Vitamin C vs Niacinamide: Can You Use Both?

Vitamin C and niacinamide are two of the most popular skincare ingredients. Both are loved for brightening the skin, improving texture, and supporting a healthy complexion. However, many people are confused about whether these two ingredients can be used together, or if they cancel each other out.

12/13/20252 min read

What Does Vitamin C Do for Your Skin?

Vitamin C (usually listed as ascorbic acid or L-ascorbic acid) is a powerful antioxidant.

Key benefits of vitamin C:

Brightens dull skin
Fades dark spots and hyperpigmentation
Boosts collagen production
Protects against environmental damage
Improves overall skin tone

Vitamin C works best in the morning, especially under sunscreen, to protect skin from pollution and UV damage.

What Does Niacinamide Do?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 and is known for being gentle, soothing, and versatile.

Key benefits of niacinamide:

Strengthens the skin barrier
Reduces redness and inflammation
Balances oil production
Minimizes the appearance of pores
Improves uneven texture

Niacinamide is suitable for almost all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Why People Think You Can’t Use Them Together

The belief that vitamin C and niacinamide shouldn’t be combined comes from older studies using unstable formulas. In modern skincare, formulations are much more advanced, and this concern is largely outdated.

When used properly, vitamin C and niacinamide do not cancel each other out.

How to Use Vitamin C and Niacinamide Together

There are three easy ways to combine them safely:

Option 1: Use Vitamin C in the Morning, Niacinamide at Night

This is the most beginner-friendly approach.

AM: Cleanser → Vitamin C → Moisturizer → Sunscreen
PM: Cleanser → Niacinamide → Moisturizer

This method minimizes irritation and maximizes benefits.

Option 2: Layer Them in the Same Routine

If your skin tolerates active ingredients well, you can layer them.

How to layer:

Cleanser
Vitamin C (lighter texture)
Niacinamide
Moisturizer

Wait 30–60 seconds between layers if you have sensitive skin.

Option 3: Use a Formula That Already Combines Both

Many modern serums are formulated with both vitamin C and niacinamide at safe, balanced concentrations — making them easy to use.

Who Should Be Careful?

If you have very sensitive skin or are new to active ingredients:

Start with lower concentrations
Introduce one ingredient at a time
Use vitamin C every other day initially

Signs of irritation include stinging, redness, or dryness — if this happens, reduce frequency.

Final Verdict: Can You Use Both?

✔ Yes — vitamin C and niacinamide can absolutely be used together
✔ They complement each other for brighter, stronger, healthier skin
✔ The key is proper layering and consistency, not avoiding them

Used correctly, this duo can significantly improve skin tone, texture, and overall glow.