Niacinamide or salicylic acid: which is right for me?

It's the ideal ingredient if… you have oily skin that tends to shine during the day (excess sebum), with brown spots and/or redness.

• Sebum regulator: Combats the excess sebum that causes shine in combination to oily skin and refines the appearance of pores.

• Anti-ageing: It prevents accelerated skin ageing, smoothes the visible signs of ageing and combats pigmentation spots.

• Soothing: It reduces the appearance of redness and helps restore a more even complexion thanks to its enhancing action on skin microcirculation.

It's the ideal ingredient if… you have oily skin with a thick texture, open pores, blackheads and uncomfortable blemishes.

• Purifying: It is renowned for treating all types of acne-prone skin. It helps to unclog blocked pores, preventing the formation of blackheads.

• Keratolytic: Its exfoliating effects remove dead cells, help smooth the skin's surface (including roughness) and encourages regeneration of the epidermis.

• Soothing: It reduces skin discomfort linked to the formation of prostaglandins E2, fatty acids involved in inflammatory processes.

It's the ideal ingredient if… you want a tried-and-tested active ingredient that's easy to use on a daily basis and doesn't impose any particular constraints.

• The right time of day: morning and/or evening (niacinamide does not increase the skin's sensitivity to UV rays).

• The right season: all year round.

• Tip: for dry skin, apply a Nicotinamide serum under your day cream to optimise its moisturising benefits.

• The right formulation: choose between a lotion, serum or moisturising cream, depending on your texture preferences.

• The right dose: the frequency of use may vary depending on the niacinamide concentration of your product. Be sure to consult the instructions for use.

It's the ideal ingredient if… you feel comfortable enough with a powerful ingredient that requires a little more care.

• The right time of day: ideally in the evening (like all exfoliating ingredients, as they tend to thin the skin's protective barrier).

• The right season: preferably in autumn and winter.

• Tip: avoid the area around the eyes. Remember to wear sun protection all over your face the day after you apply it.

• The right formulation: use as a cleanser, lotion, peeling, or cream.

• The right dose: it all depends on the product you choose. Take the time to read the instructions for use on the packaging.

The following combinations are traditionally considered to be well tolerated by the skin. However, don't forget that it's the whole of your skincare formula that needs to be taken into account. If in doubt, don't hesitate to ask for advice.

• Niacinamide + Hyaluronic acid: for a surface moisturising, anti-wrinkle and anti-blemish effect.

• Niacinamide + Vegan collagen: for anti-ageing, anti-redness and skin barrier protection.

Key takeaway: Niacinamide may cause skin discomfort when combined with acidic ingredients. As a general rule, we recommend avoiding the use of multiple products containing high concentrations of potent active ingredients at the same time.

• Niacinamide + Vitamin C

• Niacinamide + Retinol

• Niacinamide + AHA (e.g. glycolic acid, lactic acid)

See also: our 3 golden rules for using Niacinamide correctly.

The following combinations are not considered problematic for the skin. However, remember to take into account the entire formula of the products you wish to combine. If in doubt, don't hesitate to ask for advice.

• Salicylic acid + Hyaluronic acid: for an anti-imperfection, smoothing and moisturising effect.

• Salicylic acid + Collagen: for a regenerating, softening and firming effect.

The main thing to remember: Avoid using several exfoliating agents at the same time. The following combinations are very (some would say, too!) powerful and potentially present risks of irritation for your skin.

• Salicylic acid + Retinol.

• Salicylic acid + Vitamin C.

• Salicylic acid + AHA.

• Salicylic acid + Azelaic acid.