Can we use Niacinamide and Glycolic Acid together?

Niacinamide and glycolic acid are both popular skincare ingredients, but many people wonder, can we use niacinamide and glycolic acid together? Medically, niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that helps reduce inflammation, strengthen the skin barrier, and improve hydration. Glycolic acid, on the other hand, is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates dead skin cells, improves texture, and boosts skin renewal.

Using them together without care can reduce their effectiveness or cause irritation. That’s why it’s important to understand how to layer or time their use properly for the best results.

1. NIACINAMIDE (Vitamin B3)

What it is

Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3 used in skincare to improve overall skin health. It works with the skin barrier rather than exfoliating it.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is made from:

1. Tryptophan – an amino acid found in foods like meat, eggs, and dairy. The body can convert tryptophan into niacinamide.
2. Niacin (Vitamin B3) – it can also be directly converted into niacinamide in the body.

So basically, your body can get niacinamide from certain foods or from tryptophan in protein-rich foods.

What it does

• Strengthens the skin barrier
  
• Reduces oil production
  
• Minimizes the appearance of pores
  
• Fades dark spots & hyperpigmentation
  
• Calms redness and inflammation
  
• Improves uneven skin tone
  
• Helps with acne and post-acne marks
  
• Improves fine lines over time
  

Who should use it

✔ All skin types
✔ Oily & acne-prone skin
✔ Dry & sensitive skin
✔ Pigmented or uneven skin tone

Common strengths

• 2–5% → barrier repair, sensitive skin
  
• 5–10% → oil control, acne, pigmentation
  
• Above 10% → not usually necessary, may irritate
  

Side effects (rare)

• Mild tingling
  
• Redness (mostly with high concentrations)
  

2. GLYCOLIC ACID (AHA – Alpha Hydroxy Acid)

What it is

Glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant derived from sugarcane. It has the smallest molecule among AHAs, so it penetrates deeply into the skin.

Glycolic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) and it comes from:

1. Sugarcane – the most common natural source.
2. Other fruits – like grapes, pineapple, and citrus fruits, but in smaller amounts.

So basically, it’s naturally found in sweet plants like sugarcane.

What it does

• Removes dead skin cells
  
• Brightens dull skin
  
• Improves skin texture
  
• Fades dark spots, sun damage & acne marks
  
• Smooths fine lines
  
• Unclogs pores
  
• Boosts collagen production over time
  

Who should use it

✔ Normal to oily skin
✔ Pigmented skin
✔ Dull, textured skin

⚠ Not ideal for very sensitive or rosacea-prone skin

Common strengths

• 5–7% → beginners, home use
  
• 8–10% → experienced users
  
• 20%+ → professional peels only
  

Side effects

• Stinging or burning
  
• Redness
  
• Dryness or peeling
  
• Sun sensitivity
  

3. USING NIACINAMIDE & GLYCOLIC ACID TOGETHER

✅ Yes, but with care

Why they work well together

Niacinamide and glycolic acid can be used together, but with care. Glycolic acid exfoliates the skin by removing dead skin cells, making the skin brighter and smoother. However, it can make the skin sensitive. Niacinamide helps calm, repair, and protect the skin after exfoliation. Together, glycolic acid renews the skin and niacinamide keeps it balanced and healthy.

Best usage methods

Method 1: Different times (SAFEST)

Morning

• Cleanser
  
• Niacinamide
  
• Moisturizer
  
• Sunscreen
  

Night

• Cleanser
  
• Glycolic acid (1–3× per week)
  
• Moisturizer
  

Method 2: Same routine (advanced users)

1. Cleanser
   
2. Glycolic acid
   
3. Wait 10–15 minutes
   
4. Niacinamide
   
5. Moisturizer
   

4. IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS 🚨

• Do Not overuse glycolic acid
• Always apply sunscreen
• Avoid mixing with other strong actives (retinol, vitamin C) in the same routine
• Patch test before use
  

1. The real concern people talk about (science-based)

• ❌ Old myth:
• “Niacinamide + acids create niacin and cause flushing.
• ✅ Scientific truth:
• This reaction only happens:
  
  • At very low pH
  • With high heat
  • Over long periods
• Modern cosmetic formulations do Not meet those conditions
• Multiple dermatology studies confirm they are safe together

Important Tips

• Always use sunscreen daily, especially when using exfoliating acids like glycolic.
• Patch test new products or combinations before applying to your full face.
• If irritation occurs, reduce frequency or spacing time, or separate usage into AM/PM.

Where Is This Information Taken From?

1. Peer-Reviewed Dermatology Journals
2. Cosmetic Chemistry Research
3. Standard Dermatology Textbooks

Final Words:

Niacinamide and glycolic acid can be used together if applied thoughtfully. Separate them by time of day, wait between applications, or alternate days. When used correctly, glycolic acid brightens and exfoliates while niacinamide soothes and strengthens the skin, giving you healthier, smoother, and more radiant skin.