Can i use the ordinary salicylic acid and niacinamide together

Salicylic acid and niacinamide are two proven ingredients that are recommended by many skincare experts. You may be wondering if you can use them together for the best results.  Well, you’re in the right place if you want to learn how to add these two research-backed ingredients to your skincare routine.

Salicylic acid and niacinamide can be used together to keep your skin even-toned, bright, and clear from acne. Both are safe for sensitive skin and have few side effects. They work well together and can be found in serums, lotions, and creams.

In this article, I’ll cover how to use salicylic acid and niacinamide together and discuss the benefits of each.  Let’s get going so you can feel great about your skin!

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may make a commission at no cost to you. Please see my full disclosure policy for more details.

Benefits of Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) that is derived from willow bark. It exfoliates the top layer of skin to allow the fresher, brighter skin underneath to show. It’s oil-soluble, so it can penetrate through clogged pores to clear the dirt and debris. That makes salicylic acid a good choice of exfoliant for those with oily skin types.

Benefits of salicylic acid include:

• Exfoliates top layer of skin
• Penetrates oil to clear out pores
• Effectively fights acne
• Reduces inflammation

Salicylic Acid Exfoliates The Skin

There are two main types of chemical exfoliants, AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids). Salicylic acid is the most common BHA found in skincare products. It’s a gentle exfoliant that loosens the top layer of dead skin cells so they flake off (invisibly over time- not like a peel). This allows the brighter skin underneath to show, giving you a glowing complexion. It also improves skin texture by reducing small, uneven bumps.

One thing to note is that salicylic acid (like any exfoliant) can make your skin sensitive to the sun. To prevent sun damage and the loss of collagen production, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every day.

It Penetrates Oil to Clear Pores

Of the two main types of chemical exfoliants, AHAs (glycolic acid and lactic acid) are water-soluble and BHAs are oil soluble. That means salicylic acid can penetrate through the oil on your skin to get deep into your pores and clear out the debris that clogs them and leads to acne. This will also result in minimizing the appearance of pores. BHA exfoliants are the better choice over AHAs if you have an oily skin type.

Effectively Fights Acne

This study shows how 2% salicylic acid significantly reduced acne when used for 8 weeks. Benzoyl peroxide, which works by killing acne-causing bacteria, is currently the most common over the counter acne treatment available. Unfortunately, it’s not well tolerated by many with sensitive skin. It also can be extremely drying, particularly when used twice a day. This can eventually damage your skin barrier.  If you have dry skin and suffer from acne, salicylic acid may be the best choice because it is not nearly as drying as benzoyl peroxide.

One option is to alternate benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, using one in the morning and one in the evening. Since both ingredients are available in inexpensive products, you can experiment and find out what gives you the best results.

Reduces Redness and Inflammation

Salicylic acid belongs to the same class of compounds as aspirin, which reduces inflammation and swelling. This improves the appearance of skin by reducing puffiness and redness. This not only improves the appearance of active acne breakouts but also helps your skin’s overall appearance.

Ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties will give you a smoother, more even-toned complexion, which is particularly helpful for us who are prone to get red skin at either cold or hot temperatures or at the very smallest irritation.

Benefits of Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that has become an increasingly popular skincare ingredient in recent years. It’s an antioxidant that offers a wide array of skin benefits. It’s sometimes called nicotinamide but is not the same thing as Niacin, which is another form of Vitamin B3.

Benefits of niacinamide include:

• Protects skin from cellular damage
• Decreases hyperpigmentation
• Fights acne
• Reduces redness and inflammation

Niacinamide is an Effective Antioxidant

Antioxidants fight free radicals, which cause signs of skin aging such as dark spots, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Although sunscreen helps, none of us can avoid free radicals, besides the sun they come from sources such as pollution and cigarette smoke.

Niacinamide neutralizes free radicals, preventing them from damaging your skin. Antioxidants are particularly effective when applied in the morning, under your sunscreen, so they can provide protection throughout the day. If you’re interested in learning about other powerful antioxidants, check out these articles on green tea and Vitamin C.

Niacinamide Decreases Hyperpigmentation

Niacinamide has been shown to significantly reduce hyperpigmentation in just 4 weeks. This study used a niacinamide product with concentrations of 2% and 5%, showing that high percentages are not always necessary for results. 

Dark spots and patches from hyperpigmentation cause an uneven skin tone and can be worse in the summer when we are in the sun more. Vitamin C is effective at reducing them but the most effective type, l-ascorbic acid, can be irritating. For those of us with sensitive skin, It’s nice to have another effective ingredient to fade dark spots.

Niacinamide effectively reduces acne

This article from the National Library of Medicine reviewed many studies on the effectiveness of topical niacinamide and concluded the following:

“Six of eight studies using topical nicotinamide led to a significant reduction in acne compared with the patient’s baseline or performed similarly to another standard-of-care acne treatment.”

Since some acne treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide, are difficult to tolerate, niacinamide may be the best choice for those with sensitive skin types.  It’s known for being gentle and having few side effects.

Niacinamide is anti-inflammatory

Among many other benefits, this study shows that niacinamide effectively reduces inflammation.

Reducing inflammation will make your skin look less puffy, reduce redness and reduce pore size. As someone with pale skin that is often red, niacinamide has really been effective for me in this area.

Niacinamide vs Salicylic Acid: Pros and Cons

Below I’ve created a table showing some of the pros and cons of niacinamide and salicylic acid. Like most skincare ingredients, they can cause skin irritation at high concentrations. However, most people, even those with sensitive skin, shouldn’t have problems. If you have specific skin concerns, like acne and hyperpigmentation, this can be a great combination.

How To Layer Salicylic Acid with Niacinamide

Because salicylic acid is an exfoliant, it should be applied to bare, clean skin. This is why I’m a fan of Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid. Because the texture is so light it’s very easy to apply a niacinamide serum or lotion after and know it will still be absorbed through the skin.

Another option is to use a salicylic acid cleanser first and then a niacinamide serum or lotion.

Best Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide Products

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid 

This is a very effective salicylic acid product that is formulated at the correct PH to exfoliate the top layer of dead skin cells. It is a lightweight toner that contains green tea to soothe the skin and provide antioxidant protection. It contains no artificial colors or fragrances.

Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster

This product was my first introduction to niacinamide and I have repurchased it several times. Paula’s Choice uses research-backed ingredients and never adds artificial fragrance or dye. Although niacinamide is the star ingredient, this serum also has hyaluronic acid for hydration, a Vitamin C derivative for brightening power,  and licorice root extract to calm redness.  Paula’s Choice also has a 20% niacinamide serum, which I haven’t tried since I see good results with the 10%.

The Ordinary 10% Niacinamide Serum + Zinc 1%

The Ordinary niacinamide is very basic but it gets the job done and the price can’t be beaten. It’s a very lightweight serum with niacinamide and a small amount of zinc, a great ingredient that also helps fight acne. If you are on a budget this is a great choice. The Ordinary does not sell directly on Amazon, so I normally get it online and in ULTA stores.

TruSkin Tea Tree Clear Skin Super Serum

This is one of the few products that combine both salicylic acid and niacinamide. It also has tea tree oil to fight acne, a vitamin C derivative for brightening, and retinol for anti-aging purposes. There are a lot of active ingredients in this serum so I highly recommend patch testing to make sure it doesn’t cause any reactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s take a look at some of the most common questions about these two powerful ingredients.

Can you mix salicylic acid and niacinamide together?

Do not mix separate niacinamide and salicylic acid products together. Each product will have been formulated to work best with the specific active ingredients and at the precise PH at which it is made. If you want to use them in one product then purchase one that is made with both.

How often should I use niacinamide and salicylic acid?

Because niacinamide is non-drying and very gentle to the skin, it’s very easy to use it twice a day. With salicylic acid I recommend starting with once a day, and, as your skin gets used to it, you can try increasing it to twice a day.

Another option is to start with a salicylic acid cleanser. Because it’s not on your skin long before being washed off it is unlikely to cause irritation. However, this also means it’s not as effective as a leave-on product.

With any new product, I recommend patch testing it first. Even the most gentle products can have an ingredient that you may be allergic to.

Do I need to wait in between applying salicylic acid and niacinamide products?

When applying salicylic acid and niacinamide, you only need to wait until the first product is absorbed into your skin before applying the next. Many people think that because salicylic acid has a lower PH level, that it needs to be given time to work before this is applied. Paula’s Choice has an excellent article on why that isn’t true.

Can you use a salicylic acid cleanser with a niacinamide serum?

A salicylic acid cleanser and a niacinamide serum will work well together and are a great choice for using both of these ingredients in one skincare routine. Leave the cleanser on your skin for at least a minute in order to let the salicylic acid work.

Final Thoughts On Using Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide Together

Niacinamide and salicylic acid make a great combination, particularly for acne-prone skin. Together they reduce acne, brighten skin, and fade hyperpigmentation. Regardless of whether you are a teenager or in your golden years, they both can help you feel great about your skin.

Related Skincare Articles

Can You use Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide Together?

Can You Use Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid Together?

How To Build A Natural Skincare Routine for Acne