COSMETIC CHEMISTRY FAQ
COMBINING NIACINAMIDE AND RETINOL
Q: Is it safe to layer Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) with Retinol?
A: Yes, it is highly encouraged. Niacinamide stimulates ceramide synthesis, effectively strengthening the skin barrier. Because Retinol can compromise the barrier initially, Niacinamide acts as a buffer to mitigate irritation without deactivating the retinoic acid conversion cascade.
Q: Does Niacinamide conflict with Vitamin C?
A: The myth that they create harmful niacin arises from outdated research using pure, unformulated ascorbic acid and niacinamide heated to extreme temperatures. In modern cosmetic formulations at room temperature, they are perfectly safe to layer and offer synergistic brightening effects.