How to use pure niacinamide serum

How do you apply niacinamide serum?

1. 1Test a small amount on your forearm first. Wait 24 hours to check for a reaction before applying the serum more widely.
2. 2Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and gently pat dry.
3. 3Apply the serum using the amount on its label. As one product example, The Ordinary recommends 2 to 3 drops of Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% for the whole face and neck.
4. 4Apply moisturizer. The usual treatment order is cleanser, treatment, then moisturizer, but follow your serum's directions if they specify a different order.
5. 5In the morning, use broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Apply makeup afterward, if you use it.

Niacinamide does not work as sunscreen or prevent sunburn. For The Ordinary's water based serum, apply it before oils and heavier moisturizers, and let each product fully absorb before adding the next layer.35

What strength and frequency should you choose?

Most skincare products contain 5% niacinamide or less, although concentrations vary. A lower concentration is a sensible starting point for sensitive skin. You can use niacinamide in your morning or evening routine; twice daily is an option, not a requirement. For sensitive skin using The Ordinary's 10% serum, the brand suggests starting 1 to 2 days a week and increasing gradually if tolerated.13

Can you use it with other skincare?

Niacinamide can be paired with hyaluronic acid, ceramide moisturizers, retinol and glycolic acid. Vitamin C instructions depend on the formula: general niacinamide guidance allows pairing, but The Ordinary advises against combining its Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% with direct or indirect vitamin C. Follow the directions for the bottle you own rather than treating every niacinamide serum as interchangeable.13

Niacinamide is optional alongside other active ingredients, so adding a serum is not a compulsory upgrade to having a face. Avoid using several niacinamide products at once, and keep the number of treatments manageable: too many skincare products can irritate skin.123

What should you expect, and how long does it take?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. Topical use can improve the skin barrier, which helps skin retain moisture, and can improve uneven pigmentation and signs of aging. It is generally well tolerated. Pores can look less noticeable, but niacinamide does not shrink their actual size.156

Expect changes over weeks rather than an immediate transformation. A 2% niacinamide moisturizer reduced facial oiliness over 4 to 6 weeks. Improvements in wrinkles were reported after eight weeks with a 4% cosmetic, while a 5% topical formula improved pigmentation, texture and fine lines in a 12 week study. Those timings describe the tested formulas, not a fixed deadline for every serum.5

What if it feels sticky or irritates your skin?

The Ordinary's serum can feel sticky or pill under makeup when excess product or incorrect layering leaves it sitting on the surface, which is a rather elaborate way to manufacture eraser crumbs. Use the label amount, allow layers to absorb, and alternate products on different days if they do not layer well together.3

Niacinamide can occasionally cause itching, burning, redness or an allergic reaction. Stop using a serum that causes irritation rather than pushing through it. If you have ongoing concerns about reactions or fitting the serum around other treatments, see a dermatologist.123