Can You Use Niacinamide and Retinol Together?

Yes, they work well together

Yes. Niacinamide and retinol are a common, well-tolerated pairing, and you can use them in the same routine. If your skin is new to retinol, start slowly no matter what you pair it with.

How to use niacinamide and retinol in one routine

Morning

Cleanser, niacinamide, moisturizer, sunscreen

Night

Cleanser, retinol, niacinamide or a niacinamide moisturizer

Why

Retinol is a retinoid, the ingredient most likely to cause dryness here. Niacinamide doesn’t exfoliate, so it doesn’t add to that irritation.

You will also find the two combined in many single products, which is an easy way to use them together.

What to watch for

Retinol is the one to watch. Start with two or three nights a week and build 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)

1 pairing checked

Niacinamide + Retinol
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 → Niacinamide → Retinol → 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