Can You Use Niacinamide with Moisturizer and Makeup? A Beginner’s Guide to Layering It Right

How to use Niacinamide serum? is a common skincare question these days. It's a form of Vitamin B3 that's found in most skincare products, now from serums to moisturizers. Niacinamide’s popularity in skincare makes a lot of sense. The versatile ingredient alone brightens skin, reduces pigmentation and dark spots, controls oil production, and strengthens the skin barrier. Experts even recommend Niacinamide for skin conditions like Rosacea.

Despite its popularity, there’s confusion around how to layer Niacinamide with moisturizer and even makeup. In this guide, we answer burning questions about the skincare active. From “Can I mix niacinamide with moisturizer?” to “Can it be used under makeup?”, we dive into it all.

How to Use Niacinamide Serum in Your Skincare Routine

When Should You Apply Niacinamide — Before or After Moisturizer?

Wondering how to use niacinamide serum? A rule of thumb in skincare is to apply water-based Niacinamide serums before moisturizers.

Read this step-by-step guide to using niacinamide in your daily routine.

 You apply the face serum right after cleansing when your face is still damp. This makes it absorb quickly. 

Once the water-based Niacinamide serum quickly absorbs into your skin, you can layer it with moisturizer. The skincare active works best when layered before moisturizer.

The layering technique allows Niacinamide to seep deeper into your skin. However, if you’re using a hybrid product, it's ideal to follow the instructions on the label. 

The combination of Niacinamide with moisturizer can give you youthful and plump skin with consistent use.

Can You Mix Niacinamide with Moisturizer?

You can mix Niacinamide with moisturizer only under specific scenarios. 

• If you have sensitive skin, you can mix a few drops of your Niacinamide serum into your moisturizer.
  

See how niacinamide performs across different skin types and weather conditions.

• If you are a beginner, mixing Niacinamide with moisturizer reduces the risk of irritation.

However, mixing the two will dilute both their effectiveness. But it’ll improve tolerability if you are just starting to use Niacinamide for skin. Always patch test when combining products.

Can You Use Niacinamide Under Makeup?

Does Niacinamide Work Under Primer and Foundation?

Yes — Niacinamide works under makeup products like Primer and Foundation. It's a great pre-makeup skincare step for 3 main reasons.

• It controls oil, so your makeup won’t look cakey.
  

• Smooths skin texture, so your bumps won’t be too visible under the makeup.
  
  

Here’s how niacinamide helps brighten skin and fade acne marks

• Minimizes pores so your makeup won’t look even.

Niacinamide for skin works best when you let it absorb before layering makeup. Its a great makeup base for those with oily and combination skin.

Choosing the Right Niacinamide Serum Formula

Oil-Based vs Water-Based Niacinamide Serum — What’s Better?

Water-based serums are lightweight, fast-absorbing, and formulated with water. They are best suited for oily to combination skin thanks to their non-greasy texture. They work well in summer.

Oil-based serums, on the other hand, are based on oils like squalane, jojoba, etc. They have a slightly heavier texture and are suited for dry skin. They especially work well in winter. 

If you’re a skincare beginner and are confused between oil-based vs water-based Niacinamide serums, go for the latter. They are easy to layer. 

Step-by-Step Niacinamide Layering Routine for Beginners

Below is a detailed routine to layer Niacinamide for skin. It tells you how to use Niacinamide serum in your skincare/makeup routine.

• Cleanse your skin with a gentle cleanser.
  

• Apply Niacinamide serum while skin is slightly damp.
  

• Let it absorb for 30–60 seconds.
  

• Follow Niacinamide serum with moisturizer.
  

• Apply sunscreen in the morning and go in with makeup after 5–10 minutes.
  

• For PM: Apply Niacinamide before heavier creams.
  
  

Niacinamide Layering Guide with Moisturizer, Sunscreen & Makeup

Tips for Beginners Using Niacinamide

Skincare beginners can use the tips below to get the most out of this skincare active.

• Start with low concentrations (preferably 2–5%), especially if combining with other actives.
  

• Avoid using it immediately after acids (AHA, BHA). Can start doing so after your skin builds tolerance.
  

• Start using it once a day, before building tolerance.
  

• Monitor for irritation or purging. It can occur in rare cases.
  

• Do a patch test behind the ear or inner arm before applying to the face. 

Conclusion

Niacinamide can be used with moisturizer and under makeup. It's highly versatile and makes for a good makeup base. You can pick a water-based Niacinamide serum or an oil-based one, depending on your skin type. 

Unlike actives like Vitamin C and Retinol, which aren’t as beginner-friendly, Niacinamide is easy to use for skincare starters. Still wondering how to use Niacinamide serum? The key is to layer it correctly. Apply it before moisturizer and sunscreen on a damp face. Let it absorb, and with consistent use, see your skin transform.

When using Niacinamide for skin, be sure to see how your skin is reacting to it. 

FAQs

Can I apply niacinamide serum after sunscreen?

No, Niacinamide is most effective when applied before sunscreen. Doing it vice versa can irritate the skin.

Is it okay to mix niacinamide with foundation?

Yes, you can mix a few drops of Niacinamide serum with your foundation to make your makeup smoother. 

Should I use niacinamide before or after face oil?

Niacinamide should always be applied before face oils. This allows it to penetrate the skin effectively.

Can niacinamide pill under makeup?

Yes, Niacinamide can sometimes cause pilling under makeup. It happens when you have not layered the products correctly or used excess product.