Can I use The Ordinary Niacinamide with tretinoin?

What does niacinamide add?

The serum targets excess shine, uneven texture and dullness while supporting the skin barrier, which helps keep moisture in. Niacinamide also has moisturizing, soothing and anti inflammatory effects. Adding a serum is optional, not an admission requirement for using tretinoin.12

Niacinamide containing moisturizers have helped reduce tretinoin related side effects. A separate 10% serum is a different formulation, so choose it for its own benefits rather than expecting it to prevent tretinoin irritation.4

How should I fit them into my routine?

A simple option is morning niacinamide and evening tretinoin:

1. 1Patch test the niacinamide serum before adding it to your routine.
2. 2In the morning, cleanse gently, then apply 2 to 3 drops of serum across the face and neck. Let it absorb before applying heavier moisturizer.
3. 3Apply sunscreen offering broad spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher and water resistance. Choose a noncomedogenic sunscreen, meaning one formulated not to clog pores.
4. 4At bedtime, wash your hands and cleanse with a mild, nonabrasive cleanser. Let your skin dry as directed for your tretinoin.
5. 5Apply tretinoin with clean fingertips in a thin layer over the affected area. Keep it away from eyes, mouth and nose corners, and do not apply it to sunburned skin or areas affected by eczema.

The serum can be used twice daily, but that is not a starting requirement. For sensitive skin, The Ordinary suggests beginning on 1 to 2 days a week and increasing gradually if tolerated. Stop the serum if it irritates your skin.1

If tretinoin causes irritation, your dermatologist can adjust the amount or frequency, or advise applying moisturizer first. Make those prescription changes with your dermatologist rather than changing the dose yourself.5

If the serum feels sticky or pills, use less and let each layer absorb before the next. Too much serum or unsuitable layering can leave product sitting on the surface. Alternating products is another option when layers pill, because a skincare routine does not need to manufacture eraser crumbs.1

What else should I avoid adding?

The Ordinary advises against pairing this serum with direct or indirect vitamin C. Separately, do not add other topical medicines, including benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, to tretinoin unless your doctor directs you. Compatibility with niacinamide does not override prescription instructions.13

What should I expect?

Tretinoin can initially worsen acne, particularly during the first 7 to 10 days. Early improvement can appear within a few weeks, but allow at least 6 to 8 weeks to judge fewer breakouts from an acne treatment plan. Fine wrinkle improvement takes about 3 to 4 months, sometimes up to 6 months. Adding niacinamide is not a reason to increase tretinoin beyond your prescribed amount.35

When should I contact my doctor?

Tell your doctor about severe or persistent dryness, burning, peeling, redness, swelling or blistering. Call immediately for a rash, hives, itching, or pain or discomfort at the treatment area. Seek review for deep, painful acne, scarring or acne that is not improving rather than adding more serum.36

Tell your prescriber if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using tretinoin, call your doctor. Niacinamide's compatibility with retinoids does not settle whether tretinoin is appropriate during pregnancy.3