Can I use Niacinamide with
Tretinoin in my Skincare Routine?

Written by Kathleen Morrison
Medically Reviewed by Andrea Sleeth WHNP-BC, MSCP

The short answer = yup. Niacinamide and tretinoin are a seemingly unlikely duo that just works—and when you use them right, they can really level up your skincare game.

Niacinamide is the gentle overachiever—it helps even out skin tone, keeps things calm, and adds a nice boost of hydration. Prescription tretinoin products, on the other hand, is the power player. It encourages skin cell turnover, which can help clear acne breakouts and smooth out fine lines. Used together, they can complement each other beautifully for various skin concerns—but it’s all about the how.

Knowing how these two ingredients play together can seriously change your everyday skincare routine for the better. When you pair them the right way, you’re not just chasing glow—you’re creating a routine that supports your skin long-term.

How niacinamide and tretinoin work

Niacinamide (aka vitamin B3) is a gentle multitasker. It helps your skin hold onto hydration, keeps oil in check, and smooths out uneven skin tone and skin texture. Basically, it’s like your chill friend who keeps things steady, even when your skin’s having a moment. It also supports collagen production, which can help skin stay firm and bounce back over time.

Tretinoin is more of a power player. It's a prescription form of retinoic acid that speeds up skin cell turnover—so dull, tired cells get replaced faster with fresh, healthy ones. It’s been a go-to for breakouts and fine lines for decades, and for good reason: it gets results. Plus, it encourages your skin to make more collagen and elastin, which keeps things firm and smooth.

Together? They balance each other beautifully. Tretinoin gets deep into the skin to do the heavy lifting, while niacinamide keeps your skin barrier happy and your skin hydrated. The combo can help you deal with texture, tone, breakouts, and early signs of aging—without your skin freaking out.

If you’re using prescription tretinoin and want to layer in a niacinamide serum—something like The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%—you’re on the right track. Just remember to take it slow, listen to your skin, and give it time to adjust.

The Ordinary and Wisp Inc. are separate and non-affiliated companies.

Wisp treatment options are available only after consultation with a licensed medical professional. You should consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement or treatment regimen. Individual results may vary.

Why niacinamide and tretinoin go so great together

Niacinamide and tretinoin make a powerful pair. Here’s how this duo can take your skincare game to the next level.

Reason 1: They help strengthen and protect your skin barrier

Tretinoin is powerful—which is great! But it can also be intense when your skin’s not used to it. Niacinamide helps cushion the effects. It supports your skin’s natural moisture barrier, helping it feel less dry, tight, or irritated during your tretinoin journey.

It also encourages your skin to make more ceramides (those are the fatty lipids that keep skin happy and hydrated). If you’re prone to flaking, redness, or dryness, niacinamide is like the skincare sidekick you didn’t know you needed.

Reason 2: They help fight breakouts and calm oil production

Breakouts? These two tackle them from all sides. Tretinoin helps unclog pores and speed up cell turnover, which keeps dead skin cells from piling up in acne-prone skin.

Niacinamide steps in to regulate oil production and calm inflammation—especially helpful if your skin tends to get oily, shiny, or angry at the drop of a hat. Together, they can help create a clearer, calmer skin surface without over-drying or disrupting your skin’s balance.

Reason 3: They help smooth texture and fade discoloration

If you’re dealing with rough patches, acne scars, or uneven tone, this combo puts in serious work. Tretinoin helps smooth texture and fade hyperpigmentation by encouraging fresh, new skin to rise to the surface.

Niacinamide supports this by brightening dull, dark spots and evening out tone. Over time, your skin looks more radiant, even, and soft to the touch.

How to add them to your routine

Layering powerful ingredients can be a liiittle nerve-racking. But once you know what your skin likes (and what it doesn’t), it’s all about creating a routine that feels good and actually works.

Start slow—especially if tretinoin is new to your routine. A couple of nights a week is plenty to begin with. Once your skin starts adjusting (usually after a few weeks of consistency), you can start playing around with niacinamide in your morning routine. Giving them their own space helps your skin ease into the changes without freaking out.

Tips for applying niacinamide and tretinoin

Evening is where tretinoin shines, so here’s a simple routine you can stick to:

• Cleanse first, then wait until your skin is fully dry (like, truly dry—moisture can make tretinoin spicier than it needs to be).
• Apply a pea-sized amount of tretinoin and let it sink in for about 20 minutes.
• Follow with niacinamide if you’re using both at night—or just go in with your moisturizer.
  

Morning is niacinamide’s time to glow:

• Cleanse.
• Apply niacinamide to slightly damp skin.
• Lock it all in with a moisturizer and sunscreen.

Daily SPF is a must when you’re using tretinoin—no ifs, ands, or maybes.

Listen to your skin

Skin tolerance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some folks love using both ingredients in the same routine, while others prefer to keep them separate. If your skin starts feeling dry, tight, stingy, or red, it’s totally okay to take a step back. You’re not “failing” at skincare—your skin’s just asking for a little breather.

Consistency is everything. Whether you’re a minimalist or a product maximalist, the best routine is the one you can actually stick with. Take weekly progress pics and give your skin time—it’s doing more than you think.

Can you use niacinamide with other skincare ingredients?

Short answer: yes—but let’s not get too wild right away. When your routine already includes tretinoin and niacinamide, adding new actives should be done slowly and thoughtfully.

What plays well:

• Hyaluronic acid is a hydration hero and works beautifully with both niacinamide and tretinoin. Use it before niacinamide in the morning or after tretinoin at night.
• Ceramides and barrier-focused moisturizers are always a good idea.
  

What to go slow with:

• Exfoliating acids (like glycolic acid or salicylic acid) are potent skincare ingredients that can be irritating when used too close to tretinoin. Try them on nights when you’re skipping tretinoin—or limit to once a week.
• Vitamin C is a maybe. Some skin types love the combo; some don’t. If you want to try it, use vitamin C in the morning before niacinamide, and keep tretinoin for nighttime.
  

What to avoid:

• Benzoyl peroxide can cancel out tretinoin’s magic, so it’s best to skip that mix unless your derm says otherwise.

No matter what you’re trying, introduce only one new ingredient at a time—and give your skin a couple of weeks to adjust before adding more to the party.

Possible side effects and skin irritation

Even the dreamiest skincare combos can have a rocky start. If you're combining niacinamide and a prescription tretinoin treatment, don’t panic if your skin gets a little cranky at first—it's totally normal to experience a few bumps (literally) along the way.

Dryness and flaking

This is one of the most common reactions when you start using tretinoin. It speeds up your skin’s natural cell turnover, which means old skin is shedding faster than usual—sometimes leaving you with that dry, flaky feeling. It’s temporary, but annoying. Moisturizer is your best friend during this time, especially a thicker one that locks in hydration.

Redness and irritation

Some redness is normal during the first few weeks (often called the “retinization” period). Your skin’s learning to work with this new ingredient—it’s not mad at you, it’s just adjusting. If your face feels tight or stingy, try using tretinoin less often or layering it on top of a moisturizer to dial down the intensity.

Tingling or flushing from niacinamide

Niacinamide is usually super gentle, but higher concentrations (think 10% or more) can sometimes cause a warm flush or tingling—especially on sensitive skin. If it feels uncomfortable, try switching to a lower concentration (like 5%) or applying it after your moisturizer to soften the impact.

Breakouts (aka "the purge")

Tretinoin can bring underlying congestion to the surface faster, which means breakouts might show up before your glow does. This is called purging, and while it’s frustrating, it’s a sign that your skin is speeding up the renewal process. Stick with it—this phase usually clears up within a few weeks.

Sensitivity to sunlight

Tretinoin makes your skin more reactive to sun exposure, so daily SPF isn’t optional—it’s essential. Think of it like a power-up for your routine. A broad-spectrum sunscreen keeps your skin happy and helps your hard work actually pay off.

When it's more than just adjusting

If your skin feels like it’s going beyond that “normal adjustment” zone—think burning, extreme redness, hives, or breakouts in places you’ve never had them before—it’s time to pause. Not every product works for everybody, and that’s okay. Check in with a derm or skincare provider to explore other options that suit you better.

How to make it work if you have sensitive or dry skin

Having sensitive skin doesn’t mean these ingredients are off-limits—it just means your routine needs a little extra love.

Start low and go slow

Skip the high percentages and ease in with lower concentrations. Start with a lower dose of tretinoin, and stick with niacinamide serums around 5% to start. Your skin builds tolerance over time, and this slower approach helps you enjoy the glow without the drama.

Buffer with moisturizer

A trick that sensitive-skin babes swear by: apply moisturizer before tretinoin. This buffering method takes the edge off and helps your skin ease into the adjustment. You can also mix your tretinoin into your moisturizer to soften the application. For dry skin, sealing everything in with a nourishing oil or ointment can make a huge difference.

Separate your actives

Instead of stacking everything into one routine, split it up! Use niacinamide in the morning to hydrate and support your skin barrier, and save tretinoin for your nighttime routine. This gives your skin space to breathe while still getting all the benefits.

Take breaks when needed

If your skin’s feeling extra sensitive, there’s no shame in skipping your actives for a day or two. Focus on hydrating, calming skincare products that help your skin reset. Trust us—it’s way better to take a beat than to power through and end up irritated.

Skincare's new power couple

Figuring out if you can mix niacinamide and tretinoin? Spoiler alert: you absolutely can—and together, they’re kind of magic. Niacinamide brings the calm and hydration, while tretinoin delivers the skin-renewing punch. When you get the timing and layering right, your skin wins big with clearer, smoother, and more radiant vibes.

The secret sauce here is patience and paying close attention to your skin’s signals. Start slow, stay consistent, and adjust your routine as your skin shows you what it loves. Whether you’re tackling breakouts, aging signs, or stubborn unevenness, this duo packs a science-backed punch that can seriously transform your complexion over time.

Remember, your skincare journey is totally personal—what works for someone else might need a tweak for you. Keep track of how your skin changes, trust the process, and don’t hesitate to reach out for expert advice if you hit a snag.

Ready to glow with confidence? Let Wisp connect you with the right tretinoin prescription, so you can start your best skin yet—because your glow deserves nothing less.

This blog post is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the information provided here.