Ferulic Acid And Niacinamide Together. Can You Mix Them?
Ferulic acid and niacinamide are two of the most appreciated skincare active ingredients, but can they be mixed? The short answer is no, they shouldn't be used together in the same skincare product. They have different pH levels and, therefore, should not be in the same formula. They can be used in separate products or with our system, which resolves this incompatibility. But together, they can enhance each other's effects, resulting in a more robust and effective skincare treatment that gives your skin a radiant look. In this article, we will discover more about this combination and the benefits you can expect from mixing these two top-of-the-line ingredients.
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What Are Ferulic Acid And Niacinamide?
To really understand the potential of this combination, is important to know the basics.
Ferulic acid is a naturally occurring compound in the class of hydroxycinnamic acids. Ferulic acid is an antioxidant that is found in various plants, fruits, and vegetables. It offers several benefits for skin cell's health and overall well-being. It helps the skin neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, and working as an anti-aging, it reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It also enhances the stability and effectiveness of other antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E when combined with skincare products. Moreover, ferulic acid has potential anti-inflammatory properties, which can aid in soothing irritated or sensitive skin. Additionally, some studies suggest that ferulic acid may help protect against damage from UV rays, supporting the skin's natural defense against sun-related issues.
Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3, one of the essential water-soluble vitamins. In skincare, it regulates sebum production, making it beneficial for oily or acne-prone skin. It improves skin barrier function, reducing moisture loss and helping to hydrate. Niacinamide can also help minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, promoting a more even skin tone. Its anti-inflammatory properties can calm redness and soothe irritated skin. Moreover, studies suggest that it may protect the skin from environmental damage and support collagen production, maintaining the skin's elasticity and firmness.
Can You Mix Ferulic Acid And Niacinamide Together?
The combination of these ingredients in your skincare has been a subject of debate due to concerns about potential interactions between the two compounds. However, there is no strong evidence suggesting that their concurrent use leads to harmful effects or neutralizes each other's benefits. When we use ferulic acid and niacinamide in our skincare routine, they complement each other very well. They can improve each other's antioxidant and anti-aging properties, providing a more comprehensive approach to skincare.
Some studies even suggest that niacinamide may enhance the stability and efficacy of other antioxidants, such as ferulic acid when combined in formulations. To ensure the effectiveness of the combination, it is essential to consider the pH levels and stability of the final product. Ferulic acid works best in lower pH ranges, while niacinamide requires a slightly higher pH for optimal results. Hence, formulating a stable and efficacious product with both ingredients requires careful consideration and testing.
If you are using our personalized skincare system, this should not concern you. One of the advantages of using the Lesielle system is that it is not affected by long-term ingredient incompatibility, as in this case. By creating an instant blend of the assets for immediate use, there is no time for them to degrade, and they can be combined without issues. Just add your Niacinamide and Ferulic acid refills to your device for immediate mixing and creating a custom skin care treatment on the spot.
If you're unsure about your skin type or what other active ingredients you should add to your daily routine, you can take this quiz to find out.
Niacinamide vs. Ferulic Acid: Which one is better? Benefits of using them together.
Niacinamide and ferulic acid are valuable skincare ingredients, but determining which is better depends on your specific skin concerns and goals.
As mentioned earlier, Niacinamide is a great antiaging and it is beneficial for regulating sebum production, improving skin barrier function, reducing hyperpigmentation, and calming inflammation. It's suitable for a wide range of skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. On the other hand, ferulic acid is a potent antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals damage and protect the skin from sun damage. It enhances the stability and efficacy of other ingredients like vitamins C and E when combined in skincare formulations.
Ultimately, the "better" choice depends on your specific skincare needs and the desired outcomes. When combined, these two ingredients can create a powerful antioxidant blend that provides enhanced protection against free radicals, pollution, and sun damage. Additionally, the stability of other antioxidants in the formulation may be improved, leading to more effective skincare products. The combination can address multiple skin concerns, such as a reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and inflammation, promoting overall skin health and a more radiant complexion.
Discover what are the best active ingredients for your skin
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use resveratrol and ferulic acid with niacinamide?
Yes, you can. Resveratrol is an active ingredient frequently used in combination with niacinamide and ferulic. As a powerful antioxidant found in certain plants, resveratrol helps neutralize free radicals, protecting the skin from oxidative stress and premature aging.
When combined, these skin care ingredients can:
- Protect your skin from free radicals and environmental stressors
- Reduce the signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles
- Minimize the appearance of pores
- Provide soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits
However, as it happened with the combination of Ferulic and Niacinamide, they tend not to be stable in the same formula, so use mix them manually before its apply or use an adaptive skincare system like the one we use in Lesielle.
Can I use hyaluronic acid and ferulic acid with niacinamide?
Hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture in the skin, keeping it plump, moisturized, and supple. It can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and is excellent for all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin.
When used together in your skincare routine, this powerful combination can:
- Improve skin texture and tone
- Hydrate the skin.
- Reduce the signs of aging and protect against environmental damage
- Calm inflammation and irritation
Can you use niacinamide and ferulic acid every day?
Yes, you can use niacinamide and ferulic acid together in your skincare routine every day to improve skin texture, but it's essential to consider your skin's sensitivity and the concentrations in the products you're using. Consult a dermatologist if unsure.
What should you not mix with niacinamide?
When using niacinamide in your skincare routine, there are a few ingredients to avoid combining to prevent potential interactions or decreased effectiveness:
- Products with very low pH: Avoid mixing this ingredient with highly acidic products (pH < 3.5, as this could potentially reduce its stability in the short-medium term. An alternative is mixing them just before their use so they do not have time to degrade before it is absorbed by your skin
- For the same reason, you can avoid certain forms of Vitamin C. Combining high concentrations of niacinamide and vitamin C may reduce the efficacy of both ingredients. If you want to use them together, use them in separate products or use a customized skin care system like Lesielle that blends them just before its use.
- Copper peptides: Niacinamide may reduce the effectiveness of copper peptides in some formulations.
Always patch test and consult a dermatologist if unsure about ingredient combinations.
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References:
Bissett DL, Miyamoto K, Sun P, et al. Topical niacinamide reduces yellowing, wrinkling, red blotchiness, and hyperpigmented spots in aging facial skin. Int J Cosmet Sci 2004; 26: 231– 238.
Bissett DL, Oblong JE, Saud A, et al. Topical niacinamide provides skin aging appearance benefits while enhancing barrier function. In: P Elsner, HI Maibach (eds.) Cosmeceuticals and Active Cosmetics, 2nd edn. New York: Taylor & Francis Group, 2005, 421– 440.
J Nat Med. 2018 Jan;72(1):127-135. doi: 10.1007/s11418-017-1120-7. Epub 2017 Sep 7.
Murray JC, Burch JA, Streilein RD, et al. A topical antioxidant solution containing vitamins C and E stabilized by ferulic acid protects human skin against damage caused by ultraviolet irradiation. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008;59(3):418-425. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2008.05.004
Saeid Mezail Mawazi, Jo Ann, Noordin Othman, Jiyauddin Khan, Sultan Othman Alolayan, Sultan S. Al thagfan, Mohammed Kaleemullah, A Review of Moisturizers; History, Preparation, Characterization and Applications, Cosmetics, 10.3390/cosmetics9030061, 9, 3, (61), (2022).
Srinivasan M, Sudheer AR, Menon VP. Ferulic acid: therapeutic potential through its antioxidant property. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2007;40(2):92-100. doi:10.3164/jcbn.40.92
