The Ordinary Niacinamide before or after moisturizer?

Where does it go in your routine?

1. 1Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
2. 2Apply a few drops of Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% to your face.
3. 3Follow with moisturizer.
4. 4In the morning, finish with broad spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher.

If you already use The Ordinary Multi Active Delivery Essence, apply it after cleansing and toning, then follow with the niacinamide serum. The essence and serum can be used alone or together, so a pairing is not a summons to recruit more bottles.4

Do you still need moisturizer?

Niacinamide can support the skin barrier, the outer layer that helps keep water in your skin. Moisturizer adds moisture and helps prevent water from escaping, so sharing an interest in hydration does not make the two products interchangeable employees. Choose your moisturizer for the dryness you actually have, rather than assuming a serum has replaced that step.35

• For dry skin, choose a cream or ointment rather than a lighter lotion.
• For oily skin, a lighter gel is an option; too much moisturizer can contribute to clogged pores.
• For combination skin, concentrate moisturizer on dry areas rather than automatically covering oily areas.
• For dry or sensitive skin, choose fragrance free products. Unscented does not necessarily mean fragrance free.

What if your skin dries out while you layer?

For dry facial skin, keep the routine short enough to apply moisturizer within five minutes of washing. Moisturizer helps trap water when skin is still damp. Use lukewarm rather than hot water, pat gently instead of rubbing, and avoid scrubbing away flakes. These are general dry skin measures, not special application rules for the serum.36

What about vitamin C or retinol?

The Ordinary directs you to keep this serum and vitamin C products in separate routines, including direct and indirect vitamin C.1

Retinol has a different layering exception: a thin layer of moisturizer before retinol can help if retinol irritates your skin. That is general retinol guidance, not a reason to reverse the niacinamide order. If you use a separate retinol serum, avoid unnecessarily doubling up with retinol in your moisturizer.2

What should you expect?

The serum targets excess oil, dullness, uneven texture and visible pores. Early changes in radiance and plumpness can appear within 15 minutes, with smoother texture within a week. Changes in oiliness and pore appearance take continued use.1

When should you stop?

Use the serum only on unbroken skin and patch test first. Apply a small amount to clean upper forearm skin, keep it dry, and rinse after 24 hours. Do not use it if redness, burning, itching, blistering or irritation develops. If irritation occurs during facial use, rinse off, stop using the serum and consult a physician.1

If dryness persists despite changing your moisturizing routine, or becomes painful, cracked, bleeding or very irritating, see a dermatologist. More serum is not the next step for skin that needs its dryness assessed.36