Niacinamide Vs. Vitamin C: Which One Works Best?

Choosing between niacinamide or vitamin C can be a bit confusing if you're stepping into the world of skincare. Both ingredients are beloved for their powerful benefits and are often recommended by dermatologists for bright, healthy-looking skin. But do you need both? Which one should you use first? And more importantly, which works best for your skin type?

This guide explains the difference between niacinamide and vitamin C, their benefits, and how to layer them into your routine without irritation. If you're wondering which to pick or how to use them together, read on.

What Is Niacinamide & Its Benefits

Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin that’s incredibly versatile and gentle. It suits almost all skin types and offers a wide range of benefits, from improving skin texture to controlling oil production and strengthening the skin barrier.

Key Benefits Of Niacinamide

• Minimises Enlarged Pores: Helps refine skin texture and regulate sebum
• Fades Dark Spots & Acne Marks: Reduces post-acne discolouration and brightens skin tone
• Strengthens the Skin Barrier: Increases ceramide production to lock in moisture
• Reduces Inflammation: Calms redness and soothes irritated skin
• Anti-Ageing: Softens the appearance of fine lines and keeps skin firm

What Is Vitamin C & Its Benefits

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage caused by UV rays and pollution. It's widely known for its brightening and anti-ageing effects and is a favourite among skincare enthusiasts for fading dark spots and improving overall skin tone.

Key Benefits Of Vitamin C

• Brightens Dull Skin: Helps fade hyperpigmentation and gives the skin a radiant glow
• Boosts Collagen Production: Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Neutralises Free Radicals: Protects skin from environmental stressors
• Improves Skin Tone: Evens out discolouration over time
• Supports SPF: Works well with sunscreen to enhance skin protection

Niacinamide Vs. Vitamin C

Both niacinamide and vitamin C are stellar ingredients, but they work differently and suit different needs. Here's a breakdown of niacinamide vs vitamin C:

1. Primary Benefits

• Niacinamide helps reduce inflammation, controls oil and strengthens the skin barrier.
• Vitamin C is known for brightening the skin, fighting free radicals, and boosting collagen production.

2. Best For

• Niacinamide suits oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin types that need calming and balancing.
• Vitamin C is ideal if you’re dealing with dullness, pigmentation, or early signs of ageing.

3. Skin Tone Improvement

• Niacinamide fades dark spots and improves the uniformity of your complexion.
• Vitamin C helps fade hyperpigmentation and gives an overall luminous look.

4. Skin Types

• Niacinamide is generally suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
• Vitamin C works best for normal to oily skin but can sometimes irritate sensitive skin.

5. Texture & Form

• Niacinamide serums are often lightweight gels or water-based formulas
• Vitamin C serums tend to have a watery or serum-like consistency.

6. Gentleness

• Niacinamide is gentle and rarely irritates.
• Vitamin C can be a bit harsh, especially in high concentrations.

7. Compatibility With Other Actives

• Niacinamide pairs well with most other ingredients and is easy to fit into any routine.
• Vitamin C should be used cautiously with strong exfoliants or retinol.

Layering The Two Ingredients

You might have heard myths that niacinamide and vitamin C shouldn’t be used together. Now that you know the difference between niacinamide vs vitamin C, here’s how these two ingredients can work well together when layered properly.

How To Layer Niacinamide & Vitamin C Together?

• Step 1: Cleanse your skin with a gentle face wash
• Step 2: Apply vitamin C serum first (ideally in the morning), as it has a lower pH
• Step 3: Wait 1-2 minutes for the product to absorb and your skin to balance
• Step 4: Follow with niacinamide serum
• Step 5: Seal with day cream and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen in the morning

Alternatively, you can use vitamin C in the morning and niacinamide at night to avoid layering altogether, especially if you have sensitive skin.


Niacinamide or vitamin C are both skincare powerhouses, each with its own unique set of benefits. Whether you're after a brightening boost, a stronger skin barrier, or a smoother texture, these two ingredients have a lot to offer. The key is understanding what your skin truly needs, the difference between niacinamide and vitamin C, and then choosing (or combining) the right actives to meet those goals.

If you’re dealing with pigmentation, dullness, and signs of ageing, vitamin C could be your hero. If your concerns are enlarged pores, redness, or sensitivity, niacinamide is likely the better fit. Or you could harness the best of both worlds by using them together—safely and effectively. With a little trial and error, you’ll find the perfect balance for your routine.

So, browse through a wide range of Lancôme skincare products and include the vitamin C and hyaluronic acid serum in your daily skincare regimen to pamper your skin with the love and care it needs. Additionally, you can also head to the Lancôme E-Skin Expert tool to find your personalised skincare solution from the comfort of your home, without having to spend a penny. That’s not it – explore our skincare beauty magazine guide to learn about skincare tips, tricks, ingredients and more.