Can I Use The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner with Niacinamide: If you’ve recently added The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution and Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum to your skincare shelf, you’re not alone. These two products are cult favorites—and for good reason. But the question everyone asks is:
Can I use The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner with Niacinamide in the same routine?
The short answer is yes. The long answer? It depends on your skin’s tolerance, how you apply them, and how well you understand their function.
In this blog, we’ll dive into everything you need to know before layering these two popular actives, including:
- What glycolic acid and niacinamide actually do
- Whether they can be used together safely
- How to layer them without irritating your skin
- Who should avoid using them together
- Best practices for lasting results
Let’s get started.
What Is Glycolic Acid and Why Use It?
Glycolic acid is a type of Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. Among all AHAs, it has the smallest molecule, which means it penetrates the skin easily and works deeply.
What it does:
- Gently exfoliates the top layer of dead skin cells
- Helps unclog pores
- Improves skin texture
- Fades hyperpigmentation and sunspots
- Boosts cell turnover for a brighter complexion
Why people love The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner:
It’s affordable, beginner-friendly (when used correctly), and gives visible results in a few weeks. However, it is potent, so overuse can lead to irritation or dryness—especially when combined with other actives.
Also Read: Can I Use Toner and Serum Together? Here’s What You Need to Know
What Is Niacinamide and Why Is It a Skincare Staple?
Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is a multitasking, barrier-strengthening ingredient that is suitable for almost every skin type.
What it helps with:
- Regulates oil production
- Minimizes the look of pores
- Calms redness and inflammation
- Strengthens the skin’s natural barrier
- Improves skin tone and smoothness
- Supports hydration
The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is one of their best-selling serums because it does a little bit of everything—and it layers well with other products when used mindfully.
Can You Use Glycolic Acid and Niacinamide Together?
Yes—you can, but it’s important to apply them with care.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- They don’t chemically cancel each other out. That’s a common myth based on outdated pH concerns.
- The real issue isn’t “ingredient conflict”—it’s potential irritation from layering two active treatments back-to-back.
- If your skin is healthy, used to actives, and not overly sensitive, you can use them together safely.
- If your skin barrier is compromised, or you’re new to either ingredient, you might experience redness, dryness, or sensitivity when used together too often.
Also Read: Can I Use Rice Water as a Toner? Your Complete Guide to This Natural Skincare Secret
How to Layer Glycolic Acid Toner and Niacinamide Safely
If you’re planning to use both products in the same routine, proper layering and spacing are key.
Option 1: Use Together in One Routine (For Tolerant Skin)
Use this method only if your skin has handled actives before.
Night Routine Example:
- Cleanser: Start with a gentle, non-stripping face wash.
- Glycolic Acid Toner: Apply with a cotton pad or directly with hands. Avoid the eye and lip area.
- Wait 30–60 seconds: Let it absorb and allow your skin to settle.
- Niacinamide Serum: Apply 2–3 drops to the face and gently pat in.
- Moisturizer: Follow up with a soothing, fragrance-free cream.
- No other activities on this night.
Pro tip: If your skin feels tight, red, or stings after application, reduce frequency or switch to alternating use.
Option 2: Alternate Usage (Safer for Beginners or Sensitive Skin)
You don’t need to use both products in the same routine to benefit from them.
Approach A: Alternate Days
- Monday/Thursday: Use Glycolic Acid Toner after cleansing, skip niacinamide that night.
- Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday: Use Niacinamide serum in your morning or evening routine.
Approach B: Morning vs Evening Split
- Morning: Niacinamide serum + moisturizer + SPF
- Evening (2–3x a week): Glycolic Acid Toner + moisturizer only
This allows your skin to absorb each ingredient without overwhelming it.
Who Should Avoid Using Them Together?
Not everyone’s skin responds the same way. If any of the following apply to you, start slow or stick to alternating:
- Sensitive or reactive skin
- Rosacea or eczema-prone skin
- Barrier damage (flaking, stinging, tightness)
- Using prescription retinoids or acne treatments
- Experiencing over-exfoliation symptoms (peeling, burning, dryness)
In these cases, it’s best to keep your routine minimal and use niacinamide more often than glycolic acid.
Tips for Better Results Without Irritation
- Use sunscreen daily. Glycolic acid increases sun sensitivity, so SPF 30+ is non-negotiable.
- Avoid using other exfoliants or actives (like retinol or Vitamin C) in the same routine as glycolic acid.
- Introduce one product at a time. If you’re trying both for the first time, give each a week or two before combining them.
- Watch how your skin reacts. Redness, stinging, or breakouts could signal overuse.
Final Thoughts: Can You Use The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner with Niacinamide?
Yes, you can—but only if you do it thoughtfully. These two ingredients offer incredible benefits when used properly. Whether you choose to layer them in the same routine or use them on alternate days, the key is to listen to your skin and build up slowly.
So if you’ve been on the fence about using them together—go for it, but stay consistent, stay gentle, and always support your skin with hydration and sun protection.
Also Read: Can Rose Water Be Used as Toner? Your Beautician’s Guide to This Gentle Skincare Essential
FAQs
Q. Can I use Niacinamide with Glycolic Acid Toner?
Yes, you can use niacinamide with The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner in the same routine, but with caution. While they work on different concerns—glycolic acid exfoliates, and niacinamide strengthens and calms—the combination can be irritating for sensitive skin. If you’re new to acids or have a compromised skin barrier, try using them on alternate nights. For tolerant skin, you can apply glycolic acid first, wait 30–60 seconds, then apply niacinamide.
Q. What to use after The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner?
After applying The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner, follow up with:
- A hydrating serum (like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid)
- A barrier-repairing moisturizer
- Avoid other strong actives (like retinoids or Vitamin C) in the same routine.
Keep the rest of your routine gentle. This toner is exfoliating and may leave your skin temporarily more vulnerable. Always finish with sunscreen the next morning, as glycolic acid increases sun sensitivity.
Q. What toner goes well with Niacinamide?
Niacinamide pairs well with hydrating and non-exfoliating toners. Look for formulas that contain:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Aloe vera
- Panthenol
- Centella asiatica
Avoid using it with toners that already contain AHAs, BHAs, or alcohol-based astringents unless your skin is highly tolerant. A calming, pH-balanced toner enhances the effectiveness of niacinamide and reduces the risk of irritation.
Q. What should I not mix with The Ordinary Niacinamide?
To avoid overwhelming your skin or causing irritation, do not mix The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% with:
- Strong exfoliants (like glycolic acid or salicylic acid) in the same routine, unless your skin can tolerate it.
- Pure Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): This combination may cause flushing or redness in some skin types.
- Retinol or retinoids: Use them in separate routines to avoid irritation.
- Multiple high-strength actives: Niacinamide is stable and gentle, but layering too many actives can backfire.
Alternate use or use in different routines (AM vs PM) when combining these ingredients.
Q. Will Glycolic Acid and Niacinamide Cancel Each Other Out?
No. This idea came from concerns about pH levels, but in real-world use, they don’t deactivate each other. Glycolic acid exfoliates at a lower pH, and niacinamide works at a neutral pH, but your skin naturally balances itself quickly. The real issue is not chemical incompatibility—it’s skin sensitivity. If you’re using both, watch how your skin reacts, and adjust usage accordingly.
Q. Which one should I apply first?
Apply Glycolic Acid Toner first, as it’s a water-based exfoliant designed to be the first step after cleansing. Once it’s absorbed (give it 30–60 seconds), follow with Niacinamide Serum. Finish with a moisturizer to help calm and protect the skin.
Q. Can I use both daily?
Use Glycolic Acid Toner 2–3 times per week—that’s enough for most skin types. Overusing glycolic acid can lead to over-exfoliation, redness, and a compromised barrier.
Niacinamide, on the other hand, is gentle enough for daily use—even twice a day in many cases.
Q. Should I use moisturizer after applying them?
Yes—always finish with moisturizer. After using actives like glycolic acid and niacinamide, a good moisturizer helps restore hydration, soothe the skin, and strengthen the barrier. Look for one that contains ceramides, squalane, or panthenol to provide comfort and protection.
Q. Can I use Glycolic Acid in the morning?
It’s not recommended. Glycolic acid should ideally be used in your evening routine. It makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn and pigmentation. If you do apply it during the day, SPF 30 or higher is non-negotiable—and must be reapplied during sun exposure.
