Niacinamide Vs Hyaluronic Acid: Which Is Better?
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Niacinamide Vs Hyaluronic Acid: What’s The Difference?
Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are both well-known active ingredients in skincare products. They each have unique benefits that can help improve skin health. Hyaluronic acid has been a favorite skincare ingredient for years, but more recently, niacinamide has taken over the skincare industry. But is one better than the other? We’ll compare niacinamide vs hyaluronic acid in skincare, including what they and who should use them so you can decide which one is best for your skin.
With so many ingredients on the market, it can be hard to figure out what your skin needs. Personally, when it comes to skincare, I think less is best. That means you need well-formulated products and well-researched ingredients that make a difference. Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are two very popular skincare ingredients that deliver results. So when it comes to niacinamide vs hyaluronic acid: which is best? Keep on reading to find out!
What Is Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that has an array of benefits for the skin. It’s often touted as a do-it-all ingredient. Niacinamide is often found in many different products like moisturizers, serums and toners. It can be used by all skin types and is generally well-tolerated and can be mixed with most skincare actives.
Benefits of Niacinamide
Niacinamide has a ton of different benefits for the skin, which is why It has become such a popular skincare ingredient.
- Anti-inflammatory – Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce things like redness, rosacea and other inflammatory skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis
- Antioxidant – it can also act as an antioxidant to help protect the skin against environmental damage and therefore decrease signs of aging
- Strengthens skin’s barrier – Niacinamide helps to keep the skin barrier strong by increasing the production of ceramides. A strong barrier helps protect the skin against damage and other irritants. It’s key to having healthy skin!
- Fades hyperpigmentation – Niacinamide can help fade discolorations like acne scars, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sunspots and other blotchiness.
- Minimizes pores – as Niacinamide helps to keep skin more hydrated, this leads to a decrease in pore size
- Balances oil production – helps to regulate and balance the amount of oil that your skin produces
- Treats acne – Niacinamide can also help reduce acne thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties
- Fine lines & wrinkles – Niacinamide stimulates collagen synthesis which helps to diminish fine lines and wrinkles. Long term, it can help with skin elasticity and firmness
- Increased skin hydration – niacinamide increases the skin’s production of ceramides which helps to lock in hydration and prevent transepidermal water loss
So, as you can see, Niacinamide really can do it all!
Who Should Use Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a great ingredient for all skin types, from oily to dry and everyone in between. Since it has such a wide array of benefits from specific skin concerns like acne or just general skin health, Niacinamide is a great option for anyone.
All skin types can benefit from Niacinamide in their routine. However, some people do report irritation, especially those with very sensitive skin types. So if you have sensitive or reactive skin, try a product with low concentrations first.
If you do experience any irritation, it’s best to stop using right away.
Some people also experience flushing and redness when using niacinamide products. This is especially true when you are using certain forms of vitamin c and niacinamide.
What Skin Type Is Niacinamide Good For?
Niacinamide can be used by all skin types, but because of its oil controlling, anti-inflammatory and pore minimizing properties, it’s especially good for those with oily and acne prone skin. However, those with extremely sensitive skin may find niacinamide to be a little irritating, especially in higher concentrations.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a type of sugar molecule that is naturally produced by our bodies to hydrate our skin, eyes and joints. It holds water to keep the tissues moist and elastic. Hyaluronic acid has long been used in skincare products like moisturizers, serums and toners because it’s an excellent humectant.
Hyaluronic acid can hold up 1000x its weight in water which makes it great at keeping your skin hydrated. When applied topically, hyaluronic acid can deeply penetrate into the skin where it can bind with moisture to help retain moisture levels, which helps to keep your skin plump, hydrated and keeps your skin barrier healthy and strong.
However, as we age, our bodies produce less hyaluronic acid, which can lead to dry skin. Additionally, things like pollution, UV rays, etc., can damage the skin which can also affect how much hyaluronic acid our skin produces. That’s where topical hyaluronic acid comes in!
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
While hyaluronic acid has some incredible benefits, its main benefit is keeping the skin hydrated. It doesn’t have as many benefits of niacinamide, but it’s still an incredible skincare ingredient that everyone can benefit from. Here is where hyaluronic acid really shines:
- Hydration – as mentioned earlier, HA can keep skin hydrated by holding lots of water. This helps to plump the skin and prevent transepidermal water loss
- Heals Wounds – it’s been found that hyaluronic acid can also help speed up wound healing from cuts to acne. It does so by regulating the levels of inflammation in the skin and promoting tissue repair
- Smooths texture – A study found that topical HA helped significantly improve rough skin texture
- Anti-aging – Hyaluronic acid helps to diminish fine lines and wrinkles by plumping the skin
- Stimulates collagen – HA is also involved in collagen synthesis, which over time, can help reduce wrinkles, sagging skin, increase firmness and elasticity
- Helps Acne – It’s been found that HA may indirectly help with acne thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties
- Strengthen’s the skin barrier – HA helps to keep the skin’s protective barrier strong so it can defend itself against irritants and pathogens while protecting skin against damage
Most people think that hyaluronic acid just helps with skin hydration. And while it does (very well, I might add), it also has some other incredible benefits for the skin.
Related post: How To Use Salicylic Acid With Hyaluronic Acid
Who Should Use Hyaluronic Acid
Since hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by our bodies, it’s something that everyone can use. Hyaluronic acid can help with general skin health, anti-aging and acne. So it’s really something that everyone should be using in their skincare routine!
Hyaluronic acid is found in almost every skincare product. Just take a look at your labels, and I’m sure you’ll find it on a few! From serums to body lotions, HA is an incredible skincare ingredient that’s been around for years. It’s safe and effective.
What Skin Type Is Hyaluronic Acid Good For?
Since hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the body, it’s great for all skin types! And as we age, hyaluronic acid production slows, so it’s important to use to keep our skin hydrated and healthy!
Niacinamide Vs Hyaluronic Acid: What’s The Difference Between Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid?
People have been using niacinamide for years to help with skin health and it’s recently become one of the most popular and raved about ingredients. It’s an excellent ingredient because it can help with general skin health, anti-aging, acne and more.
Hyaluronic acid is also a multi-benefit product that can help with a wide range of skin issues, from general skin health to acne and anti-aging.
Niacinamide Vs Hyaluronic Acid: The Battle
Want to know what’s best for a particular skin issue? The battle of niacinamide vs hyaluronic acid is on!
Brightening – we’ll start off easy. The winner of the brightening round is a no brainer: Niacinamide! Since hyaluronic acid doesn’t really have a brightening effect, niacinamide steals the show here!
Hydrating – and another pretty easy round. Hyaluronic acid is the clear winner when it comes to keeping skin hydrated. Holding 1000x its weight in water, niacinamide just can’t compare!
Healing – while Niacinamide can certainly help heal, this is where Hyaluronic acid really shines. Not only does HA help to control inflammation, it also stimulates tissue repair, which is something Niacinamide can’t do.
Anti-aging – while both niacinamide and hyaluronic acid help with anti-aging, the instant plumping effects of Hyaluronic acid just can’t be beat, making it the winner here.
Texture – both hyaluronic acid and niacinamide can help smooth skin texture. This one just has to be a tie because they both help with texture issues
Can Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid Be Used Together?
So the benefits of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid sound really great right? And you just can’t pick between the two. So now you’re wondering if you can use hyaluronic acid and niacinamide together. Well good news, you can!
Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid can be used in the same routine, and many times in the same product.
Using niacinamide and hyaluronic acid together creates an incredible pair that helps to keep skin healthy as well as help with anti-aging. While niacinamide helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier by stimulating ceramide, fatty acids and cholesterol, hyaluronic acid helps skin to hold on to water which keeps skin plump.
And when it comes to anti-aging, HA instantly plumps the skin to reduce pore size, diminish fine lines and wrinkles, while over time, niacinamide works to keep pores small and lessen fine lines and wrinkles. In the long run, both of these ingredients stimulate collagen production which is important when keeping skin looking youthful.
Niacinamide Vs Hyaluronic Acid For Acne
Which is better for acne niacinamide or hyaluronic acid?
While hyaluronic acid is an incredible ingredient for all skin types, it doesn’t necessarily have any kind of acne fighting abilities. And like we talked about above, Niacinamide has tons of properties that make it great for acne prone skin! It’s anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, plus it can also help to control excess oil production which can help to decrease breakouts as well.
Bottom line: niacinamide all the way for acne prone skin.
Niacinamide Vs Hyaluronic Acid For Oily Skin
Both! While niacinamide does help to actually control and balance oil production, hyaluronic acid can also be very beneficial for oily skin types because it can help keep the skin hydrated without being heavy or greasy. And more often than not, oily skin can actually be dehydrated skin, which can cause excessive oil production. So by keeping skin hydrated, you can hep to lessen any oil production.
Related post: Is Alpha Arbutin Or Vitamin C Better?
Niacinamide Vs Hyaluronic Acid: Similarities & Differences
Niacinamide
Hyaluronic Acid
Is Niacinamide Better Than Hyaluronic Acid?
Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are both popular skincare ingredients that offer a range of benefits.
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that can help to improve the appearance of skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also offers anti-inflammatory benefits and can help to regulate oil production.
Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, is a type of sugar molecule that binds to water, helping to keep the skin hydrated. It can also help to fill in fine lines and wrinkles. So, which one is better?
There is no simple answer, unfortunately, as the best skincare ingredient for you will depend on your individual skin type and concerns. However, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid can both be beneficial for dry skin.
Niacinamide can help to reduce water loss from the skin, while hyaluronic acid can bind moisture to the skin, resulting in a plumper, more hydrated complexion.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, niacinamide may be the better option as it can help to control sebum production. Ultimately, both niacinamide and hyaluronic acid can be beneficial for the skin, so it’s worth trying out both to see which one works best for you.
Niacinamide Vs Hyaluronic Acid FAQs
Is Niacinamide or Hyaluronic Acid Better For Acne?
Actually, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid are both great for acne! Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid can help reduce inflammation associates with acne as well as reduce redness and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Is Niacinamide Or Hyaluronic Acid Better?
Many people wonder is niacinamide better than hyaluronic acid?
Neither one is “better,” in fact, both ingredients should be staples in your skincare routine. Both niacinamide and hyaluronic acid have so many amazing benefits for the skin! Though Niacinamide really shines when it comes to oily and acne-prone skin, but hyaluronic acid is just as amazing. Everyone can use either niacinamide or hyaluronic acid (or both!) in their routine.
Does Niacinamide or Hyaluronic Acid Go First?
When using both niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, which one you use first will depend on the product type. Follow the rule “thickest to thinnest.” Whichever one is thinner in consistency, use that one first. If they’re both about the same, then it truly doesn’t matter the order.
Should I Use Hyaluronic Acid With Niacinamide?
Absolutely! Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide make quite the amazing duo for all skin types! There’s anti-inflammatory, barrier strengthening, hydrating, anti-acne properties and more. These two ingredients really can help with a lot of different skin concerns and skin types.
The Best Niacinamide Products
Now that we know we can use hyaluronic acid and niacinamide together, let’s take a look at some of the best Niacinamide products. To get the most benefit from it, you’ll want to use a serum as they have higher concentrations of active ingredients than a moisturizer would.
Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
If you’re wanting a slightly more powerful niacinamide serum, look no further than this one from Naturium. At 12% niacinamide, it helps to brighten skin, reduces pores, control oil production and so much more. Plus 2% zinc that helps to fight acne and control oil production.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 2%
This serum contains a good concentration of 10% Niacinamide that delivers results without irritation. This is one of the best-selling niacinamide products on the market. It’s cheap, it’s effective and it’s readily available.
This niacinamide serum is the perfect choice for those with acne-prone and oily skin types, thanks the the addition of zinc, which helps to control oil and has antibacterial properties to fight acne causing bacteria.
Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum
With 10% niacinamide, this serum helps to fade hyperpigmentation,
This serum also has Glycerin which acts as a humectant to draw moisture into the skin. Glycerin is lightweight and good for all skin types for added lightweight hydration that won’t clog pores or cause acne.
Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
This concentrated 10% niacinamide serum booster dramatically improves uneven skin tone, refines the appearance of pore size and fine lines. Promotes a brighter, younger-looking appearance while visibly minimizes pores for an even complexion with less visible wrinkles. Easy to use sheer formula goes on smoothly without leaving any oily residue or heavy weight that can interfere with makeup application – it’s perfect for all day wear!
And of course it wouldn’t be a Paula’s Choice product without some added extras! This booster has Vitamin C to help with discoloration, uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation. Plus Allantoin and Licorice Root helps to reduce redness and calm sensitive skin and irritation.
Glossier Super Pure Niacinamide + Zinc Serum
A daily vitamin and mineral duo of 5% Niacinamide for smoother texture, improved clarity with Zinc PCA to balance the complexion and regulate oil production. This lightweight water-gel formula sinks in quickly without any sticky or greasy residue left behind.
This serum has a lesser concentration of Niacinamide, so it’s a good starter serum or for those with sensitive and reactive skin types.
Paula’s Choice 20% Niacinamide Treatment
The time has come for you to say goodbye to your old skin and hello new, youthful looking complexion with the help of Niacinamide serum!
This highly concentrated vitamin B3-based serum effectively tightens pores caused by age or sun damage. It also helps reduce clogged pores, closed comedones and other types of acne. The powerful formula works wonders as it visibly improves blotchy tone while fading post blemish marks left behind after a breakout occurs.
With one of the highest concentrations of Niacinamide, this serum is super powerful – oily, acne prone skin, clogged pores, skin texture and acne scars done stand a chance!
Best Hyaluronic Acid Products
Naturium Quadruple Hyaluronic Acid Serum 5%
Skin-plumping moisturization is now as right at your fingertips, thanks to this revolutionary serum that features four different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid. The low-weight hyaluronic acid penetrates and plumps skin on the surface while the high-weight hyaluronic acid ensures moisture remains locked in for long term hydration. With replenishing essential moisture, you’ll be left with visibly younger looking skin!
If you’re wanting the best hyaluronic acid serum, look no further. With 4 different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, this serum is powerful and fights aging, strengthens skin’s moisture barrier and so much more. It’s suitable for all skin types and although it’s incredibly hydrating, this serum sinks in with no greasy residue or heavy feeling on the skin.
Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster
This serum will make your skin look smoother, plumper and more supple. This hyaluronic acid booster replenishes moisture content in the outer layer of the skin so skin appears smoother with less fine lines and wrinkles. Revives dehydrated dull skin restoring its natural vibrancy with just one application. Formulated to reduce fine lines & wrinkles while improving hydration levels; this is an essential product for combatting aging signs on dry or oily skins alike. With fluid gel texture visibly plumps up lifeless looking areas like smile lines around eyes, lips as well as deep pores making it perfect under makeup throughout day long wear (works even better if added over moisturizer).
Hyaluronic Acid Booster is a game-changing serum that will help you see visibly smoother, hydrated skin in as little as one use! It contains a special matrix of hydrating ingredients including an advanced form of Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides and Panthenol. The result? Softening fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes—including crow’s feet! Whether using it by itself or adding to your favorite moisturizer or serum – this product delivers on its promise with visible results from first-time usage alone.
The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid
Hydrated skin is the secret to a youthful and radiant complexion. That’s why we’ve created our Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which provides your skin with an abundance of hydration that it needs! With this product on hand, you’ll be able to reap all these benefits from just one easy application: – Smooths out wrinkles or fine lines, minimizes pore size and quenches thirsty skin with tons of lightweight moisture.
All that for less than $8 a bottle? Sign me up! Not only is this serum super affordable, but it also has Matrixyl 3000™ peptide which is an incredible anti-aging ingredient and works alongside the hyaluronic acid to plump skin.
No. 7 HydraLuminous Water Concentrate
This innovative product super lightweight (like water) that instantly drenches skin with lightweight hydration. The power ingredient, pure hyaluronic acid, is infused with HydraDrench Complex to infuse skin for an immediate boost of +100% hydration. This moisturizer also contains Pollution Shield Technology which protects sensitive skin from environmental irritants like free radicals. It includes Vitamin C in the antioxidant blend because it can help rejuvenate your complexion as well as protect against UV rays so you will not only look better but healthier too!
This unique formula restores vitality leaving behind moistened supple skin thanks to its powerful ingredients. And as another drugstore hyaluronic acid serum, what’s not to love?
Versed Hydration Station Serum Booster
This lightweight serum is perfect for combating aging and hydration! It’s so light and fast-absorbing, but instantly plumps skin full of moisture so it appears dewy, bouncy and glowing.
Niacinamide Vs Hyaluronic Acid: Wrap Up
Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid can be used in the same routine, and many times in the same product. When it comes to anti-aging, HA instantly plumps the skin to reduce pore size, diminish fine lines and wrinkles, while over time niacinamide works to keep pores small and lessen fine lines or wrinkles. Both of these ingredients work to stimulate collagen production which is important when keeping skin looking youthful. If you’re struggling between niacinamide vs hyaluronic acid, don’t worry! You can use both of them together without any problems! It’s all about finding what will work best with your personal preferences.
