Comparison

Niacinamide vs vitamin C

Updated 26 September 2026 · Live Amazon UK prices, checked hourly · 🎄 90 days to Christmas

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Short answer

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is best for oily skin, the look of pores and redness, and it's gentle and easy to use. Vitamin C is an antioxidant best for dullness and uneven tone, used in the morning under SPF. You can use both, and the old advice that they cancel each other out doesn't apply to modern formulas.

Niacinamide vs Vitamin C at a glance

	Niacinamide	Vitamin C
Best for	Oil, pores, redness, barrier	Dullness, uneven tone, antioxidant protection
When to use	AM or PM	Usually AM, under SPF
Irritation risk	Low (at 5-10%)	Low to moderate (depends on form)
Stability	Very stable	Some forms oxidise; store away from light
Price	Very cheap	Wide range
Beginner-friendly	Very	Choose a gentle derivative first

Choose Niacinamide if…

Your skin is oily or combination
You want to calm redness
You want the cheapest, easiest first serum

Choose Vitamin C if…

Your skin looks dull or tired
You want a morning antioxidant under SPF
You're working on uneven tone

Using them together

A simple way to use both is vitamin C in the morning, followed by moisturiser and SPF, and niacinamide in the evening or layered after vitamin C once your skin is settled. See our full vitamin C guide and niacinamide guide.

Products to consider: Niacinamide

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%£4↓ Lowest price we’ve tracked
£4–£5 since 6 Sep

Glow Recipe Watermelon Dew Drops (travel)£18

The Ordinary Skin Support Duo£11.04↓ Lowest price we’ve tracked
£11.04–£13.80 since 6 Sep

Products to consider: Vitamin C

Medik8 C-Tetra Vitamin C Serum£45

Garnier Vitamin C Serum£9.30£8.72–£12.98 since 6 Sep

Minimalist 10% Vitamin C Serum£11.60

Frequently asked questions

Can I use niacinamide and vitamin C together?

Yes. The idea that they neutralise each other came from old studies using pure ingredients at high heat. Modern formulas can be layered, or used at different times of day.

Which is better for acne marks?

Both help with the look of marks: vitamin C for tone, niacinamide for redness. Many people use vitamin C in the morning and niacinamide at night.

Which is better for oily skin?

Niacinamide. It helps with the look of oiliness and pores and is very well tolerated.

Which is better as a gift?

Niacinamide is the safer gift because it's gentle and cheap. A premium vitamin C like Medik8 C-Tetra suits someone who already has a routine.

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Cosmetic products only; nothing here treats a skin condition. See a GP or pharmacist for acne, eczema or rosacea.