🇪🇸Spain

Niacinamide and pro-retinol

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes · How the Fit score works

Niacinamide and pro-retinol: depends on the strength

Depends on the strength

Use them at different times of day, applying niacinamide in the morning and pro-retinol at night, because this gentle pairing protects your skin barrier and calms redness. Niacinamide soothes your skin while pro-retinol helps renew it, working together smoothly when you do not apply them at the exact same time. If your skin feels sensitive, switch to a lower strength or give it more time between applications.

Retinoids: a journey from the molecular structures and mechanisms of action to clinical uses in dermatology and adverse effectsWhy Topical Retinoids Are Mainstay of Therapy for Acne

Niacinamide products

Pro-retinol products

Questions and answers

Can you use niacinamide and pro-retinol together?

Using niacinamide and pro-retinol together depends on the strength of the retinoid. Low percentages and buffered formulas can be beneficial when used together or separated into morning and evening routines, while strong retinoids should be separated to avoid irritation.

Which goes first, niacinamide or pro-retinol?

It depends on the strength, so use niacinamide in the morning and pro-retinol at night when pairing them. This approach helps reduce potential irritation while allowing both ingredients to work effectively.

Are niacinamide and pro-retinol good for sensitive skin?

Yes, niacinamide and low or buffered pro-retinol are generally beneficial for sensitive skin when used properly, as niacinamide helps reduce irritation and redness caused by retinoids. To minimize potential sensitivity, it is best to use niacinamide in the morning and pro-retinol at night.

Research on niacinamide and pro-retinol

Behind this pairing advice

Lovi checks every pairing with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

How does it fit your skin?

Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.

QR code: get the Lovi app
Download on theApp Store Get it onGoogle Play