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“Combining Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide for Effective Skin Care”
Beauty

“Combining Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide for Effective Skin Care”

20 March 2025


Can I use Salicylic Acid Cleanser and Niacinamide Together?




When it comes to layering skincare ingredients, the general idea is to keep in mind that the pH levels of the formulation and the blend of active ingredients as an imbalance can cause a lot of damage then you’d imagine.



Luckily for us, yes, niacinamide is perfectly safe to use with salicylic acid due to the fact it contains humectant properties. This allows the ingredient to absorb moisture from the surrounding atmosphere and other product formulas and locking them into the different layers of the skin. Another unique benefit of niacinamide is the fact it can regulate sebum production of the skin making it a highly effective ingredient for those prone to acne. With salicylic acid being one of the most used BHA in blemish fighting products it makes perfect sense to team both powerhouse ingredients together.




As for the focus of today’s blog post, we will be looking into specific products formulations and how this can determine how your skin reaps the rewards. So, with that in mind, let’s investigate whether you can use salicylic acid cleanser and niacinamide together.



Can I use niacinamide with salicylic acid cleanser?




Absolutely, salicylic acid is one of the most potent skincare ingredients, it does come with some side effects of dryness and irritation. This is often a result of when you first introduce active levels of the BHA into your daily routine. If salicylic acid is a completely new ingredient for you then using a cleanser is the best start.



One of the major benefits of opting for a cleanser to introduce such a potent ingredient as salicylic acid. This is because the percentage of the ingredient is usually lower in products that don’t tend to not remain on the skin for extended amounts of time, such as face cleansers and face washes. With cleanser formulas enriched in salicylic acid you’ll slough away the build-up of layer of dead skin cells, bacteria, and impurities. This will not only keep the skin fully cleansed, but you will ensure any other products, including those packed with niacinamide applied to the skin will absorb quickly and effectively.




Can I use salicylic acid cleanser and serum together?



Yes, you can, but this is very dependent on the formula of the serum. As I have already said, salicylic acid is a highly potent skincare ingredient which is why it’s best to avoid using it with other acids, such as the popular AHA glycolic acid and lactic acid. Combining salicylic acid cleanser with a serum that is packed with hyaluronic acid will provide hydration for the skin and counteract any signs of dryness caused by the BHA. Using this duo of products will be beneficial for those prone to oily, acne-prone skin, for those who tend to be drier will find this is the best way of reaping the rewards without the unwanted skin irritation.




What goes first salicylic acid or niacinamide?



When it comes to layering salicylic acid and niacinamide it is important to remember to give the skin enough time in between applications. The reason this is considered an important part of your skincare routine is due to keeping the pH levels on the skin as neutral as possible. With salicylic acid being, well, acidic I suggest applying it to the skin first and leave 10-15 minutes to follow this with niacinamide. Niacinamide works best in an environment that has a neutral pH so leaving enough time between salicylic acid application will ensure you gain the optimal results to the complexion. If you are wanting to know more about how to use niacinamide and salicylic acid together, check out our dedicated blog post.




Is niacinamide or salicylic acid better for acne?



Both are great and highly effective to use in an anti-blemish routine. Luckily for us niacinamide and salicylic acid can be used together if they are used correctly.




Salicylic acid is oil-soluble meaning it can penetrate deeply into the pores and lower layers of the skin. This results in any build-up of excess sebum, bacteria and other impurities that lead to blemishes, acne, and breakouts. It is also able to rid the skin of dead skin cells by chemically exfoliating the complexion leaving you with cleansed, healthy skin.



Niacinamide can give the skin a boost in hydration thanks to the humectant properties. This ensures the skin barrier is fully functioning and able to protect itself from daily aggressors which causes damage to the skin. This clever humectant can also work at regulating the balance of the skin surface by maintaining the production of sebum.




Can you use salicylic acid cleanser every day?



This very much depends on your skin type and how much you have built your skin’s tolerance. For those with an oily and blemish-prone skin type you may find that using salicylic acid cleanser twice a day will ensure you are fully cleansed and clear of any blemish causing impurities.




Much like all skincare products it is best to carry out a patch test for 24 hours before applying it all over the face, especially if it includes a new ingredient. If you still have some concerns or worries you can also consult with a doctor or dermatologist to make sure you and your skin will be happy with using salicylic acid every day.



Can I use moisturiser after salicylic acid?




Yes, you can indeed! In fact, by applying moisturiser to the skin after salicylic acid will restore the natural protective barrier, replenishing the water levels and balancing the oils. The beauty of moisturisers is the fact that they help hydrate the skin, as well as form a physical barrier on the outer surface keeping damaging particles off the skin whilst locking in any active ingredients underneath.



Should I use niacinamide in the morning or night?




You can use niacinamide in the morning and night. By applying it twice a day you are ensuring the skin has constant hydration enabling it to protect itself from exposure to free radicals, such as pollution, UV rays and other environmental aggressors. When your skin barrier is full of the correct water and oil levels you will also find that any other products applied to your face will penetrate quickly because the skin is acting like a wet sponge and is highly absorbent.



I hope that today I have cleared up some questions you have about using salicylic acid cleanser with niacinamide. Don’t forget you can come and find me on Instagram if you have any questions!










DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
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