How to mix niacinamide with moisturizer

How do you mix them?

1. 1Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
2. 2Use your products' application directions for the amounts. Combine the niacinamide serum and moisturizer for that application, rather than inventing a universal drops to cream ratio.
3. 3Apply the combination to your face and neck.
4. 4In the morning, apply sunscreen afterward. Apply makeup after your skincare, if you wear it.

A moisturizer containing niacinamide gives you another way to use both together, without making your palm the formulation department.1

Should niacinamide go before or after moisturizer?

For separate layers, the general routine order is a thin serum before a thicker moisturizer, although niacinamide can also be applied after moisturizer. Follow any specific directions on your product. Applying lighter products first helps them reach the skin rather than having to pass through a thick cream.13

Keep prescribed skin treatments as their own step and follow their directions. The general order is cleanser, medication or treatment, then moisturizer and sunscreen. Permission to combine a cosmetic serum and moisturizer is not a reason to combine every treatment in the routine.2

How often should you use the combination?

Niacinamide can generally be used once or twice daily after cleansing, in the morning or evening. Start slowly with a low concentration if your skin is sensitive. Most skincare products contain 5% niacinamide or less.1

Which moisturizer should you choose?

Choose a gentle moisturizer and avoid heavily fragranced products. For skin prone to acne, look for wording such as "noncomedogenic" or "won't clog pores." These descriptions mean the moisturizer is unlikely to cause acne. Moisturizer remains useful even when skin feels oily, especially if acne treatments are making it dry.34

Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, adapalene, tretinoin and isotretinoin can dry and irritate skin. Daily moisturizer can help skin tolerate these treatments. Adding niacinamide does not change the prescribed treatment schedule.4

What can you expect, and when?

Niacinamide supports the skin barrier, the outer layer that helps retain water. Moisturizer also helps limit water loss. Together, they address hydration rather than making moisturizer redundant, however impressive the serum's job description looks.35

Think in weeks for changes in oiliness or skin appearance. A formulated 2% niacinamide moisturizer reduced oil production over 4 to 6 weeks. A 5% topical niacinamide product improved pigmentation, texture and fine lines in a 12 week study. Those are useful examples of strengths and timescales when choosing a finished product, rather than a timetable for a mixture you make yourself. Niacinamide does not prevent sunburn, so sunscreen stays in the morning routine.5

What should make you stop?

Niacinamide can rarely cause itching, redness, mild burning or an allergic reaction. Test a small amount on your forearm and wait 24 hours before wider use. Avoid adding several niacinamide products at once.1

If a new product causes irritation, stop using it and make an appointment with a dermatologist. Introduce fewer new products at a time so you can identify which product is causing trouble.3