Niacinamide vs Hyaluronic Acid: Which Should You Choose?

March 20, 2026

By: Lauren Sindel

Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid seem to be in everything nowadays, but which one is better or are they the ultimate skincare power couple?

Dermatologist-approved and clinically proven, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are excellent skincare ingredients that can be used together, but they serve different roles.

• Niacinamide (vitamin B3): reduces redness, regulates oil production, and strengthens the skin barrier with its powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
• Hyaluronic Acid (HA): is a humectant that deeply hydrates the skin’s surface, improves elasticity, and plumps skin.

Need help choosing between hyaluronic acid or niacinamide? Are you better off using a product that combines both? Ahead, we answer all your questions.

Try Truly’s Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide Products

• The Hydrating Face Serum is a lightweight, fragrance-free serum with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid for multi-level hydration and skin barrier support.

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The Hydrating Face Serum

Soften Dry, Rough Skin

Add to Bag $29-$73.95

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• Glazed Donut After Shave Oil features a concentrated blend of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to plump, hydrate, and alleviate dryness while leaving skin glowing.

Glazed Donut After Shave Oil

Hydrating After Shave Oil

Add to Bag $33-$49

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• Birthday Sex Luxury Body Oil is our shimmering skin hydrator that visibly firms and boosts radiance with a pretty pink glow, powered by peptides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.

Birthday Sex Luxury Body Oil

Tightening Body Shimmer Oil

Add to Bag $38

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What is Niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 and a powerful anti-inflammatory that’s effective for calming redness, supporting the skin barrier, and balancing sebum production. It is also derm-approved for improving skin tone.

One study found that using retinol and niacinamide helped brighten and reduce dark spots. Another study discovered niacinamide to be an effective treatment for mild-to-moderate acne.

And because it’s gentle, niacinamide is suitable for dry, oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin types all at once.

Benefits of niacinamide, summed up:

• Reduces redness: it calms inflammation associated with sensitive skin, acne, rosacea, and eczema.
• Strengthens skin barrier: Reinforces the skin’s protective layer to keep moisture in and irritants out for healthier skin.
• Evens skin tone: Fades hyperpigmentation and discoloration like sun spots.
• Treats acne: Reduces sebum levels to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.
• Minimizes pores: Regulates oil production to make large pores look smaller.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the skin that helps maintain hydration and elasticity. In skincare, it acts as a powerful humectant, meaning it attracts and holds water within the skin.

It’s best known for its ability to bind up to 1,000 times its weight in water, helping the skin stay hydrated, plump, and smooth. Because of this, it’s commonly used in serums and moisturizers to relieve dryness and improve overall skin texture.

As we age, our natural levels of hyaluronic acid decrease, which can contribute to dryness and the appearance of fine lines. Applying it topically helps replenish moisture in the outer layers of the skin without feeling heavy or greasy.

Benefits of hyaluronic acid, summed up:

• Deeply hydrates: Draws moisture into the skin to hydrate dry, dehydrated skin.
• Plumping effect: Helps smooth the look of fine lines caused by dehydration.
• Boosts skin elasticity: Increases skin’s collagen and firmness.
• Supports skin barrier function: Well-hydrated skin is better able to protect itself from environmental stress.

Niacinamide vs Hyaluronic Acid: What’s the Difference?

Although niacinamide and hyaluronic acid often appear in the same skincare products, they work in very different ways.

Hyaluronic acid focuses on hydration and moisture retention, alleviating dry skin. Niacinamide, on the other hand, supports the skin barrier, calms redness, offers oil control, and improves uneven tone.

Another way to think about it is that hyaluronic acid helps the skin hold onto water, while niacinamide helps the skin function better and protect itself. Both ingredients are considered gentle and suitable for most skin types, which is why they’re commonly used as foundational ingredients in many modern skincare routines.

What are the Benefits of Using Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide Together?

If you’re looking for a powerhouse duo in your skincare routine, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are a perfect match. Together, they target multiple skin concerns, from dryness and uneven texture to pigmentation and early anti-aging signs.

Hyaluronic acid locks in moisture at different layers of the skin thanks to its varied molecular weight, keeping your skin supple and hydrated while reducing water loss. Meanwhile, niacinamide works to strengthen the skin’s barrier, improve skin health, and balance oil production, which benefits combination skin, oily skin, and acne-prone skin.

When these active ingredients are combined, the benefits multiply:

• Hydrates and locks in moisture for smooth, supple skin
• Strengthens the barrier with support from ceramides and lipid-friendly components
• Helps balance combination skin and oily skin
• Reduces pigmentation and tackles early anti-aging concerns
• Reduces the appearance of large pores for more refined-looking skin

Many skincare formulations include both ingredients at effective concentrations like Truly’s Glazed Donut Oil. 

Top Products With Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid

Birthday Sex Luxury Body Oil

Tightening Body Shimmer Oil

Add to Bag $38

Buy at Sephora Buy at Boots

Glazed Donut After Shave Oil

Hydrating After Shave Oil

Add to Bag $33-$49

Buy at Sephora Buy at Boots

SAVE 50%

The Hydrating Face Serum

Soften Dry, Rough Skin

Add to Bag $29-$73.95

Buy at Sephora Buy at Boots

Which is Better, Hyaluronic Acid or Niacinamide?

Neither ingredient is inherently better than the other. They simply address different skin needs.

Hyaluronic acid may be more helpful if your main concern is dehydration, dryness, or dull-looking skin. It provides immediate hydration that can make the skin look smoother, plumper, and more dewy.

Niacinamide may be more beneficial if you’re dealing with oiliness, redness, enlarged pores, or uneven skin tone, as it helps regulate sebum production and supports the skin barrier.

For many people, the most effective approach is using both ingredients together, since healthy skin depends on both hydration and a strong protective barrier. You’ll find both ingredients in Truly’s The Hydrating Face Serum for multi-layer hydration, barrier support, and a dewy finish.

How to Use Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid Together

Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid can easily be used in the same skincare routine. Because both ingredients are gentle and compatible with many other actives, they can typically be used once or twice daily. For best results, we recommend using serums that contain both ingredients like Truly’s The Hydrating Serum.

If you’re applying them as separate products, a simple order to follow is:

1. Cleanser – Start with fresh skin to maximize absorption.

2. Hyaluronic acid – Apply hyaluronic acid serum to slightly damp skin to lock in moisture and keep skin hydrated.

3. Niacinamide – Follow up with niacinamide serum to strengthen the skin barrier and maintain hydration.

4. Moisturizer – Seal in the serums and add an extra layer of long-lasting hydration.

5. Sunscreen – In the morning, always finish with SPF to protect against environmental stressors.

FAQs for Hyaluronic Acid vs Niacinamide

Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide Together?

Yes, they work well together because hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin while niacinamide supports the skin barrier and balances oil production.

Which Goes First, Niacinamide or Hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is typically applied first because it is usually lighter and designed to deliver hydration to the skin.

Can You Use Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid Every Day?

Yes, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are generally gentle enough for daily use and are commonly included in morning and evening skincare routines.

Are Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid Suitable for all Skin Types?

Yes, they are gentle and safe for all skin types, including dry, oily, combination, and sensitive skin.

Both hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are effective, high-performance skincare ingredients that can benefit all skin types. If you’re looking for a lightweight daily moisturizer for dry skin, hyaluronic acid is a top choice. If you want to target specific skin concerns like dark spots, acne, redness, and irritation, niacinamide is a great option.

To get the benefits of both, pick products with both niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, which you’ll find in many of our bestselling serums.

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