Niacinamide

Both reduce sebum and inflammation. Niacinamide strengthens barrier integrity which is often compromised in acne-prone skin.

Probiotic ferments strengthen the skin microbiome while niacinamide strengthens the physical barrier. Dual defense system.

Caffeine constricts blood vessels and reduces puffiness while niacinamide reduces inflammation. Effective combo for under-eye concerns.

Despite old myths, these work well together. Vitamin C brightens via antioxidant pathway, niacinamide via melanosome transfer inhibition. Complementary.

Glabridin from licorice inhibits tyrosinase while niacinamide blocks melanosome transfer. Multi-pathway brightening.

Galactomyces filtrate brightens and refines pores while niacinamide controls sebum and strengthens barrier. K-beauty staple combination.

Both reduce fine lines through different mechanisms. Adenosine boosts cellular energy and collagen; niacinamide stimulates ceramide and collagen production.

Propolis provides antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits for acne while niacinamide regulates sebum and supports barrier.

Both B-vitamins (B3 + B5) strengthen barrier and reduce inflammation through complementary pathways. Excellent for sensitive skin.

Niacinamide boosts endogenous ceramide synthesis. Combined with exogenous ceramides, barrier repair is accelerated.

Niacinamide increases ceramide production and strengthens barrier; glycerin provides humectant hydration. Multi-level skin hydration strategy.

Both reduce inflammation and promote barrier repair. Ideal soothing combination for sensitized or post-procedure skin.

Tea tree oil antimicrobial action + niacinamide sebum regulation and anti-inflammation. Both independently shown effective for acne.

Bisabolol soothes via COX-2 inhibition while niacinamide strengthens barrier and reduces inflammation. Dual calming mechanism.

Niacinamide buffers BP-induced dryness and irritation while both independently fight acne. Improves BP tolerability.

Ectoin protects Langerhans cells from UV damage while niacinamide strengthens barrier. Anti-aging duo for UV-exposed skin.

At very low pH (<2), niacinamide can convert to niacin causing flushing. In modern well-formulated products (pH 3-4), this is negligible.

Popular myth: "vitamin C and niacinamide cancel each other out." Based on a 1963 study at extreme pH/temperature. Modern products at pH 3-4 show no meaningful interaction.

Myth: "oils block niacinamide penetration." Squalane is not truly an oil but a hydrocarbon. Does not significantly impede niacinamide absorption.

Myth: "silicones create an impenetrable barrier that blocks actives." Dimethicone forms a breathable film that does not significantly impede ingredient absorption.

Myth: "niacinamide negates retinol effects." The opposite is true — niacinamide buffers irritation and enhances retinol tolerability.

Myth: "you cannot use HA and niacinamide together." They are perfectly compatible and complementary — one hydrates, the other strengthens barrier.

Myth: "polyphenols reduce niacinamide absorption." No evidence for negative interaction. Both are well-tolerated water-soluble actives.

Myth: "BHA and niacinamide should not be mixed." They are complementary for acne — BHA unclogs, niacinamide soothes and repairs.