Niacinamide vs. Bakuchiol: Which Should You Use First?
Niacinamide vs. Bakuchiol: Which Should You Use First?
If you've spent any time researching gentle, effective skincare actives, you've likely landed on these two names: niacinamide and bakuchiol. Both are beloved for being effective without the harshness of stronger actives like traditional retinol. Both show up in "best of clean beauty" lists constantly. And both are genuinely useful — but they do different jobs, which means the real question isn't which one is "better." It's which one your skin needs first, and how to use them together without over-complicating your routine.
What Is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3, and it's one of the most well-studied, versatile ingredients in skincare. It's found in our own EverGlow Hyaluronic Toner, and it's considered one of the gentlest actives available, tolerated well by nearly every skin type.
What Is Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol is a plant-derived compound extracted from the seeds and leaves of the Psoralea corylifolia (babchi) plant — known as the "plant-based retinol alternative" because it supports many of the same visible outcomes as retinol, without the redness and sun sensitivity.
Our AuraBloom Bakuchiol Serum is formulated with 1% bakuchiol alongside rosehip seed oil, squalane, and calendula — gentle enough for daily use, morning or night.
The Head-to-Head
- Maintenance & balance
- Oil control, tone, barrier
- Works day to day
- Tolerated by nearly all skin
- Renewal-focused
- Cell turnover & texture
- Gentle retinol alternative
- Good for sensitive/mature skin
They're not competing ingredients. They're complementary — which is good news, because it means you likely don't have to choose only one.
Which Should You Use First?
Start with niacinamide if: your main concerns are oiliness, uneven tone, or enlarged pores, or you want the gentlest possible entry point into active ingredients.
Start with bakuchiol if: your main concern is fine lines or texture, you've tried retinol before and found it irritating, or you want a plant-based option that still targets visible aging.
Can You Use Niacinamide and Bakuchiol Together?
Yes — and for a lot of people, this combination covers more ground than either ingredient alone.
Morning: Cleanse → EverGlow Toner (niacinamide) → Antioxidant serum → Moisturizer → SPF
Evening: Cleanse → EverGlow Toner (niacinamide) → AuraBloom Bakuchiol Serum → Moisturizer
If you're introducing both for the first time, consider staggering them by a week or two so you can identify how your skin responds to each.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bakuchiol supports many of the same visible benefits as retinol, typically with less irritation, making it a gentler alternative for sensitive or retinol-intolerant skin.
Yes, niacinamide is well tolerated for daily morning and night use by most skin types.
Its oil-balancing and barrier-supporting properties make it popular in acne-prone routines as part of a broader routine.
Bakuchiol doesn't carry retinol's sun-sensitivity concerns, so it can be used morning or night.
Both ingredients are among the gentlest options for sensitive skin, though introducing them one at a time is recommended.
Ready to build your routine?