
Niacinamide vs Hyaluronic Acid: Understanding the Differences
Skincare enthusiasts are continuously locked in a debate about which is better, niacinamide or hyaluronic acid. Both ingredients are clinically proven and deserve a spot in your routine, but they serve different purposes. While one provides hydration, the other works on skin health and repair. If you’re looking for clinically tested skincare that makes the most of both, CodeSkin has a range of dermatologist-approved products that simplify your choices. Let’s learn more about these ingredients and how they can easily become part of your regimen.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is a multitasking skincare ingredient known to reduce redness, regulate oil, and strengthen the skin barrier. It’s especially beneficial for those with acne-prone, oily, or sensitive skin. Niacinamide is an excellent addition to both morning and evening routines. It pairs well with many active ingredients, making it a versatile choice for all skin types.
Here’s why niacinamide deserves a spot in your skincare routine:
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Reduces inflammation: Calms breakouts and soothes irritation.
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Minimises pores: Helps regulate sebum production for smoother skin.
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Fades hyperpigmentation: Evens out skin tone by fading dark spots.
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Strengthens the skin barrier: Improves resilience against environmental damage.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin, making it look more plump and supple. Unlike acids that exfoliate, it focuses on hydration and suits all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin, which is part of the reason for its popularity. HA works best when applied to slightly damp skin, followed by a moisturizer to lock in hydration.
Here’s what gives it its excellent reputation:
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Deep hydration: Scientifically proven to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, keeping skin dewy.
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Plumps and firms skin: Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
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Improves elasticity: Helps skin look youthful and bouncy.
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Soothes dryness: Prevents dehydration and flakiness.
Hyaluronic Acid vs Niacinamide: Benefits
Both ingredients have something unique to offer to your skincare routine. While niacinamide focuses on strengthening the skin, HA is dedicated to keeping things moisturised. Let’s take a better look at the benefits the two promise:
Feature |
Niacinamide |
Hyaluronic Acid |
Main Function |
Regulates oil, reduces redness, and strengthens skin |
Hydrates and plumps skin |
Best for |
Oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin |
Dry, dehydrated, and mature skin |
Additional Benefits |
Improves skin tone, reduces dark spots |
Softens fine lines, enhances elasticity |
Compatibility |
Works well with most ingredients |
Works well with all skin types |
Difference Between Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid
Both ingredients work well together without irritating, making them a dream team in skincare. To understand what is the difference between niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, we must examine their function and impact on the skin.
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Niacinamide balances and protects: It regulates oil, prevents acne, and repairs the skin barrier.
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Hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps: It retains moisture, keeping skin smooth and radiant.
How to Use Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid Together in Your Skin Routine
As stated above, niacinamide and HA can play well together to fetch you remarkable results; the key is to use them mindfully. Here’s a quick routine for you to try:
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Cleanse your face: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities.
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Apply a Serum with HA: While your skin is slightly damp, use a solution enriched with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and retain. An option such as CodeSkin Hyaluronic 7+ Serum is perfect for the job. In addition to HA, it has anti-aging and barrier-strengthening ingredients such as Linoleic Acid and Ectoin
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Seal with a moisturizer: Use a product that has niacinamide, like the CodeSkin UltraMatte Oil-Free moisturizer. Not only will it help regulate oil production, it will fade dark spots and refine pores.
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Finish with SPF (AM routine): If it's daytime, don’t skip sunscreen.
Hydration Meets Skin Health: Your Perfect Duo Awaits!
Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid aren’t competitors—they’re both able partners in effective skincare. This only makes sense because hydration and skin repair ought to go hand in hand. Explore CodeSkin’s UltraMatte Oil-Free moisturizer and Hyaluronic 7+ Serum to experience the best of both worlds. In addition to being non-toxic, they are ethically formulated and cruelty-free products.
FAQs on Niacinamide vs Hyaluronic Acid
1. Which is better for acne-prone skin: Niacinamide or Hyaluronic Acid?
Niacinamide is more beneficial for acne-prone skin because it regulates oil production and reduces inflammation. However, hyaluronic acid can still be useful in keeping the skin hydrated and preventing irritation caused by acne treatments.
2. Are there any side effects of using Niacinamide or Hyaluronic Acid?
Both are generally well-tolerated. Niacinamide may cause slight redness or tingling in very sensitive skin, but this usually subsides. Hyaluronic acid is safe for all skin types, though using it without a moisturizer can sometimes lead to dryness.
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