Niacinamide vs Hyaluronic Acid: Which is Better for Skin

Sanchari | 17 Jan 2025

Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are two of the most popular skincare ingredients, and both serve different purposes. While niacinamide offers soothing, brightening, and oil-controlling benefits, hyaluronic acid focuses on deep hydration and plumping the skin. Both can be used together or individually, depending on your skin type and goals.

Here’s a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which one is better for your skincare routine.

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that provides a range of benefits for improving overall skin health. It’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Key Benefits of Niacinamide:

Regulates Oil Production: Balances sebum, making it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.
Minimizes Pores: Refines and tightens the appearance of enlarged pores.
Brightens Skin: Reduces hyperpigmentation and improves skin tone.
Strengthens the Skin Barrier: Helps retain moisture and protect against environmental damage.
Calms Redness: Reduces inflammation, making it great for sensitive or reactive skin.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring molecule that acts as a humectant, drawing water to the skin. It’s well-known for its hydration and plumping properties.

Key Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid::

Hydrates Skin: Holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water to deeply hydrate and plump the skin.
Improves Skin Elasticity: Enhances firmness and reduces the appearance of fine lines.
Lightweight Moisturization: Provides hydration without clogging pores, suitable for oily and combination skin.
Soothes Dry Skin: Restores moisture to dehydrated or flaky skin.
Boosts Skin Radiance: Improves overall skin texture and leaves it looking smooth and dewy.

How They Compare

Feature	Niacinamide	Hyaluronic Acid
Primary Function	Soothes, strengthens skin barrier, and regulates oil.	Provides hydration and plumps the skin.
Skin Type	Suitable for all skin types, especially oily or sensitive.	Suitable for all skin types, especially dry or dehydrated.
Hydration	Indirectly improves hydration by strengthening the skin barrier.	Provides immediate and direct hydration.
Oil Control	Reduces sebum production over time.	No direct effect on oil production.
Anti-Ageing Benefits	Improves elasticity and prevents water loss.	Plumps fine lines and enhances elasticity.
Brightening	Fades dark spots and evens out skin tone.	Minimal brightening effects; focuses on hydration.
Irritation Potential	Low; gentle on skin.	Very low; rarely causes irritation.
Price Point	Affordable and widely available.	Often slightly more expensive.

Which is Better for Your Skin?

The choice depends on your skin concerns and needs:

Choose Niacinamide If:

You want to regulate oil production and minimize pores.
Your skin is prone to redness or inflammation.
You’re targeting hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.
Your goal is to strengthen your skin barrier for long-term hydration.

Choose Hyaluronic Acid If:

Your primary concern is dry or dehydrated skin.
You want to plump up fine lines and improve elasticity.
You’re looking for lightweight hydration that won’t clog pores.
You want an ingredient that works immediately to restore moisture.

Can You Use Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid Together?

Yes, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid can be used together, and they complement each other beautifully:

Hyaluronic Acid Hydrates: It pulls water into the skin, providing immediate hydration.
Niacinamide Locks in Moisture: It strengthens the skin barrier, preventing water loss and enhancing long-term hydration.

How to Use Them Together:

Apply hyaluronic acid first to hydrate your skin.
Follow with niacinamide to lock in the hydration and address other concerns like oiliness, redness, or hyperpigmentation.
Finish with a moisturizer to seal everything in.

Who Should Use Both?

Oily or Combination Skin: Hyaluronic acid provides hydration without adding greasiness, while niacinamide controls oil production.
Sensitive Skin: Hyaluronic acid soothes dryness and niacinamide calms redness.
Ageing Skin: Together, they hydrate, plump fine lines, and improve elasticity.
Dehydrated Skin: Hyaluronic acid replenishes moisture, and niacinamide strengthens the barrier to prevent water loss.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overloading Products:
Using too many active ingredients can overwhelm your skin. Stick to a simple routine with these two if you’re new to skincare.
Skipping Sunscreen:
While neither niacinamide nor hyaluronic acid increases sun sensitivity, sunscreen is essential for preventing further skin damage.
Using Incompatible Products:
Avoid layering niacinamide or hyaluronic acid with strong exfoliants or actives if your skin is sensitive.

Science Backing

Niacinamide:
Research in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology confirms niacinamide’s ability to reduce redness, regulate oil production, and strengthen the skin barrier.
Hyaluronic Acid:
Studies in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology highlight hyaluronic acid’s hydration and anti-ageing benefits, particularly in improving elasticity and fine lines.
Combination Use:
Dermatologists often recommend using niacinamide and hyaluronic acid together for comprehensive hydration and skin health, as noted in the Journal of Dermatological Science.

Conclusion

Both niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are excellent skincare ingredients, and choosing between them depends on your specific concerns. For hydration and plumping, hyaluronic acid is your go-to. If you’re targeting redness, oil control, or hyperpigmentation, niacinamide is the better choice.

For the best results, consider using both together to create a balanced skincare routine that addresses multiple concerns.