Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Using Niacinamide: What Not to Mix with It

Niacinamide is a popular ingredient in skincare products that offers a multitude of benefits. It’s known for its ability to reduce inflammation, minimize fine lines and wrinkles, and brighten the complexion. However, despite its many benefits, niacinamide doesn’t play well with all ingredients. When mixed with certain substances, the effectiveness of niacinamide can be reduced, or it can even cause adverse reactions. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what not to mix with niacinamide.

Retinol:

Retinol is another popular skincare ingredient that’s often used for its anti-aging properties. When used together with niacinamide, the pH balance of the skin can be disrupted. Retinol requires a lower pH to function correctly, while niacinamide works better at a higher pH. Therefore, if the two are used together, the effectiveness of both ingredients can be significantly diminished. It’s best to use them separately or at different times of the day.

Vitamin C:

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots. However, when mixed with niacinamide, it can form a complex that reduces the effectiveness of both ingredients. Therefore, it’s best to use them separately or at different times of the day.

Acidic ingredients:

Acidic ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) have a low pH, which can destabilize niacinamide. When the two are combined, it can cause flushing, redness, and irritation. It’s best to use them separately or at different times of the day.

Hydroquinone:

Hydroquinone is a skin lightening agent that’s often used to treat hyperpigmentation. However, when used with niacinamide, it can reduce the effectiveness of both ingredients. It’s best to use them separately or at different times of the day.

Essential Oils:

Essential oils, while natural, can be very potent and irritating to the skin in some cases. When mixed with niacinamide, the essential oils can cause redness, irritation, and even allergic reactions. It’s best to avoid mixing essential oils with niacinamide altogether.

In conclusion, niacinamide is a versatile ingredient with many benefits for the skin. However, it’s important to be mindful of what we mix it with. Avoid using niacinamide with retinol, vitamin C, acidic ingredients, hydroquinone, and essential oils. By keeping these products separate, we can ensure that our skincare routine is as effective and gentle as possible.