Vitamin C has long been a staple in many skincare enthusiasts’ routines. Niacinamide, on the other hand, isn’t quite as well known – but it has increasingly become more sought after in recent years.
Both of these ingredients are recognized for being multi-tasking powerhouses that impact the complexion in a range of ways. Due to their versatile nature and science-backed benefits, many people of all skin types are looking to add these ingredients to their routines. There’s a lot of confusion around using these two ingredients, so we’ll set the record straight so that you know how to best use niacinamide and vitamin C in your regimen.
Vitamin C Serum Breakdown
First, let’s discuss the benefits of these ingredients on their own. Vitamin C may best be known for its ability to brighten the skin. Research has shown that topical vitamin C can help slow down the production of melanin, which is the pigment responsible for color in the skin.1 This means it may reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation (including age spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), and can promote an overall more radiant appearance.
This vitamin is equally as powerful when it comes to anti-aging benefits. It helps promote the production of collagen, which means it can play a role in minimizing the appearance of signs of aging.2 This includes fine lines, wrinkles, and loss in firmness.
Last but certainly not least, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. This means it is able to defend healthy skin cells against harmful free radicals, which can cause visible damage to the skin.
The Foundation Skincare Vitamin C Lotion contains a high 20% concentration of vitamin C — higher than most other vitamin C products available — which helps minimize signs of aging and firm the skin while brightening the complexion. Our formula is blended with moisturizing ingredients to boost moisture and soothe the skin, as well as vitamin E, which adds additional antioxidant protection.
Vitamin C Lotion 20%
Niacinamide Breakdown
Like vitamin C, niacinamide offers a wide range of benefits, making it an ingredient everyone can benefit from. Research has shown niacinamide can be an effective solution for controlling sebum production, so it is a particularly great ingredient for those with oily skin.3 With less oil, pores are less likely to become clogged, which means the ingredient can also help minimize breakouts.
That said, its oil control abilities doesn’t mean this B vitamin is only useful for those with oily skin. Niacinamide has been shown to help increase the production of ceramides and support the barrier, which improves the skin’s ability to retain moisture.4 Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, this ingredient may also minimize redness and inflammation tied to conditions like acne and eczema.
Just like vitamin C, niacinamide can also help fade hyperpigmentation. Researchers found that the ingredient may be an effective solution for promoting a more even skin tone, since it’s able to block the transfer of melanin.5
Many formulas are crafted with a 1% to 2% concentration of niacinamide, but the Foundation Skincare Niacinamide Lotion puts this B vitamin front and center. The 10% concentration of niacinamide helps to minimize blemishes, pigmentation, and redness while controlling sebum production. It contains supporting ingredients that moisturize, calm, and fortify the barrier.
Can You Use Them Together?
This leads us to the ultimate question: can you use niacinamide with vitamin C? The short answer is yes, they can be safely used together. While it was previously believed that these two ingredients could cause irritation when layered, this was based on outdated research from the mid-20th century that was not based on modern solutions used in skincare today.
Vitamin C and niacinamide are complementary ingredients that work well in tandem. They can help you address a variety of different concerns to achieve your skincare goals with just a few products.
How to Layer Niacinamide & Vitamin C For Best Results
For the best possible results, you need to know how to use niacinamide and vitamin C together. When it comes to layering these two ingredients, the application order ultimately depends on the specific formulas you’re using.
You’ll want to follow the thinnest to thickest rule when determining which should be used first. For example, if you’re using a more watery vitamin C serum and a cream that’s formulated with niacinamide, you’ll apply the vitamin C serum first, and then follow up with the niacinamide cream.
Add Vitamin C and Niacinamide to Your Regime with Foundation Skincare
If you want to use both of these ingredients in your regimen, you can safely layer the Foundation Skincare Vitamin C and Niacinamide Lotions. Using the thinnest to thickest rule, you’ll want to first apply the Niacinamide Lotion to clean skin, and then give it at least two minutes to absorb. Once two minutes have passed, you can follow up with the Vitamin C Lotion.
Both of our dermatologist formulated lotions are crafted with only the foundational, science-backed ingredients needed to tackle skin concerns, while gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. Neither formulas contain unnecessary add-in ingredients, which allows the vitamin C and niacinamide to provide the best possible results.
