There's a persistent myth in skincare that niacinamide and vitamin C cancel each other out. It's worth putting to rest, because together, they're one of the most effective brightening combinations available.
If you've ever been told to keep these two ingredients on opposite sides of your routine, or even to choose between them entirely, this is the article that clears things up.
What Does Niacinamide Do?
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is one of the most versatile, well-researched ingredients in modern skincare. Here's what it actually does:
- Strengthens the skin barrier.
- Regulates sebum production, making it particularly useful for oily and combination skin.
- Reduces the appearance of pores with consistent use.
- Inhibits melanin transfer to skin cells to help create a more even skin tone.
- Reduces redness and inflammation, beneficial for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
- Supports collagen synthesis, contributing to firmer, more resilient skin over time.
It's exceptionally well-tolerated - suitable for almost every skin type, including sensitive and reactive skin. And it works well alongside most other ingredients, which is part of what makes it such a useful cornerstone of any routine.
What Does Vitamin C Do?
Vitamin C is one of the most evidence-backed skincare actives available.
- Inhibits melanin synthesis, making it one of the most effective ingredients for brightening hyperpigmentation and evening skin tone
- Neutralises free radicals from UV exposure and pollution, protecting skin from oxidative damage
- Supports collagen production, contributing to firmer, more youthful-looking skin
- Brightens overall complexion, with visible results on dullness and uneven tone
So Can You Use Them Together?
Yes. Definitively.
The concern that niacinamide and vitamin C react negatively together comes from older research suggesting they could combine to form niacin, which can cause skin flushing. The issue with this theory: it requires high concentrations and high temperatures that don't apply to normal skincare use. At the concentrations found in skincare formulations and at skin temperature, this reaction is not meaningfully relevant.
More recent dermatological guidance confirms that these two ingredients are not only compatible - they're complementary.
Niacinamide + Vitamin C = a particularly effective brightening combination. Vitamin C inhibits melanin production at one point in the chain reaction; niacinamide inhibits melanin transfer to skin cells at another. Together, they address hyperpigmentation from two different angles, which is why formulas that combine them tend to deliver stronger brightening results than either ingredient alone.
How to Use Them Together
Option 1: Combined Formula The simplest approach. Glow-C Tranexamic Acid 5% Serum combines stabilised vitamin C and niacinamide alongside tranexamic acid in a single formula - removing the need to layer and calculate order of application. Apply in the morning after cleansing, before moisturiser.
Option 2: Layer Them If you're using separate products, apply the thinner, more water-based formula (Porebright Niacinamide 10% Refining Serum) first and allow it to absorb before applying the next layer (Glow-C Vitamin C 20% Serum). Using these 2 products together is a powerful morning brightening routine. One addresses sebum regulation and pore clarity; the other drives the brightening and antioxidant protection. Together, they cover a significant amount of ground in two steps.
What About the Rest of the Routine?
A morning routine built around niacinamide and vitamin C might look like this:
1. Glow-C Cream Cleanser – provides a clean base with a brightening boost.
2. Porebright Niacinamide 10% Refining Serum - oil regulation, pore refinement, additional brightening.
3. Glow-C Vitamin C 20% Serum - brightening and antioxidant protection.
4. Glow-C Daily Moisturiser SPF30 – hydrates, brightens and protects in one.
The Summary
Niacinamide and vitamin C are not enemies. They're one of skincare's more effective partnerships, addressing hyperpigmentation, barrier function, sebum regulation, and oxidative protection between them.
The myth that they cancel each other out? Based on chemistry that doesn't apply to real-world use. Use both. Your skin will be better for it.
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