In today’s skincare world, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid have become two of the most talked-about ingredients—and for good reason. While both are essential for healthy, glowing skin, they serve very different purposes. Understanding how they work, how to layer them, and which skin concerns they target can help you get the most from your skincare routine.
What Is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin that helps restore the skin’s barrier, reduce inflammation, regulate oil production, and even out skin tone. It is a powerhouse ingredient especially effective for acne-prone, oily, or sensitive skin.
Key Benefits of Niacinamide:
Regulates sebum (oil) production
Minimizes enlarged pores
Calms inflammation and redness
Fades post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation
Strengthens the skin barrier
Improves texture and elasticity
Niacinamide is suitable for most skin types and is well-tolerated even by sensitive skin. It’s typically used in serums at concentrations between 5–10%.
“While niacinamide is well tolerated by most skin types, those with sensitive or reactive skin should start with a 5% concentration to avoid potential irritation.”
Dr. E. Taylor, Aesthetic Medicine Specialist
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring molecule in the skin that acts like a sponge—holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Rather than treating blemishes or pigmentation, HA focuses purely on hydration. When applied topically, it helps the skin appear plump, smooth, and dewy.
Key Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid:
Deeply hydrates the skin
Improves skin elasticity and plumpness
Softens fine lines and wrinkles (especially dehydration lines)
Supports overall skin barrier health
Works well under makeup due to its smoothing effect
Hyaluronic acid is ideal for dry, dehydrated, or aging skin, but it benefits all skin types—especially when environmental stressors like wind, sun, or indoor heating strip moisture from the skin.
“Always apply hyaluronic acid to slightly damp skin to maximize its moisture-binding effect. If used on dry skin without sealing it in with a moisturizer, it can actually draw water out of your skin.”
What’s the Difference Between Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid?
While both niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are popular skincare ingredients, they serve very different functions. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that works to regulate oil production, reduce inflammation, minimize pores, and improve overall skin tone and texture. It’s especially effective for acne-prone, oily, or sensitive skin. Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, is a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture, making it ideal for hydrating and plumping dry or dehydrated skin. In short, niacinamide targets skin concerns related to balance and repair, while hyaluronic acid focuses on hydration and smoothness. Both can be used together to create a well-rounded skincare routine.
Niacinamide vs Hyaluronic Acid: Key Differences
Aspect
Niacinamide
Hyaluronic Acid
Type
Vitamin B3
Hydrating molecule (humectant)
Main Function
Regulates oil, reduces redness, brightens skin
Attracts moisture, hydrates, plumps skin
Best For
Oily, acne-prone, sensitive skin
Dry, dehydrated, aging skin
Common Form
Serum or cream
Serum, gel, or lotion
Application Step
After hydrating serums
On damp skin immediately after cleansing
Skin Barrier Support
Strengthens and repairs
Supports by preventing water loss
Works Well With
Hyaluronic acid, zinc, ceramides
Niacinamide, peptides, ceramides
Can You Use Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid Together?
Yes—these two ingredients work beautifully together.
Hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin, making it plumper and more receptive to active ingredients. Niacinamide then steps in to balance, repair, and protect that hydrated skin. Using them in combination can maximize the effectiveness of your entire skincare routine.
Which Goes First: Niacinamide or Hyaluronic Acid?
Order matters when layering skincare. Because hyaluronic acid is a humectant, it should be applied immediately after cleansing—on damp skin—to help lock in water.
After HA, apply niacinamide. This allows the skin to retain hydration while niacinamide gets to work on regulating oil, calming inflammation, and brightening skin tone.
Ideal Application Order:
Cleanser
Hyaluronic Acid (on damp skin)
Niacinamide Serum
Moisturizer
SPF (AM only)
Avoid layering too many actives at once. If you’re using niacinamide with ingredients like retinol or exfoliating acids, alternate them or use them at different times of day to reduce the risk of irritation.”
Which One Is Better for Your Skin Concern – Niacinamide or Hyaluronic Acid?
The choice between niacinamide and hyaluronic acid depends on your specific skin concerns. If you struggle with acne, oily skin, enlarged pores, or uneven skin tone, niacinamide is the better option—it helps regulate oil production, calms inflammation, and strengthens the skin barrier. On the other hand, if your main concern is dryness, dehydration, or fine lines, then hyaluronic acid is more effective—it deeply hydrates the skin, enhances plumpness, and improves elasticity. For many people, using both together is ideal: hyaluronic acid hydrates and preps the skin, while niacinamide treats and protects. The two ingredients complement each other beautifully and can be layered in the same routine for optimal results.
For Acne
Niacinamide is the better option—it reduces inflammation, balances oil, and helps fade post-acne scars. Hyaluronic acid can still be included to prevent dehydration from acne treatments.
For Oily Skin
Niacinamide helps regulate sebum and minimize shine. If you’re using drying treatments, HA can provide lightweight hydration without clogging pores.
For Dry or Dehydrated Skin
Start with hyaluronic acid to deliver moisture. Niacinamide can then help lock it in and support the skin barrier—this combo is key for long-term moisture retention.
For Fine Lines and Dullness
Using both is ideal. Hyaluronic acid plumps fine lines instantly, while niacinamide improves elasticity and skin tone over time.
Who Should Use These Ingredients?
Teens and young adults: Niacinamide is perfect for acne and oil control.
Adults with dry or aging skin: Hyaluronic acid is a go-to for moisture and plumping.
Combination or sensitive skin: Both ingredients are gentle and non-irritating.
These ingredients are also pregnancy-safe, making them a great choice for expectant mothers experiencing hormonal skin changes.
Any Side Effects?
Both niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are generally very well tolerated. However:
Start niacinamide with a 5% concentration to avoid irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Always apply hyaluronic acid on damp skin and follow with a moisturizer—otherwise, it may pull water out of the skin instead of into it.
Conclusion: Niacinamide vs Hyaluronic Acid—Why Not Both?
You don’t have to choose between niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. They’re not competitors—they’re teammates. When layered properly, they support healthy, glowing skin that’s hydrated, calm, and resilient.
If you’re building or refining your skincare routine, think of hyaluronic acid as the hydrator and niacinamide as the balancer. Together, they address a wide range of skin concerns—from dryness and dullness to acne and irritation.
By LP Skin Team 
