Hyaluronic Acid And Niacinamide Are Popular In Skincare, But Is One Better? Docs Reveal The Truth.

Table of Contents

In the world of skincare, sometimes it feels like there’s a buzzy new miracle ingredient every time you open up TikTok. But while trends come and go, there are a few gold-standard ingredients that have truly earned their keep—and two of the biggest names in that category are hyaluronic acid and niacinamide .

These derm-approved MVPs show up everywhere: serums , moisturizers, sunscreens, and even hair products. "Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring humectant found in the skin that attracts and retains moisture," says Kristina Collins , MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Austin. "It can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it incredibly effective at hydrating the skin’s surface and improving elasticity." Meanwhile, niacinamide—a form of vitamin B3—has powerful anti-inflammatory benefits that include calming irritation from skin conditions like acne or rosacea , fading dark spots , and improving skin texture .

Meet the experts : Kristina Collins , MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Austin. Mona Gohara , MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut and a Women's Health medical advisory board member. Richard Parker is a cosmetic chemist and founder of RATIONALE . Jennifer MacGregor , MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in NYC. Debra Jaliman , MD, is an assistant professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. Melody Maarouf , MD, a board-certified dermatologist at U.S. Dermatology Partners in Phoenix.

So, who should use which, can you use them together, and is one better than the other? Below, we break it all down.

What is hyaluronic acid, exactly?

When used in skincare, hyaluronic acid (you'll sometimes see it listed at sodium hyaluronate on an ingredient label) is one of the best moisturizers out there thanks to its unique ability to attract and retain water—up to 1,000 times its weight. "Hyaluronic acid is a natural humectant found in our skin and around our joints and bones that acts to absorb water and hydrate the skin naturally," says Mona Gohara , MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut and a member of the Women's Health medical advisory board. Here’s how it works: It draws moisture into the skin either from deeper layers that are always moist or from the atmosphere, then helps hold it there. The result? A plumper, smoother, and more hydrated complexion.

Sadly, as we age, our natural supply dips—hence the need for topical products. Hyaluronic acid has earned its status as a skincare hero not just for its hydration superpowers, but also for its versatility. It’s suitable for nearly every skin type, plays well with other ingredients, and has little to no side effects. Whether you're tackling dryness, dullness, or fine lines, it's a go-to for boosting moisture without the heaviness of thicker creams or oils.

What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid.

Because hyaluronic acid is so soothing and non-irritating, it's ideal for daily use, says Dr. Collins. With regular use, you can expect to reap the following benefits:

Diminished fine lines and wrinkles

Many fine lines—and even some deeper wrinkles—are actually caused by dryness on the skin’s surface, says Richard Parker , cosmetic chemist and founder of RATIONALE . By deeply hydrating the outer layer of skin, hyaluronic acid can help create a dewy, more radiant look that helps reduce those lines after just one use.

That said, not all wrinkles are created equal. Wrinkles caused by movement (like deep wrinkles on the forehead or nasolabial folds) occur from muscle contractions that fold the skin and eventually become permanent, he says. Unfortunately, filling in these deeper lines isn't a job hyaluronic acid can handle.

Plumper and firmer skin

Here's where the science gets interesting. The human body contains about 15 grams of hyaluronic acid, according to a study from the European Journal of Cell Biology . And “one gram of hyaluronic acid can actually hold six liters of water,” says Parker. That incredible moisture-binding ability means it can deliver a visible plumping effect, making skin appear firmer, smoother, and more youthful instantly.

Improved wound healing

While it might sound surprising, there is some research that suggests hyaluronic acid may support wound healing, too. “Hyaluronic acid absorbs water and nutrients to the wound site and that can help the wound heal quicker,” says Dr. Gohara.

These are the products that contain hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid shows up in nearly any type of product you'd encounter on a story shelf, but you’ll most often find it in:

• Serums : These are usually the most concentrated and best for delivering a big hit of hydration. Apply to damp skin, then follow with a moisturizer to seal it all in.
• Moisturizers : These do double duty by combining hyaluronic acid with emollients and occlusives (like squalane or ceramides) to lock in hydration and strengthen your skin barrier.
• Sheet masks : Think of these as a quick hydration boost after cleansing and toning but before applying any makeup.
• Lip products : From balms to glosses , hyaluronic acid helps pull in moisture and keep lips soft, smooth, and less prone to chapping or cracking.
• Eye creams : Because the skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate, eye creams with hyaluronic acid offer targeted hydration that can help temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines and puffiness.

While these tend to be the most common formats, hyaluronic acid also pops up in everything from cleansers and primers to SPF , foundation , and even setting sprays . You may even spot hyaluronic acid in some of your favorite hair products.

So what’s niacinamide?

Niacinamide is a form of niacin—also known as vitamin B3—that's a combination of vitamin B3 and nicotinic acid, says Jennifer MacGregor , MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in NYC.

Inside the body, vitamin B3 helps regulate your metabolism, supports liver detox, and even lowers bad cholesterol, she explains. When applied topically, niacinamide becomes a powerful anti-inflammatory, a go-to for calming redness , soothing irritation, and improving overall skin tone. And, like hyaluronic acid, it's one of the few skincare ingredients that can work for dry, oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin types all at once.

What are the benefits of niacinamide?

Niacinamide may not get as much hype as trendier ingredients, but it earns points for being gentle, effective, and highly versatile. Here’s what you can expect with regular use:

Reduced redness and irritation

If you have sensitive skin, acne, or rosacea, niacinamide can help calm inflammation, which is what can lead to a flushed appearance and an itchy, irritated outer layer, says Dr. MacGregor. This is one of its most prominent and celebrated benefits.

A stronger skin barrier

Niacinamide helps repair and reinforce the skin’s natural barrier—the protective layer that locks in moisture and keeps out irritants and bacteria. When that barrier is strong, skin looks and feels healthier: think more hydration, less dryness, and fewer visible fine lines.

Smaller-looking pores

No, you cannot shrink your pores—what you've got is what you've got—but there are plenty of ways to minimize their appearance . By regulating skin's production of a natural lubricating oil called sebum, niacinamide can help make large pores appear smaller and less noticeable over time.

Brighter and more even tone

Looking to get the most glowing complexion possible? Niacinamide can also gently fade discoloration like sun spots, post-acne marks , and quell any lingering redness to help brighten dull complexions, says Debra Jaliman , MD, is an assistant professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.

These are the products that contain niacinamide.

Again, niacinamide pops up in a lot of products, because it's gentle and versatile (and like hyaluronic acid, it plays well with other ingredients), but some of the most common formats include:

• Serums : Typically the most potent and targeted format, niacinamide serums are lightweight, fast-absorbing, and easy to layer with other actives.
• Moisturizers : These formulas, many of which are great for sensitive skin, help strengthen the skin barrier and calm irritation at the same time.
• Spot treatments : Niacinamide’s calming and brightening abilities make it ideal for targeted treatments that address redness, dark spots, or post-acne marks.

Like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide also shows up in other formats—cleansers, masks, sunscreens, and even makeup primers—making it one of the easiest actives to weave into your everyday skincare.

Which one is better: hyaluronic acid or niacinamide?

It’s not really a battle—it’s more like picking the right tool for the job. If your skin feels dry, tight, or looks dull, hyaluronic acid is a no-brainer for its instant hydration benefits, says Dr. Collins. On the other hand, if you’re dealing with breakouts, redness, large pores, or uneven skin tone, niacinamide may be the better fit, thanks to its calming and skin-smoothing properties, she says.

You may also be wondering if you can use the two ingredients together—and the answer is an emphatic yes . In fact, they work better as a team: "Many skin types benefit from both," says Dr. Collins. That's because hyaluronic acid pulls moisture into the skin, while niacinamide helps strengthen the skin barrier to lock in that hydration and calm any irritation in the process. Both are well-tolerated by most skin types—including sensitive and acne-prone—and they address different concerns, so you don’t necessarily have to choose just one.

We found a few excellent products that contain both ingredients.

The bottom line.

Both hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are generally considered safe for all skin types—including sensitive skin —which is part of what makes them such staples in the skincare world. That said, irritation is always a possibility, especially if you're layering multiple active ingredients or using formulas with high concentrations.

To keep your skin happy, start slow—especially with niacinamide. If you choose a product with niacinamide alone, aim for a 3% - 5% concentration. Formulas with less than 3% have not been shown to produce statistically significant improvements when compared to a control and anything over 10% may be too aggressive for someone with reactive skin, says Melody Maarouf , MD, a board-certified dermatologist at U.S. Dermatology Partners in Phoenix. If you have any concerns, you may want to patch test any new products before going all-in. And you can always dial things back if you notice redness, stinging, or breakouts.

Ultimately, though, both ingredients are popular for a reason—they're effective, low-maintenance, and incredibly versatile. When used correctly, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide can be a powerful one-two punch for healthier, glowier skin.