{"id":154085,"date":"2025-09-19T09:49:12","date_gmt":"2025-09-19T09:49:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/154085\/"},"modified":"2025-09-19T09:49:12","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T09:49:12","slug":"pros-cons-which-is-better","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/154085\/","title":{"rendered":"Pros, Cons, Which Is Better?"},"content":{"rendered":"

An solid skincare routine includes a few undisputed must-haves: First and foremost is a good face sunscreen<\/a>\u2014any dermatologist worth her degree will tell you the ingredients in sunscreen<\/a> will keep you protected from skin damage and younger-looking. Aside from SPF, a retinol serum<\/a> and a good brightening vitamin C<\/a> product are two other oft-cited elements of a solid skincare strategy. But in a world where there seem to be new ingredients seem to be popping up every day, is there a place for all the rest?<\/p>\n

Yes! And while it’s not exactly new, niacinamide<\/a>, in particular, has been getting a lot of buzz lately for its soothing and brightening benefits. If you\u2019re already using vitamin C, though, it may seem unnecessary to incorporate an additional, seemingly similar, ingredient. But, au contraire: When it comes to skincare, there are plenty of reasons to combine these two powerhouses. Doing so can yield even better results than you’d get from using them alone, says Mona Gohara<\/a>, MD, clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University<\/a> and a Women’s Health medical advisory board member.<\/p>\n

Meet the experts: Mona Gohara<\/a>, MD, is a clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University<\/a> and a Women’s Health medical advisory board member. Ron Robinson<\/a> is a cosmetic chemist and founder of skincare brand, BeautyStat<\/a>.<\/p>\n

To get the scoop on niacinamide and vitamin C, including what each of them does, how to use them, and whether they can and should be used together, we asked Dr. Gohara and other skin experts for their strategies\u2014because any time you blend two powerful ingredients there does need to be a little strategy involved. <\/p>\n

Keep reading to find out what they say about using niacinamide and vitamin C together, plus product recommendations for each.<\/p>\n

What is niacinamide?<\/p>\n

It’s not exactly a new ingredient\u2014niacinamide has been used for years in topical skincare products\u2014but recently this tried-and-true workhorse has enjoyed a resurgence in interest. Basically, \u201cniacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, an essential nutrient that helps keep your skin balanced, strong, and healthy,\u201d explains Dr. Gohara. And it\u2019s already naturally found in the body\u2014other sources of niacinamide include foods like fish, grains, and leafy greens. When used topically, though, niacinamide is synthetically made in a lab and is known to be \u201cgentle, hydrating and versatile in skincare,\u201d says Ron Robinson<\/a>, a cosmetic chemist and founder of skincare brand, BeautyStat<\/a>. <\/p>\n

What are the benefits of niacinamide?<\/p>\n

Niacinamide is one of those ingredients that simply can\u2019t be put in a box. While one person may be using it on their oily and breakout-prone skin to ward off one of the different types of acne<\/a>, someone else might be using it to counteract dullness and dryness. <\/p>\n

It all comes down to how it\u2019s formulated and the way you use it, which is why you\u2019ll find it in so many different types of products. \u201cThink of niacinamide like a thermostat for your skin,\u201d says Dr. Gohara. \u201cIt keeps everything in balance, whether it\u2019s oil, skin redness<\/a>, or barrier strength.\u201d She says its most potent effects are its ability to regulate oil production, reduce redness and blotchiness, strengthen the skin barrier, minimize the look of pores, fade dark spots<\/a>, and improve uneven skin texture<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In fact, multiple one study<\/a> have found that niacinamide has a calming effect on the skin, reducing inflammation, which is a known trigger for accelerated aging (better known as inflammaging<\/a>). The same study recognized niacinamide for its brightening benefits and its ability to tackle discoloration, as Dr. Gohara mentioned above.<\/p>\n

Where you’ll find niacinamide.SerumsMoisturizersSunscreensCleansersSpot TreatmentsToners<\/p>\n

Niacinamide \u201cis commonly included in serums, moisturizers, and treatments and valued for its barrier-supporting, anti-inflammatory, and brightening effects,\u201d says Robinson. Dr. Gohara adds that niacinamide can be found in sunscreens and cleansers, too, which is why it\u2019s so easy to make part of your routine\u2014you can pretty much find it in every type of product. However, she recommends serums and moisturizers because they deliver the most targeted dose and are usually paired with other hydrating ingredients. <\/p>\n

Not sure which product to pick? Dr. Gohara breaks it down. \u201cNiacinamide serums<\/a> generally pack more concentrated dose of the ingredient and are better for specific concerns like redness or discoloration.\u201d They\u2019re also a good choice for those with oilier and acne-prone skin types. One Dr. Gohara loves is the Vichy LiftActiv B3 Dark Spot Serum<\/a>. \u201cWhat makes it unique is the pairing of niacinamide to help fade discoloration and soothe skin with glycolic acid to gently exfoliate and allow deeper penetration,\u201d she says. The combination of the two results in a brighter, more even-toned complexion. <\/p>\n

Related Stories<\/p>\n

Creams and moisturizers, on the other hand, are great for everyday use and providing general barrier support, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. Our experts like the CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Facial Gel<\/a>. It combines niacinamide and hyaluronic acid<\/a> in a lightweight formula that\u2019s gentle on skin, reinforces its protective barrier, and is super hydrating and soothing. It\u2019s great for very reactive skin or for use with potent active ingredients like retinol to temper sensitivity.<\/p>\n

What is vitamin C?<\/p>\n

No doubt you’ve heard of this ingredient, which as reams of data to underscore all its benefits to skin. \u201cVitamin C is an antioxidant powerhouse that helps protect your complexion from environmental damage while brightening and evening tone,\u201d says Dr. Gohara. \u201cNaturally, vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, berries, and peppers.\u201d But, when it\u2019s used in skincare, vitamin C often goes by another name, L-ascorbic acid. This synthetic formulation keeps the ingredient stabilized, which is necessary to keep it effective once you pump it out of the bottle, says Dr. Gohara.<\/p>\n

What are the benefits of vitamin C?Brightens dull skinFades dark spots and hyperpigmentationBoosts collagen production to firm and liftProtects against pollution and UV damage<\/p>\n

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and, as such, it\u2019s a great companion to sunscreen, working hand-in-hand to protect against environmental stressors such as UV damage and pollution. It\u2019s also known for being a brightening all-star with the ability to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation while contributing to an overall glowier complexion. And because it\u2019s such a staple ingredient, there are plenty of studies to back up its claims. One study<\/a> showed its impressive ability to reverse photodamage, resulting in a lightening effect of discoloration, while other research<\/a> supports its role in collagen synthesis, making it a solid firming and lifting option.<\/p>\n

Where you’ll find vitamin C.Serums<\/a>MoisturizersBoostersMasksCleansersEye Creams<\/p>\n

Vitamin C \u201cis most commonly found in serums at a concentration of between 10% to 20% L-ascorbic acid. It is also in some moisturizers, oils, and booster products that you combine with your daily moisturizer of choice,\u201d says Robinson. And since \u201cvitamin C needs to be in a potent, stable form to really get results,\u201d says Dr. Gohara, you\u2019ll often find it housed in dark bottles and airtight containers (or even powders that you mix with a basic serum before you apply to skin) to keep it as potent as possible (it degrades quickly when exposed to light or oxygen).<\/p>\n

Dr. Gohara recommends Neutrogena Collagen Bank 15% Vitamin C Serum<\/a>, which blends 15% pure vitamin C with 2% polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) to help the formula penetrate and enhance its collagen-protecting and boosting effects. Robinson is such a fan of the ingredient, he formulated his star product\u2014the BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner 20% Vitamin C Brightening Serum<\/a>\u2014with it. Known as one of the brand\u2019s hero products, this formulation uses a stable form of vitamin C and delivers visible results in tone, texture, wrinkles, and firmness.<\/p>\n

Which is better\u2014niacinamide or vitamin C?<\/p>\n

Good news\u2014it\u2019s not a competition. While many of the benefits of each do overlap, one isn\u2019t necessarily better than the other. \u201cI think they serve complementary, but distinct roles,\u201d says Robinson. \u201cNiacinamide is barrier-supporting and balances tone, while vitamin C offers powerful antioxidant and collagen-boosting benefits.\u201d <\/p>\n

If you\u2019re trying to choose one or the other, you\u2019ll want to look to your skin\u2019s needs to inform your decision. \u201cVitamin C is unbeatable for brightening and collagen support, while niacinamide excels at calming, balancing, and reducing redness,\u201d Dr. Gohara says, echoing Robinson\u2019s sentiment. They each have potential downsides, too: vitamin C \u201ccan be unstable and sometimes irritating, especially at high concentrations or on sensitive skin,\u201d warns Dr. Gohara, while the results you’d experience from niacinamide results are \u201cmore subtle and gradual,\u201d she adds. <\/p>\n

So, if your main objective is brightening or anti-aging, you\u2019re looking for quicker results, and your skin is non-reactive, you would want to go with vitamin C. However, if you have more sensitive skin, are dealing with redness, or are acne-prone, niacinamide is the way to go. <\/p>\n

But, if you\u2019re open to using both, you totally can\u2014and, our pros say you probably should \u201cThey actually enhance each other,\u201d assures Dr. Gohara of the effects of vitamin C and niacinamide. \u201cVitamin C brightens and boosts collagen, while niacinamide calms irritation and strengthens the skin barrier, making it easier to tolerate vitamin C.\u201d She says that you could use a vitamin C serum in the morning and layer a niacinamide serum on top for a glow-boosting duo that also offers skin protection. That’s why our experts\u2014and Women’s Health editors\u2014love these products, which combine both ingredients:<\/p>\n

4 Great Products That Combine Vitamin C And Niacinamide<\/p>\n

Best For Brightening<\/p>\n

\"CC<\/a>Summer Fridays CC Me Vitamin C + Niacinamide Serum<\/p>\n

This serum combines two forms of vitamin C (3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid and ascorbyl glucoside) that are specially engineered to enhance all-over brightness. Its benefits are only enhanced by the presence of niacinamide to neutralize any redness and enhance clarity. The cherry on top is the addition of squalane, a deeply hydrating ingredient that will head off any potential irritation. The texture is light and easily spreadable, making it a great full-face treatment.<\/p>\n

Best For Stubborn Discoloration<\/p>\n

\"Potent-C<\/a>Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment<\/p>\n

Dark spots, acne scars, and patches of hyperpigmentation are no match for this powerful treatment, which features a whopping 15% vitamin C (in the form of THD Ascorbate), plus niacinamide, and skin refiners like tranexamic acid, kojic acid<\/a>, and alpha arbutin<\/a>. The lightweight gel-cream texture makes it ideal for all skin types\u2014hydrating but won’t exacerbate oiliness either. In a brand-funded 12-week consumer perception study, participants agreed their stubborn discoloration was visibly improved after using this product. <\/p>\n

Best For Uneven Skin Texture<\/p>\n

\"Day<\/a>Bubble Day Dream Tone & Texture Serum<\/p>\n

Bubble’s serum\u2014a beautiful, lightweight formula\u2014is ideal for those dealing with uneven skin texture due to acne or acne scarring. The combination of vitamin C and niacinamide do most of the heavy lifting, but this product also features plant-derived ceramides to strengthen skin’s protective barrier and ward off the inflammation that can lead to bumps and a dry, gritty feel on skin. You’ll also find alpha arbutin in this bottle, which only amplifies these effects. <\/p>\n

\"Super-C<\/a>StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum<\/p>\n

Now 15% Off<\/p>\n

Two forms of vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate and ascorbyl glucoside) are paired with a form of vitamin B3 similar to niacinamide (myristyl nicotinate) and retinol to smooth fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production. It also contains another powerful brightener\u2014acerola cherry\u2014for hard-hitting anti-aging results.<\/p>\n

The bottom line: More is more here.<\/p>\n

Niacinamide and vitamin C are both hardworking skincare ingredients\u2014and if you placed them into a Venn diagram, they would have some overlapping benefits, particularly in the brightening department. <\/p>\n

But when it comes down to it, they\u2019re not interchangeable, nor do they compete with one another. Rather, they\u2019re complementary and work well when used synergistically. Vitamin C is typically more potent and is best suited for concerns such as brightening and anti-aging, while niacinamide is heralded for its soothing and oil-regulating abilities. When used together, you can expect an overall more even skin tone, strengthened skin barrier, and healthy complexion. <\/p>\n

In this case, teamwork really does make the dreamwork. For your skin, anyway.
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Lisa DeSantis is a freelance writer, editor, and brand consultant in the beauty, wellness, and lifestyle spaces. Lisa has been in this field for over ten years, collaborating with some of the top experts in the space and trying thousands of products along the way. Getting her start at QVC as an intern while she attended Drexel University, Lisa learned the ins and outs of working in media. After graduating, she began contributing to many top women’s lifestyle magazines, including Fitness, Allure, Health, and Real Simple, before starting her freelance career. She has also made TV appearances on Good Morning America and the Today Show, among other news segments. Some of Lisa’s most recent work can be found on Byrdie, Cosmopolitan, and Glamour. Lisa currently resides in Nashville, where she is training to become a Pilates instructor while contributing to many of her favorite New York-based magazines and digital sites. Find her on Instagram at @lisa_desantis_<\/a> or check out her website: lisadesantis.co<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Brian Underwood is beauty director at Women\u2019s Health, where he oversees content strategy for the brand across all platforms, including digital, print, and social. Underwood previously served as beauty and wellness director at Oprah Daily and O, The Oprah Magazine. During his tenure leading beauty content for the Oprah brand at Hearst, stories Underwood commissioned were awarded the Skin Cancer Foundation Media Award and a Fragrance Award for Editorial Excellence (his second). He was the launch Beauty Director of Dr. Oz THE GOOD LIFE, and has held additional editorial positions at Fitness, Organic Style, Good Housekeeping, Life & Style Weekly, and Woman\u2019s Day and has written for Self, Shape, Seventeen, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, and many more. Underwood previously served on the Skin Cancer Foundation\u2019s gala committee and as partnerships director of the Trans Beauty Clinic, a New York-based charitable organization that provided beauty services and workshops to the city\u2019s trans community.<\/p>\n