Niacinamide vs Hyaluronic Acid: The Ultimate Guide to Radiant Skin

Skincare is not easy; there are so many products that promise to work wonders on our skin, and it can be difficult to know whether to believe the hype. However, two ingredients that have been making waves in the skincare world, but which one is better for your skin? Niacinamide vs Hyaluronic Acid, we’re going to get up close and personal with these two incredible skincare ingredients, exploring their unique properties, benefits, and how to use them to their full potential.

Both of these natural compounds can help to enhance the health of your skin, leaving it looking and feeling firmer, brighter and more hydrated. In this guide, I’ll guide you through the process of seamlessly incorporating them into your skincare routine, and how they can work wonders for different skin types. Plus, share any potential downsides and provide tips for picking out the best products that feature these ingredients. Let’s find out if we need both, or either.

*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read full disclaimer here.

The Lowdown on Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 and has been dubbed as a potent skincare ingredient. This water soluble vitamin is so popular is because plays a crucial role in reducing redness and blotchiness, making it a great choice for those with sensitive or acne prone skin. It’s a jack-of-all-trades, tackling a variety of skin concerns from hyperpigmentation to fine lines and wrinkles. This ingredient helps to diminish the appearance of blemishes, whilst simultaneously working to control oil production and minimize the production of sebum.

One of the key benefits of Niacinamide is its ability to strengthen the skin barrier function. This means it helps your skin retain moisture, keeping it hydrated and healthy. It’s also a potent antioxidant, protecting your skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV damage.

Using a Niacinamide serum regularly can help to brighten dull skin, protect it from premature skin aging, and improve skin texture. What’s more, Niacinamide is a gentle ingredient that’s well-tolerated by most skin types. It’s easy to incorporate into your skincare routine, and it plays well with other ingredients. Whether you’re a skincare newbie or a seasoned pro, Niacinamide is a worthy addition to your beauty arsenal.

The vast list of benefits unfortunately do not eliminate the potential side effects of using niacinamide. Highly sensitive or reactive skin may experience mild burning, itching, or redness when applying niacinamide cream. Before applying any new ingredients to your skin, it’s best to first to a patch test to ensure you don’t have any adverse or allergic reactions.

The Wonders of Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid is incredibly hydrating and can do wonders for dry, flaky skin. It’s a naturally occurring substance in our skin, and a humectant, meaning it grabs moisture and holds onto it so our skin can absorb it. It can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it a mega-moisturizer. When applied to the skin, it forms a protective barrier that locks in moisture, helping to make your skin look plumper and more radiant.

Just like collagen and elastin, the amount of naturally-occurring hyaluronic acid in our bodies decreases as we get older. There are, however, ways to help stimulate production of hyaluronic acid in our bodies. Diet is one way, as eating fruits and veggies that support collagen production also support hyaluronic acid production. But the easiest way to replenish the depleting hyaluronic acid in our skin is through topical products, like serums and creams.

Hyaluronic Acid is celebrated for its ability to rejuvenate our skin due to its incredible water retention properties. It can help reduce wrinkles, redness, and dermatitis, making it a popular ingredient in many anti-aging products. It is a very gentle ingredient and can be used by people with all skin types, including those with sensitive skin. Additionally, it can help to soothe eczema and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

However, it’s not just for those with mature skin. Hyaluronic Acid is also excellent for acne-prone skin types, as it can help to regulate oil production and keep the skin hydrated, reducing the overproduction of sebum that can lead to breakouts.

Because hyaluronic acid is a natural substance in our skin, it’s assumed safe for all skin types. However, there’s always a chance that products that contain ingredients in addition to hyaluronic acid can produce adverse side effects and allergic reactions in some people.

Niacinamide vs Hyaluronic Acid

Both niacinamide and hyaluronic acid have their unique roles in skincare, each with its own set of benefits. However, when comparing niacinamide vs hyaluronic acid, it largely depends on your skin’s specific needs and can benefit different skin concerns.

Unlike hyaluronic acid, niacinamide is a vitamin. It’s known for its ability to strengthen the skin’s barrier, boost collagen production, reduce inflammation, and minimize pores. It’s also a great ally in fighting off environmental damage, thanks to its antioxidant properties. Plus, it’s suitable for almost all skin types, including those with sensitive skin or rosacea.

On the other hand, Hyaluronic Acid is your go-to for skin hydration. It’s a humectant, meaning it draws water into the skin and helps to hydrate and plump. It’s excellent for those with dry or dehydrated skin, but it’s also beneficial for oily skin types as it can balance oil production and provide lightweight hydration.

How you choose to include these ingredients into your skincare routine is not a one-size-fits-all situation. But it may be easier to focus in on your current skin concerns. Then choose the skincare ingredient that best suits the skin challenge you want to alleviate. I’m more of a day time hyaluronic acid, night-time niacinamide person. The choice between niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, or even the decision to use both, should be based on your individual skin needs and concerns. It’s always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional to determine the best approach for your skin.

The Benefits of Combining the Two Ingredients

Who needs niacinamide vs hyaluronic acid when using them together can help to create potent skincare benefits. Niacinamide helps to minimize the appearance of blemishes and works to reduce moisture loss, whereas hyaluronic acid works to keep skin hydrated.

A study also found that, combining hyaluronic acid with niacinamide could potentially enhance the stability and effectiveness of hyaluronic acid under stress conditions. This suggests that these two ingredients might work synergistically, offering even more benefits when used together.

When used together, they create a powerful formula that can help to balance oily skin whilst also keeping it moisturized. This combination can help to even out skin tone, correct hyperpigmentation, improve aging skin, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

How to Use Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid in Your Skincare Routine

Ideally it’s recommended that you should use Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid at different times in your skincare routine.

Niacinamide a versatile player that can be slotted into your skincare routine without much fuss. Whether you’re using a dedicated niacinamide serum or a product that features niacinamide amongst other ingredients, it’s usually best applied after cleansing and toning.

Hyaluronic Acid, on the other hand, is the ultimate hydration agent. It’s best applied to damp skin, then sealed in with a moisturizer to prevent it from pulling moisture out of your skin. It can be used twice a day, in the morning and at night, also after cleansing and toning. It works well with other skincare ingredients, so it makes it simple to layer into any skincare routine.

When it comes to using niacinamide and hyaluronic acid together, they make a great team. You can layer these ingredients, starting with a cleanse and toner followed by hyaluronic acid to hydrate, then niacinamide. Allow it to absorb for a few minutes before sealing it all with a moisturizer, followed by a broad spectrum sunscreen. Remember, skincare is personal, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s always best to introduce new products slowly into your routine.

Choosing the Right Products with These Ingredients

Choosing the right skincare products that contain niacinamide and hyaluronic acid can be a game-changer for your skin health. When it comes to niacinamide, look for skincare products that contain about 2% to 10% of this potent ingredient. This concentration is effective in reducing sebum production and controlling shine, making it ideal for those with excessive oil production.

On the other hand, hyaluronic acid, is best used in serums. It’s moisturizing properties hydrate and plump the skin. It’s also great for people who have skin that’s prone to irritation. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid is a budget friendly and fan favorite go to. The addition of B5 boosts its ability to retain moisture for thirsty skin and enhance skin’s natural repair process.

A high-quality hyaluronic acid serum should have a well-balanced concentration, with the percentage of hyaluronic acid in the serum sitting at just over 1%. SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier is an example of a high quality serum that boosts your skin’s natural hyaluronic levels and contains 1.3% hyaluronic acid. Those with concentrations that are too high can absorb water away from your skin and actually dry it out.

Both ingredients can be found in a wealth of products. The moisturizing benefits of moisturizers, toners, masks, facial creams, and more are boosted when companies add hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to their products.

La Roche-Posay Toleraine Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV incorporates both ceramides and niacinamide and is absolutely lovely on the skin. It soothes and helps to repair and protect the skin barrier.

Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner includes a stable form of vitamin C in addition to niacinamide. It works well for sensitive skin individuals who want the antioxidant protection.

Niacinamide vs Hyaluronic Acid: Which is Better?

Now that we’ve done a deeper dive into niacinamide vs hyaluronic acid, which one is better? The simple answer is both! Though they are essentially two different kinds of ingredients, hyaluronic acid a humectant and niacinamide a vitamin, we’ve got two skincare superstars here. Each is uniquely awesome, but it comes down to what is best for your personal skincare needs. Using them together creates some powerhouse effects. For example, one study showed that when you team up hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, they become a dynamic duo fighting off free-radicals, and environmental stressors that can damage our skin.

Their effectiveness is increased when used together, but they do have their differences that serve different purposes. Hyaluronic acid is much more effective at hydrating skin than niacinamide. But niacinamide promotes collagen formation and helps with skin concerns like acne, skin aging, and hyperpigmentation. 

So, what’s the takeaway? Both Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid have their unique benefits. The best one for you really depends on your skin’s specific needs and concerns. Remember, skincare is an individualized practice. What works wonders for your best friend might not do the same for you.

Final Thoughts

We’ve delved into the world of niacinamide vs hyaluronic acid, two skincare superheroes that each bring unique benefits to the table. Using niacinamide and hyaluronic acid in your routine can work wonders for your skin. When used correctly, they are safe and effective, with the potential to help create a healthy skin barrier, improve uneven skin tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and blemishes while keeping your skin moisturized.

Remember, it’s essential to use these ingredients in the right concentration and to follow a consistent skincare routine to maximize the benefits.

But here’s the thing: it’s not about choosing one over the other. In fact, these two ingredients can work together to create a skincare routine that’s tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re dealing with dry skin, oily skin, or anything in between, a combination of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid can help you achieve your skin goals.

Remember, skincare is a personal journey, and what works for one person might not work for another. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. After all, the best skincare routine is the one that you enjoy and stick with.

Take your time, be patient, and enjoy the journey towards radiant, healthy skin.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not providing medical advice, is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. A qualified physician should make a decision based on each person’s medical history and current prescriptions. Always seek the advice of your physician.