Can I use The Ordinary Niacinamide with retinol?

Why use them together?

Retinol is a retinoid, the name for the vitamin A family used in skincare. It targets uneven tone, pigmentation and texture. Niacinamide is vitamin B3 and supports the skin barrier, which helps hold moisture in. It can also soothe irritation associated with retinol. These are complementary benefits, not a reason to push through irritation. Niacinamide is optional alongside retinol, because a skincare routine does not need a supporting cast for every bottle.1234

How to layer them at night

1. 1Wash with a gentle cleanser and gently pat your face dry.
2. 2Apply 2 to 3 drops of Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% across your face and neck. Let the serum absorb before adding the next product.
3. 3Apply your retinol according to its own directions. The niacinamide serum goes before oils and heavier creams; the retinol label determines its amount and any specific instructions.
4. 4Finish with moisturizer.

If you use a prescribed retinoid such as tretinoin rather than cosmetic retinol, follow your medication instructions instead of automatically inserting this serum first. General medication layering places treatment directly after cleansing, before moisturizer.56

How often should you use them?

The Ordinary allows Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% twice daily, morning and evening. Sensitive skin can start with the serum on 1 to 2 days a week and increase gradually if tolerated. For a new cosmetic retinol, general guidance is to choose a low strength, begin every other night and build up slowly. Niacinamide's daily schedule does not mean retinol needs the same schedule.23

Use retinol at night and protect your skin during the day with sunscreen, shade and protective clothing. Retinoids can increase sun sensitivity.3

What if the serum feels sticky or pills?

Too much serum or incorrect layering can leave Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% sticky or cause pilling, so extra serum is not extra credit. Use the small amount above and let each layer absorb. If the formulas still layer poorly, use niacinamide in the morning and retinol at night instead.2

How long before you see a difference?

With regular niacinamide use, hydration and texture improvements often appear within a few weeks; allow 4 to 8 weeks for visible results. Dark spots and fine lines can take longer. That is a niacinamide timeline, not a deadline for the combined routine, because two compatible ingredients do not come with a shared delivery date.1

Who should be careful?

Patch test new products before introducing them. For niacinamide, apply a small amount to your forearm and wait 24 hours. Niacinamide can rarely cause itching, burning, redness or an allergic reaction. Sensitive skin can start with a lower concentration rather than choosing 10% automatically.4

Do not use retinoids during pregnancy. If you already have substantial dryness, skin allergies or persistent redness, ask a dermatologist before starting retinol. Retinoids can worsen eczema and cause peeling or dry skin. Irritation can also trigger dark marks in darker skin.36

Stop irritating products if you develop burning, painful redness or cracking, and use moisturizer rather than adding more actives. Seek medical advice for persistent irritation, swelling or blistering. Repeated exposure to several irritants can damage the skin barrier even when the ingredients are compatible.7