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For the best results, apply hyaluronic acid before niacinamide. Both are water-based ingredients, so layering from lightest to richest helps each one work as it should.
So, where do these ingredients fit into your routine, and how should you layer them? We’re here to answer all your hyaluronic and niacinamide questions.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring substance that gets produced by the joints, eyes and skin.
Hyaluronic acid is one of the most well-known and highly regarded skin care ingredients because it helps maintain hydration and promotes a smooth complexion. Let’s take a deeper dive and learn about the benefits of hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid has many wonderful benefits, including the following:
The main takeaway is how hydrating and refreshing hyaluronic acid is for the skin. It retains moisture well, keeping the skin smooth, hydrated and bright. Now that we understand these benefits, let’s dive into niacinamide.
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, and is another well-known and well-loved ingredient in skin care products. Vitamin B3 is a nutrient that helps your body function properly, and it also produces great results when used in skin care.
As a form of vitamin B3, niacinamide can actually be found in certain foods — like meat, fish, eggs, milk and certain green vegetables. However, it’s also used in a variety of skin care products to provide more targeted benefits for your complexion.
Specifically, niacinamide helps target pores and redness, working to clear away buildup and support a healthy skin barrier.
There are several benefits to using niacinamide, including the following:
Niacinamide works alongside hyaluronic acid to keep the skin refreshed and smooth — but they do this in different ways! Using hyaluronic acid and niacinamide together gives your skin even more benefits.
These two ingredients complement each other very well, especially since they're both water-based ingredients. That said, for the best results, we suggest using hyaluronic acid first, followed by niacinamide.
The order here matters because, as a rule of thumb, you should always go in order of consistency. Start with the products and ingredients with a lighter consistency and work up to a thicker consistency.
Plus, hyaluronic acid is a great place to start since it retains so much moisture, keeping your skin hydrated and ready for the next step. Niacinamide comes next to help minimize the look of your pores, lock in that moisture and brighten your complexion.
| Aspect | Hyaluronic Acid | Niacinamide |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Naturally-occurring, holds moisture in the skin | A form of vitamin B3 |
| Main benefit | Hydration, plumps skin, boosts collagen production | Balances oil, reduces redness, supports the skin barrier |
| Apply | First (lighter, thinner consistency) | Second, after hyaluronic acid |
| Found in | Youth Serum | Youth Serum, High Beam |
Using the right products is key for getting the best results.
After cleansing and exfoliating, we recommend using our Youth Serum. Leading with hyaluronic acid as its most prominent ingredient, this serum can help your skin retain hydration before you move on to the rest of your routine. Even better? It also contains niacinamide, so you get both benefits in one product!
Lock in that moisture, smooth your skin and brighten your complexion with our High Beam. This moisturizer contains niacinamide, too, working to improve the look of your skin and help lock in the benefits of your hyaluronic acid. It’s a great product to use at the end of your skin care routine.
Once you combine hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, you'll never turn back. Use this guide as a resource as you start incorporating these two ingredients into your skin care routine.
This article was medically reviewed by Chelsie Rogers, PA-C, a board-certified physician assistant with six years of experience in cosmetic dermatology.
Sources:
Hyaluronic Acid: What It Is, Benefits, How To Use & Side Effects | Cleveland Clinic
Collagen: What It Is, Types, Function & Benefits | Cleveland Clinic
