Vitamin C and Niacinamide are two of the most searched skincare ingredients in India, and for good reason. Both are well studied, both suit most skin types, and both fit easily into a simple routine. But they do different jobs. Here is how to choose, and how to use them together.
What Vitamin C does
Vitamin C is an antioxidant. In a serum, it helps improve the look of dullness and uneven tone, so skin looks brighter and fresher. It works best in the morning, under sunscreen, because antioxidants and SPF complement each other during the day.
Choose Vitamin C if: your main concern is dullness, tan or a tired-looking complexion.
What Niacinamide does
Niacinamide (a form of Vitamin B3) is a multitasker. It helps refine the look of pores, balance the look of oiliness and even out the look of skin tone. Paired with Hyaluronic acid, it also helps skin feel hydrated and comfortable. It is gentle enough for morning and night.
Choose Niacinamide if: you have oily or combination skin, visible pores, or skin that feels dehydrated.
Can you use both?
Yes. The simplest way is to split them: Vitamin C in the morning and Niacinamide at night. If you want both in one routine, apply the thinner serum first, wait a minute, then apply the second. If your skin feels tingly, use them on alternate days.
A simple routine
- Morning: face wash, Vitamin C serum, sunscreen SPF 50.
- Night: face wash, Niacinamide serum, a light moisturiser if needed.
Always patch test a new serum on your inner arm 24 hours before first use, and introduce one new product at a time.
Shop the serums
- Abivo Vitamin C Face Serum 30 ml
- Abivo 5% Niacinamide + 2% Hyaluronic Face Serum 30 ml
- Abivo Sun Expert Sunscreen SPF 50
Not sure which suits you? Take our 4-question skin quiz.