Daily Skincare Routine with Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid

Can I Use Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide Together? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

When it comes to skincare staples, two ingredients consistently stand out as true heroes: hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.

These powerhouse ingredients are celebrated for their ability to hydrate, soothe, and improve the appearance of the skin. But a question that often arises is—can they be used together?

In this blog post, we’ll explore this popular skincare combination, break down what each ingredient does, and provide you with expert tips on how to use them both in your daily routine for the best results.

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in maintaining healthy skin.

It’s loved for its ability to support the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, regulate oil production, and fade pigmentation. Niacinamide is one of the most versatile and well-tolerated ingredients available.

Key Benefits of Niacinamide:

Hydrates the skin: It works as a humectant, helping to draw moisture into the skin and hold it there.

Regulates oil production: Ideal for oily or acne-prone skin, it helps control excess sebum.

Reduces redness and blotchiness: Calms irritated skin and improves uneven tone.

Improves skin barrier function: Strengthens the outer layer of skin, protecting against environmental aggressors.

Fades dark spots: Helps reduce hyperpigmentation and acne marks over time.

Minimizes pore appearance: Makes pores appear smaller and skin look smoother.

Niacinamide is suitable for all skin types and is particularly helpful for people dealing with sensitivity, dryness, or breakouts.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance in the body that retains moisture. It’s known for its incredible hydrating abilities—holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water.

Used in skincare, hyaluronic acid draws moisture from the environment and deeper layers of skin to the surface, leaving the skin plump, hydrated, and supple.

Key Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid:

Deep hydration: It draws moisture into the skin, keeping it soft and bouncy.

Strengthens skin barrier: A well-hydrated barrier is better able to protect against environmental damage.

Reduces fine lines: Hydrated skin appears smoother and more youthful.

Improves skin texture: Helps create a smooth, glowing complexion.

Suitable for all skin types: Especially beneficial for dry, dehydrated, or mature skin.

Soothes irritated skin: Helps calm redness caused by dryness or environmental stress.

HA is commonly found in serums, moisturizers, and even cleansers, and it works well alongside a variety of other ingredients.

Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide Together?

Yes, absolutely! Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are two of the most compatible ingredients in skincare.

When used together, they can amplify each other’s benefits, leading to deeply hydrated, calm, and balanced skin.

Why They Work So Well Together:

Both are water-based, so they layer well without causing product separation or pilling.

HA boosts hydration, which helps niacinamide absorb more efficiently.

Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier, locking in the moisture brought by HA.

The combination improves the skin’s texture, reduces redness, and enhances overall radiance.

How to Use Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide Together

Here’s how to combine these two skincare heroes effectively in your daily routine.

Option 1: Layering in the Same Routine

Start with clean, damp skin.

After cleansing, lightly pat your skin dry but leave it slightly damp. This helps hyaluronic acid perform better.

Apply hyaluronic acid first.

Use a serum or essence containing HA and gently pat it into your skin. This draws water into the skin and preps it for the next step.

Follow with niacinamide.

Apply a niacinamide serum or moisturizer. It will lock in the moisture and help reduce excess oil and redness.

Finish with moisturizer and SPF (if daytime).

Use a nourishing moisturizer to seal everything in, and always wear sunscreen during the day.

Option 2: Use in Different Routines

Morning: Apply hyaluronic acid to hydrate and protect the barrier for the day ahead.

Evening: Apply niacinamide to repair the skin and target oiliness, blemishes, and pigmentation while you sleep.

This method is ideal if your products are highly concentrated or if you’re easing into a new routine.

Do You Use Niacinamide Before or After Hyaluronic Acid?

It’s usually best to apply hyaluronic acid first, especially if it’s in a thinner serum. Then apply niacinamide after.

A general rule of thumb: apply skincare from thinnest to thickest consistency. So, if your niacinamide serum is thicker than your hyaluronic acid serum, apply HA first.

Can I Use Niacinamide Every Day?

Yes, you can use niacinamide daily—and many people use it twice a day without irritation.

It’s known for being gentle, even for sensitive skin, and it helps your skin maintain hydration, balance oil production, and reduce inflammation over time.

Niacinamide is especially useful in the winter months, when skin is prone to dryness from cold weather and indoor heating. It helps restore hydration and prevent barrier damage.

Can I Use Hyaluronic Acid Every Day?

Absolutely. In fact, hyaluronic acid is most effective when used consistently, ideally twice a day.

Here’s how to get the most out of it:

Apply to slightly damp skin to trap moisture effectively.

Use before thicker creams or oils, as HA needs to absorb freely.

Don’t use it on dry skin without adding moisture—it can pull water from deeper layers and dry your skin out.

HA acts as a foundational layer that supports other skincare steps, keeping your skin hydrated and comfortable.

Which is Better—Hyaluronic Acid or Niacinamide?

Both ingredients are incredible, and choosing between them depends on your skin’s needs.

Skin Concern Best Ingredient

Dry, tight, or flaky skin Hyaluronic acid

Oily or acne-prone skin Niacinamide

Uneven tone or dark spots Niacinamide

Fine lines from dehydration Hyaluronic acid

Sensitive or reactive skin Both are great

There’s no need to choose between them—using both is the most effective strategy for balanced, hydrated, and healthy skin.

Is Niacinamide or Hyaluronic Acid Better for Acne?

While both can benefit acne-prone skin, niacinamide is especially useful due to its ability to regulate sebum, calm inflammation, and fade acne scars.

However, hyaluronic acid plays a supportive role by maintaining hydration. Acne treatments like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can dry the skin, and HA helps keep it moisturized and soothed.

What Not to Mix With Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid plays well with almost every skincare ingredient, including:

Retinol, Vitamin C, AHAs and BHAs (like glycolic or salicylic acid), Peptides, Ceramides

It’s so gentle and compatible that it often helps buffer stronger ingredients, reducing the risk of dryness or irritation.

Final Thoughts: Should You Use Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid Together?

Yes, you should. This combination is safe, effective, and beneficial for nearly all skin types and concerns.

Together, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid:

Hydrate and plump the skin

Regulate oil production

Reduce redness and inflammation

Improve skin tone and texture

Support the skin barrier

Whether you’re new to skincare or building a complete routine, this dynamic duo deserves a spot in your daily regimen.

Pro Tip: Want an easy routine? Look for a single serum that combines both ingredients, or use one product with HA and follow up with another containing niacinamide. Simple, effective, and efficient.

If you’ve got more questions about skincare layering, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for daily tips and expert advice!

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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