Can I use The Ordinary Peeling Solution with niacinamide?

How do I use them in the same routine?

1. 1Cleanse and let your skin dry completely. Use the peel ideally in the evening, once or twice a week at most.
2. 2Apply the peel evenly to your face and neck with your fingertips. Avoid the eye area during application and rinsing.
3. 3Leave the peel on for no more than 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
4. 4Apply moisturizer immediately after exfoliating. A moisturizer containing niacinamide is one way to include both in the routine.
5. 5If you use a separate niacinamide serum, applying it after moisturizer is an option. Follow the serum's own directions as well.

A niacinamide moisturizer lets you keep the routine simple, even if the peel's name has other ambitions. You do not need to add a separate niacinamide serum when you already use a product containing it.1

What does niacinamide add?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. It may support the skin barrier, the protective layer that helps retain moisture and keep irritants out. It can also soothe irritation caused by strong exfoliants such as glycolic acid. Those are useful properties alongside exfoliation, but niacinamide is not a reason to continue a peel that is irritating your skin.1

Niacinamide can generally be used once or twice daily, including on days without the peel. The two products do not need matching schedules, despite sharing a bathroom shelf.1

Who should skip the peel?

The Ordinary reserves this peel for experienced acid users. Do not use it on sensitive, peeling or damaged skin, or on sunburn or open wounds. Strong exfoliation can also increase dark spots, particularly in darker skin tones or skin that develops dark marks after inflammation.34

Do not pair the peel with other direct acids, retinoids, direct vitamin C or peptides. If you use prescription retinoids, retinol or benzoyl peroxide, exfoliation can worsen dryness and irritation. Niacinamide does not remove those concerns.34

What should I test or stop for?

Patch test the peel first on a small, clean area of your upper forearm. Keep the area dry and rinse within its maximum contact time. Do not use it if you develop redness, burning, itching, blisters or irritation. Test a new niacinamide product separately too; niacinamide can rarely cause redness, itching, mild burning or an allergic reaction.14

If the peel irritates your skin, rinse it off, stop using it and consult a doctor. Wash off any new product that causes a reaction and do not use it again. A dermatologist can help manage a severe reaction or identify a trigger that is difficult to pinpoint.45

The peel can increase sun sensitivity and sunburn risk. Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing and limit sun exposure during use and for the following week.4