Can you use niacinamide and AHAs together?
Yes — they work well together
Yes. Niacinamide is well tolerated alongside glycolic or lactic acid. Use them at different times of day only if you notice stinging.
Why
The old concern was that niacinamide converts to nicotinic acid at low pH and causes flushing. That conversion needs heat and time, and isn't a meaningful issue in the few minutes between layering two products.
Niacinamide's barrier support can also help balance the dryness some people get from regular exfoliation.
How to use them
- Apply the acid first, let it absorb, then niacinamide and moisturiser.
- If you notice redness or a warm, flushed feeling, use the acid at night and niacinamide in the morning.
- Wear SPF every day while using AHAs.
Read more about each ingredient
Not sure what's in a product? Paste its ingredient list into our ingredient checker to see which actives it contains.
Other combinations
- Can you use retinol and AHAs together? — use at different times
- Can you use retinol and niacinamide together? — works well together
- Can you use vitamin C and niacinamide together? — works well together
- Can you use vitamin C with AHAs or BHA? — yes, with care
- Can you use salicylic acid and niacinamide together? — works well together
- Can you use AHAs and BHA together? — yes, with care
- Can you use azelaic acid and niacinamide together? — works well together
Last reviewed 20 Oct 2026.
This is educational information, not medical advice. Introduce one new active at a time and patch test. If you use prescription skincare, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your GP, pharmacist or dermatologist first.
