Niacinamide vs Hyaluronic Acid: What’s the Difference and Which Is Better for Your Skin?

If you have any interest in skincare, you likely already know about niacinamide and hyaluronic acid - the double powerhouses of beauty. But when it comes to niacinamide vs hyaluronic acid, which one is best for you? Many questions arise, like, 'Are they the same, or do they offer different things?' The most important one is, 'Should I use niacinamide or hyaluronic acid first?'

These are the questions that leave those interested in skincare scratching their heads. The reality is that each ingredient has its own unique benefits, and the best way to incorporate these ingredients can depend on your skin type and needs. In this guide, we'll lay out the main differences between these two, their benefits, how to layer them, and if hyaluronic vs niacinamide is even a debate worth having.

Overview of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid

Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are two essentials in the skincare world because they transform the skin. Though niacinamide serum vs. hyaluronic serum serves different purposes for your skin, the two are great at tackling common skin concerns like dehydration, fine lines, redness, and acne.

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): A multi-tasking ingredient that balances oil production, lowers redness, and strengthens the skin barrier.
• Hyaluronic Acid: A humectant that deeply hydrates the skin, plumps fine lines, and improves elasticity.

The key takeaway? They function quite differently and may actually be used together for optimal results.

What is niacinamide?

Niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3, is a versatile skincare ingredient with a lot of benefits. In contrast to some active ingredients that may cause irritation, niacinamide is a gentle ingredient safe for all skin types.

Key benefits of niacinamide:

• Balances oil production: Good for oily and acne-prone skin as it regulates sebum production.
• Soothes redness and inflammation: Calms irritated skin and is effective for conditions like rosacea.
• Brightens skin and fades dark spots: Good for hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.
• Helps to strengthen the skin barrier: Aids the skin in its fight against external agitators.

The niacinamide serum from The Pink Foundry is packed with 12% niacinamide and 3% PAD solution along with any other soothing ingredients like Green Tea and Liquorice. It clarifies the skin, controls acne, and tightens pores and that is why it can be used daily.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, is not an active oil regulator or skin brightener like niacinamide. Rather, it's an important humectant that draws water in and holds onto it, helping to keep your skin hydrated and plump.

Key benefits of hyaluronic acid:

• Attracts and retains moisture: Absorbs 1000 times its weight in water for deep hydration
• Plumps skin and smooths fine lines: Hydrated skin looks smoother and younger.
• Helps skin elasticity: Fights skin laxity, helping to keep it firm.
• Improves barrier function: Boosts the skin's capacity to keep moisture locked in and avoid transepidermal water loss.

The gel moisturiser from The Pink Foundry is an ultra-light formula that transforms into a water-like texture on application. It provides immediate hydration with 1% Hyaluronic Acid Complex and 1% Saccharide Isosteate. It sinks right in, so it's great for every skin type.

Niacinamide vs hyaluronic acid: Key differences

The most important distinctions are mentioned below -

Feature	Niacinamide	Hyaluronic Acid
Type	Vitamin B3 (Active Ingredient)	Humectant (Hydrating Agent)
Main Function	Regulates oil, brightens skin, strengthens barrier	Deep hydration, plumping, improves elasticity
Best for	Oily, acne-prone, combination skin	Dry, dehydrated, sensitive skin
Additional Benefits	Reduces inflammation, minimises pores	Reduces fine lines, enhances skin barrier
Common Pairings	Works well with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and peptides	Pairs well with niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid together for acne care

Should you use niacinamide or hyaluronic acid first?

One of the top questions is whether to apply niacinamide or hyaluronic acid first. This answer has to do with their molecular weight and function.

• Apply hyaluronic acid first. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, so it should be used on damp skin to draw in moisture.
• Then, niacinamide. Niacinamide helps restore hydration once the skin is supple, so it can regulate oil and fortify the skin barrier.

The layering technique makes sure the skin stays hydrated while also getting the brightening and acne-fighting benefits of niacinamide.

Which is better: niacinamide or hyaluronic acid?

If you're asking which is better, niacinamide or hyaluronic acid, the answer depends on your skin type and needs.

• Oily or acne-prone skin: For reducing breakouts and regulating excess oil/pores, niacinamide is your best bet.
• Dry or dehydrated skin: Hyaluronic acid is better for deep hydration and plumping fine lines.
• Combination skin: Use both! Together, they balance moisture and oil.

Can niacinamide and hyaluronic acid be used together?

Yes! The benefits of applying niacinamide and hyaluronic acid together make them a powerful duo. Since they serve different functions, they do not cancel each other out.

How to use niacinamide serum with hyaluronic acid:

1. Start with a clean face - Use a gentle Cleanser to remove dirt and oil.
2. Apply hyaluronic acid to damp skin - This locks in moisture for deep hydration.
3. Follow with niacinamide serum - This regulates oil production and strengthens the skin barrier.
4. Seal with a moisturiser - Waterlight Hydrating Gel Moisturiser is an excellent option.
5. Finish with SPF (morning routine only) - Always apply sunscreen during the day.

Conclusion

When it comes to hyaluronic acid vs niacinamide, there is no “winner." Both ingredients offer unique skincare benefits and can be used together for maximum hydration, oil control, and skin barrier support. If you're new to these ingredients, start slow, observe how your skin reacts, and customise your routine based on your needs.

FAQs

1. Can I layer niacinamide and hyaluronic acid together?

Yes, they complement each other well and can be layered into the same routine.

2. Should I use niacinamide or hyaluronic acid first?

Apply hyaluronic acid first on damp skin, then follow with niacinamide.

3. Which is better for anti-ageing: niacinamide or hyaluronic acid?

Both help with anti-ageing. Hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps fine lines, while niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier and reduces wrinkles.

4. Can I use niacinamide and hyaluronic acid every day?

Yes, both are gentle and suitable for daily use.

5. Is hyaluronic acid good for acne-prone skin?

Yes, hyaluronic acid helps hydrate acne-prone skin without making it greasy, making it a great addition to oily or combination skin types. By understanding how to use hyaluronic acid and salicyclic acid together, you can create a well-balanced skincare routine tailored to your skin's unique needs.