Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Retinol: Skincare Ingredients Explained

Serums are where the 'actives' live. Here's what the common ones do, so you can pick one for your concern instead of buying five.

• Niacinamide (vitamin B3): controls oil, evens tone, calms redness. Suits most skin types; 5–10% is plenty.
• Vitamin C: brightens and helps with dullness and dark spots. Use in the morning under sunscreen.
• Retinol: helps with texture, fine lines and acne. Night only; start 2–3 nights a week; avoid in pregnancy.
• Hyaluronic acid: pulls water into the skin. Great for dry or dehydrated skin; apply on damp skin.
• Salicylic acid (BHA): clears pores and blackheads; good for oily, acne-prone skin.
• AHAs (glycolic, lactic): exfoliate the surface for smoother, brighter skin. Use a few nights a week.

Don't mix in the same routine

• Retinol with AHAs/BHAs on the same night — alternate nights instead.
• Vitamin C (morning) and retinol (night) — split them across the day.
• Any new active: introduce one at a time and patch test first.

New to skincare? Start with a simple routine for beginners.

This is general care advice, not medical advice. For persistent acne, rashes, pigmentation or hair loss, see a dermatologist.