Niacinamide and Benzoyl Peroxide: Bffs or Foes?

Skincare has two unofficial rules. Rule one: don’t put anything on your face that makes it worse. Rule two: don’t mix things that cancel each other out.

Benzoyl Peroxide and Niacinamide are both popular ingredients for treating spots. They help reduce acne and improve your skin’s texture.

So naturally, the question everyone’s asking is whether Benzoyl Peroxide and Niacinamide can go on the same face without things going sideways or is this one of those combinations best left to people with excellent health insurance?

This guide will explain what Niacinamide and Benzoyl Peroxide do, their benefits, and whether you can safely use them together in your skincare routine.

What Are Niacinamide and Benzoyl Peroxide?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that helps reduce oil production and soothe inflammation. Benzoyl Peroxide is an acne-fighting ingredient that kills acne-causing bacteria.

What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide, also known as Nicotinamide, is a water-soluble form of vitamin B3. When applied to the skin, it helps reduce excess oil, calm redness, and soothe swelling. It also supports recovery from sun damage, boosts collagen, and softens fine lines. Niacinamide is gentle and generally well-tolerated as an anti-acne ingredient.

The Benefits of Niacinamide

Here’s a breakdown of what Niacinamide can do for your skin:

• Oil Control: Niacinamide helps regulate sebum production, which reduces excess shine and clogged pores. A study in Japanese and Caucasian subjects found that 2% topical Niacinamide lowered sebum excretion rates over four weeks. With less oil, there are fewer clogged pores and fewer spots.
• Soothes Inflammation: Calms redness and swelling, making it ideal for acne-prone skin.
• Minimises Pore Appearance: Niacinamide does not shrink pores, but it makes them look smaller by controlling oil production.
• Treats hyperpigmentation (dark spots): Helps fade dark spots and even out skin tone.
• Strengthens the Skin Barrier: Niacinamide boosts ceramide production, which helps your skin retain moisture and become more resilient. A stronger barrier keeps skin hydrated and less likely to get irritated.
• Protects Against Sun Damage: Niacinamide is an antioxidant, which means it helps protect your skin from environmental aggressors like UV rays and pollution. While it is not a substitute for sunscreen, it can help repair skin cells and support your skin’s overall health.

Overall, Niacinamide is a versatile ingredient that supports skin health. It is usually well-tolerated, which is why it is found in many serums and moisturisers.

And What About Benzoyl Peroxide?

Benzoyl Peroxide is a common acne treatment that works differently from Niacinamide. It targets acne-causing bacteria in the pores, such as Cutibacterium acnes, and helps clear pores by producing oxygen that destroys the bacteria.

You can buy Benzoyl Peroxide in gel, cream, or face wash form, available in strengths such as 2.5%, 5%, and 10%.

The Benefits of Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide is primarily focused on fighting acne, but it does so in a few effective ways:

• Kills Acne-Causing Bacteria: Releases oxygen into pores, creating an environment where acne-causing bacteria, C. acnes (also called Cutibacterium acnes or Propionibacterium acnes), cannot survive. A key advantage is that bacteria do not develop resistance to Benzoyl Peroxide, unlike some antibiotic treatments.
• Reduces Inflammation: Lessens redness and swelling associated with acne.
• Exfoliates Skin: Removes dead skin cells and excess oil to prevent clogged pores (comedones).

Benzoyl Peroxide is effective, but it can also cause dryness and irritation, especially for sensitive skin.

Can You Use Niacinamide and Benzoyl Peroxide Together?

The main question is whether these two ingredients can be used together in the same skincare routine.

Yes, you can use Niacinamide and Benzoyl Peroxide together in the same skincare routine.

Some concerns about combining these ingredients come from older studies that suggested Niacinamide could turn into Nicotinic Acid when mixed with certain acidic products, causing redness. However, this reaction is unlikely with today’s skincare products.

A 2021 study even found that combining 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide with 5% Niacinamide reduced acne lesions more effectively than Benzoyl Peroxide alone, with minimal reported side effects. This makes them a great team for acne-prone skin.

Concentration Matters

Using higher concentrations does not always yield better results, especially on facial skin.

• Benzoyl Peroxide: A 2022 study found that 5% and 10% Benzoyl Peroxide achieved bactericidal effects within 30 seconds of contact, while 2.5% required about 15 minutes.
• Niacinamide: Concentrations between 2-5% are usually effective and well-tolerated. Higher concentrations, such as 10% or more, are available, but most people do not need more than 5%. Higher levels can sometimes cause mild flushing or irritation without extra benefits.

Tips for Using Niacinamide and Benzoyl Peroxide Together

Even though these ingredients can work together, it is important not to apply them at the same time without a plan.

Before starting a new routine, test the combination on a small area of your jawline for 3 to 5 days. Apply a small amount of the product and watch for any redness, irritation, or discomfort.

Here are some methods for incorporating both into a skin routine:

Time Separation (AM/PM Approach)

Use Niacinamide in the morning because it is lightweight, helps control oil during the day, and provides antioxidant benefits. Use Benzoyl Peroxide at night, since it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

This method helps reduce irritation and allows each ingredient to work well:

• Morning: Cleanse, apply Niacinamide serum, then moisturise and apply SPF.
• Night: Cleanse, apply Benzoyl Peroxide (as a spot treatment or a thin layer, depending on the product and your skin’s tolerance), and finish with a hydrating moisturiser.

Layering with a Waiting Period

If you want to use both in the same routine, apply Benzoyl Peroxide first and let it absorb for 15 to 20 minutes. Then apply Niacinamide to hydrate and soothe your skin. Always finish with a moisturiser.

The key here is to allow time between applications and to apply them in the correct order.

1. Cleanse your face: Start with a gentle cleanser.
2. Apply your Benzoyl Peroxide product first: Its primary role is to kill bacteria within the pores, so you want it to penetrate the skin without any barriers. Use it as a spot treatment or a thin layer over affected areas.
3. Wait: And I mean, really wait. Make a cup of tea, reply to some emails, and ponder the meaning of life. Wait for the Benzoyl Peroxide to fully absorb and dry. This could take anywhere from a few minutes to 20 minutes. This waiting period minimises the potential for irritation from layering.
4. Apply your Niacinamide serum after the Benzoyl Peroxide has dried: This will help hydrate the skin and counteract any dryness caused by Benzoyl Peroxide.
5. Moisturise at the end of your routine: Use a soothing, hydrating moisturiser to lock in the products and support your skin barrier.

If you choose this method, start slowly. Use it once or twice a week at first and see how your skin reacts before using it daily. This approach takes more effort, but it can work well if your skin is resilient.

Alternate Days

Another gentle approach is to use the ingredients on different days. This gives your skin a break between applications of the more potent Benzoyl Peroxide.

• Day 1: Use your Niacinamide serum.
• Day 2: Use your Benzoyl Peroxide treatment.
• Repeat: Continue alternating.

This method is especially helpful when you are first adding Benzoyl Peroxide to your routine, as it helps your skin adjust.

Benzoyl Peroxide Cleanser

A Benzoyl Peroxide wash offers its acne-fighting benefits without prolonged skin contact.

• Morning or Evening: Begin by washing your face with a Benzoyl Peroxide cleanser, using a 2.5% or 5% formula. Afterwards, apply Niacinamide and then moisturiser.

This can be a gentler way to start for many people, but those with very sensitive or rosacea-prone skin should still be careful.

Managing Side Effects

Even with careful use, these ingredients can cause side effects such as dryness, redness, burning, itching, and peeling.

Here’s how to manage potential side effects:

• Dryness: Use a lower concentration of Benzoyl Peroxide (e.g., 2.5%) and apply moisturiser.
• Redness or Stinging: Reduce use frequency and focus on hydrating products until your skin adjusts.
• Always Use Sunscreen: Benzoyl Peroxide increases sun sensitivity, so apply SPF 30+ daily.

Final Thoughts

Niacinamide and Benzoyl Peroxide can be used together to help with acne and improve skin health. Benzoyl Peroxide targets acne, while Niacinamide soothes and repairs the skin. To prevent irritation, use them at different times of day or alternate their use.

Keep in mind that every skin type is different. Add new products slowly and pay attention to how your skin responds.

Note: This information is educational and not a substitute for medical advice. If you have persistent or severe acne, consult a dermatologist for a personalised treatment plan.