Can You Use Niacinamide with Retinol?

Yes, niacinamide and retinol can be used together, and they are often considered a particularly useful pairing. Where retinol can make skin look and feel more sensitive as it adjusts, niacinamide's soothing and barrier-supporting properties make it a natural companion. The two complement each other more than they compete.

Why the combination works well

Retinol reached dermatologist consensus for fine lines, acne-prone skin, dark spots, large pores, and oily skin in the JAAD 2025 Delphi study, a two-round expert review completed by 62 dermatologists across 43 centres — the most broadly supported cosmetic active in that review. Niacinamide reached consensus in the same study for redness and dark spots, and is widely used in formulas for sensitive and reactive skin because of how well it is tolerated.

The reason they pair well is practical. The adjustment period that comes with introducing retinol, where skin can look a little more pink or feel more sensitive than usual, is exactly the situation where niacinamide is most useful. It does not cancel out what retinol does. It helps skin stay more comfortable while it adapts.

How to use them together

Apply niacinamide first as a serum on clean skin, then retinol after, either as the next step or as a separate product. Some people prefer niacinamide in the morning and retinol in the evening, which keeps the routine simple and ensures retinol is always used at night given its photosensitivity considerations.

If retinol is new to your routine, starting with a lower concentration two or three evenings a week is the standard approach, regardless of what you pair it with. Once skin has adjusted, frequency can be increased.

Is there anything to watch out for?

Not in the way that some ingredient combinations require caution. The main consideration is introducing retinol gradually regardless of what else is in the routine. Niacinamide does not interfere with how retinol works, and retinol does not interfere with niacinamide. They can share a routine without the layering becoming complicated.

One practical note: if you are using a moisturiser that already contains niacinamide alongside a separate retinol serum, apply the retinol to clean skin first and the niacinamide moisturiser on top as the final step.