Niacinamide, a powerhouse ingredient known for its skin-soothing, brightening, and anti-aging properties, is a must-have in every man's grooming routine. Found in many skincare essentials, including Men Rock's Mattifying Moisturizing Gel, it helps combat oiliness, refines pores, and strengthens the skin barrier. But while niacinamide is versatile, mixing it with the wrong ingredients can lead to irritation, reduced effectiveness, or even skin damage. Here’s what you should avoid combining with niacinamide in your skincare routine.
1. Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)
Although both vitamin C and niacinamide are antioxidants that brighten skin, using them together can cancel out their benefits. Vitamin C works best in an acidic environment, while niacinamide prefers a neutral pH. Mixing them might cause skin irritation, redness, or a flush-like effect. If you use both, apply vitamin C in the morning and niacinamide in the evening or alternate them on different days.
2. AHAs & BHAs (Exfoliating Acids)
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid are excellent exfoliators. However, pairing them with niacinamide can cause pH instability, leading to redness and irritation. If you need both in your routine, apply the acid first, wait 30 minutes, and then use niacinamide, or use them at different times of the day.
3. Retinol
Retinol is a powerful anti-aging ingredient that increases skin cell turnover, but combining it with niacinamide can lead to overstimulation. While niacinamide can help buffer the irritating effects of retinol, using them together without proper layering may cause dryness or peeling. If you have sensitive skin, use niacinamide in the morning and retinol at night.
4. Copper Peptides
Copper peptides help in collagen production and skin repair, but they don’t mix well with niacinamide. Combining them can lead to deactivation of both ingredients, reducing their effectiveness. If you use copper peptides, apply them at a different time from niacinamide.
5. Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is a potent acne-fighting ingredient, but when used alongside niacinamide, it can oxidize niacinamide, making it less effective. If you need both for acne-prone skin, use benzoyl peroxide in the evening and niacinamide in the morning.
How to Use Niacinamide Safely
To maximize niacinamide’s benefits, apply it after cleansing and before heavier creams or oils. If you're layering it with potentially conflicting ingredients, wait at least 30 minutes between applications or use them at different times of the day.
At Men Rock, we believe skincare should be simple, effective, and tailored to your needs. Our Mattifying Moisturizing Gel harnesses the power of niacinamide while being expertly formulated to work seamlessly with your daily routine.
