Niacinamide vs. Glycolic Acid: Which One is Better for Skin?

Sanchari | 15 Mar 2025

When it comes to skincare power players, niacinamide and glycolic acid both bring impressive benefits—but they work in very different ways! Niacinamide is your go-to for calming, hydrating, and brightening, while glycolic acid is all about exfoliation, smoothing texture, and revealing fresh skin.

The best choice? It depends on your skin type and concerns. Or, why not use both strategically for a well-rounded routine? Let’s break down their differences so you can decide which one (or both!) is right for you.

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3, is a multitasking ingredient that strengthens the skin barrier, regulates oil production, and brightens the skin over time. It is gentle and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Key Benefits of Niacinamide:

Calms Redness and Irritation: Reduces inflammation, making it ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Regulates Oil Production: Controls sebum, making it great for oily or combination skin.
Brightens Skin: Fades dark spots and evens out skin tone.
Strengthens Skin Barrier: Improves hydration and protects the skin from environmental stressors.
Minimizes Pores: Visibly reduces the appearance of pores over time.

What is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), is a chemical exfoliant that removes dead skin cells from the surface, revealing smoother, brighter skin. It’s effective for improving texture and tone.

Key Benefits of Glycolic Acid:

Exfoliates: Removes dead skin cells for smoother, more radiant skin.
Improves Texture: Reduces roughness and smooths uneven skin.
Fades Hyperpigmentation: Brightens dark spots, acne scars, and melasma.
Stimulates Collagen Production: Helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Unclogs Pores: Prevents breakouts by removing debris and dead skin.

How They Compare

Feature	Niacinamide	Glycolic Acid
Primary Function	Hydration, calming, and brightening.	Exfoliation, texture improvement, and resurfacing.
Skin Type	Suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive or oily.	Best for normal, oily, and combination skin; may irritate sensitive skin.
Brightening	Gradual improvement over time.	More immediate brightening effects.
Anti-Ageing Benefits	Improves elasticity and prevents water loss.	Reduces fine lines and boosts collagen.
Acne Treatment	Calms redness and reduces oil production.	Exfoliates to unclog pores and prevent breakouts.
Hydration	Strengthens the skin barrier to retain moisture.	Can be drying; requires follow-up hydration.
Irritation Potential	Low; very gentle on skin.	Moderate to high, especially for sensitive skin.
Frequency of Use	Can be used daily, morning and night.	Recommended 2–3 times a week for beginners.
Layering Compatibility	Easy to layer with other products.	Needs careful layering to avoid over-exfoliation.

Which is Better for Your Skin?

The choice between niacinamide and glycolic acid depends on your skin concerns and tolerance:

Choose Niacinamide If:

You have sensitive or irritated skin that needs calming and hydration.
Your focus is on improving redness, oil control, or pores.
You’re looking for a gentle ingredient to use daily.
You’re new to active ingredients and want a beginner-friendly option.

Choose Glycolic Acid If:

Your primary concern is uneven texture, dullness, or hyperpigmentation.
You’re targeting fine lines and signs of ageing.
You’re looking for a strong exfoliant to unclog pores and resurface your skin.
Your skin tolerates acids and you have experience using exfoliants.

Can You Use Niacinamide and Glycolic Acid Together?

Yes, you can use niacinamide and glycolic acid together, but you need to be cautious:

Niacinamide Soothes and Hydrates:It calms the skin and reduces potential irritation caused by glycolic acid.
Glycolic Acid Exfoliates:It preps the skin for better absorption of niacinamide.

How to Use Them Together:

Apply Glycolic Acid First: After cleansing, use glycolic acid to exfoliate.
Wait a Few Minutes: Let the glycolic acid absorb completely.
Follow with Niacinamide: Apply a niacinamide serum or moisturizer to calm and hydrate the skin.
Finish with Sunscreen (Morning Routine): Both ingredients can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.

Alternatively, use them on different days to avoid overloading your skin.

Who Should Use Both?

Acne-Prone Skin: Glycolic acid exfoliates and prevents clogged pores, while niacinamide calms inflammation and regulates oil.
Oily Skin: Niacinamide controls oil production, and glycolic acid smooths rough texture.
Combination Skin: Use glycolic acid on areas with roughness and niacinamide for hydration and redness.
Ageing Skin: Together, they brighten, smooth, and improve elasticity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overusing Glycolic Acid:
Excessive exfoliation can weaken your skin barrier and cause irritation.
Skipping Sunscreen:
Both ingredients require sunscreen to prevent UV damage and maintain results.
Layering Too Many Actives:
Avoid combining niacinamide and glycolic acid with other strong actives (e.g., retinol or AHAs/BHAs) in the same routine.

Science Backing

Niacinamide: Studies in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology confirm niacinamide’s ability to reduce redness, improve hydration, and regulate oil production.
Glycolic Acid: Research in the Journal of Dermatological Science highlights glycolic acid’s effectiveness in improving texture, tone, and hyperpigmentation.
Combination Use: Dermatologists often recommend combining glycolic acid with niacinamide for comprehensive skin benefits, as noted in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.

Conclusion

Both niacinamide and glycolic acid are exceptional skincare ingredients, but they serve different purposes. If you’re looking for a gentle, all-purpose ingredient to hydrate, calm, and brighten, niacinamide is ideal. For exfoliation, improving texture, and targeting pigmentation, glycolic acid is your go-to.