The Ordinary Niacinamide before or after hyaluronic acid?

Which order should you choose?

Both are water based serums, so neither has a compulsory position ahead of the other. The order can follow your main concern, rather than turning two bottles into an administrative dispute. You can use them together in the same morning or evening routine; there is no need to put one in the morning and reserve the other for bedtime.2

How to layer the two serums

1. 1Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and gently pat dry.
2. 2Apply your first serum. Use 2 to 3 drops of Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% for your face and neck, or a few drops of Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 with Ceramides.
3. 3Let the first serum absorb before applying the second. If hyaluronic acid goes first, let it dry completely before the next layer.
4. 4Apply moisturizer after the serums. Keep these water based serums before oils and heavier creams.
5. 5Apply sunscreen in your daytime routine, then makeup if you wear it.

Does hyaluronic acid need damp skin?

No. The Ordinary's original Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and its version with Ceramides hydrate on wet or dry skin. Wet skin is not an entry requirement for hyaluronic acid, despite the amount of paperwork this step seems to attract. You do not need to wet your face again after niacinamide. Following hyaluronic acid with moisturizer boosts hydration.2

What if the serums feel sticky or pill?

Too much Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% can leave excess product on the skin. Layering before products have absorbed can also cause stickiness or pilling under makeup. Keep the amount small and let each layer absorb rather than adding more serum. If the combination still pills, use the formulations on different days instead of forcing them into one routine.1

What should you expect from using both?

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 with Ceramides provides immediate hydration and plumping. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% targets excess oil, visible shine, uneven texture and brightness while supporting the skin barrier. The pair suits hydration needs in oily and combination skin as well as dry skin. Niacinamide can improve the appearance of pores, but it does not shrink their actual size.24

How often should you use them?

The Ordinary allows Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% twice daily and directs use of Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 with Ceramides morning and evening. Introduce new products gradually. For sensitive skin, start the niacinamide serum 1 to 2 days a week and increase as tolerated. General niacinamide guidance favors starting with a lower concentration for sensitive skin, so this 10% serum is not your only option.124

Before facial use, test a small amount on your inner forearm twice daily for four to five days. Proceed only if there is no redness, itching or other reaction. Stop these serums if they sting, burn or irritate your skin. For a prescribed product, ask your dermatologist about stinging before stopping it. Seek a dermatologist's advice if you have concerns about a reaction or fitting the serums around skin medication.35

If your routine also contains vitamin C, The Ordinary advises against pairing Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% with direct or indirect vitamin C because the combination can reduce effectiveness. That restriction is separate from hyaluronic acid, which pairs with this niacinamide serum.1