Niacinamide Serum vs Moisturiser: Do You Need Both?
Updated November 1, 2026 · 2 sources
A niacinamide serum and a moisturiser do different jobs, so most routines use both. The serum is a concentrated step built around active ingredients, used first in a few drops. The moisturiser goes on after it and helps keep skin comfortable and hydrated. Epidora Barrier Repair Moisturiser also contains niacinamide, but that doesn't make it a replacement for a serum, and the serum doesn't replace a moisturiser.
Serum vs moisturiser at a glance
| Niacinamide serum | Moisturiser | |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Light, used in drops | Thicker; spread over face and neck |
| Main job | Carries the main actives | Moisturising step; goes on after the serum |
| Step | After cleansing | After the serum |
| Amount | 2–3 drops | Enough to cover face and neck |
| Epidora example | Epidora Niacinamide 10% + Zinc PCA 1% Serum | Epidora Barrier Repair Moisturiser |
| Key ingredients (Epidora) | Niacinamide (10%), Zinc PCA, aloe vera, pullulan | Ceramide Complex (3 ceramides + cholesterol), hyaluronic acid, niacinamide |
What niacinamide is
Niacinamide (also called nicotinamide) is a form of vitamin B3. In published research, it has been studied for the skin’s outer layer. In lab studies on skin cells, nicotinamide increased the production of ceramides and other barrier lipids.* [1] In a 12-week split-face study of 50 women with sun-aged skin, 5% niacinamide improved the look of fine lines, uneven tone (spots and red blotchiness) and sallowness compared with the base cream without it.* [2] Full details: What Is Niacinamide?.
A note on strength: the human study used 5% niacinamide, lower than the 10% in Epidora serum, and the lab study used skin cells, not a cream. These studies did not test Epidora products.
Why a serum and a moisturiser can both contain niacinamide
Seeing one ingredient in two products is common. In the serum, niacinamide is the headline active at a stated 10%, alongside Zinc PCA. In Epidora Barrier Repair Moisturiser, it sits alongside the Ceramide Complex and hyaluronic acid as part of a moisturising formula. The moisturiser’s job is to follow the serum as the moisturising step, not to stand in for it.
Which to pick, by skin type
- Oily skin: a serum and a moisturiser both have a place. The serum’s main active, niacinamide, has been studied for facial oil (see What Is Niacinamide?); a thin layer of moisturiser follows.
- Combination skin: use both, with less moisturiser on the T-zone and more on the cheeks. See Skincare Routine for Combination Skin.
- Dry skin: the moisturiser is the core step. Epidora serum is made for oily and combination skin, so choose a serum to suit your skin type.
- If you can only start with one: start with a moisturiser and sunscreen as your base, then add a serum.
How to use both
- Cleanse and pat dry.
- Apply 2–3 drops of serum and pat in.
- Wait until it has absorbed.
- Apply moisturiser to face and neck.
- In the morning, finish with sunscreen.
More: How to Use Niacinamide Serum and How to Use Ceramide Moisturiser.
Signs to adjust your routine
- Skin feels heavy or greasy by midday: use a thinner layer of moisturiser, especially on the T-zone. Keep the serum at 2–3 drops.
- Skin feels tight after cleansing: use a little more moisturiser, and keep it morning and night.
- Products pill or roll off: give the serum time to absorb before the moisturiser, and use less of each.
- Stinging or redness that lasts: stop the newest product.
Common mix-ups
- "My moisturiser has niacinamide, so I don’t need a serum." They’re designed for different steps.
- "Serum is enough; I can skip moisturiser." Keep the moisturiser step.
- "More niacinamide products means more results." Two products with niacinamide is fine; stacking several more isn’t needed.
- "Moisturiser first, then serum." Serum goes first.
Pairs with
- Epidora Sunscreen: last step every morning.
Saved on this device. View wishlist on epidora.in (separate list there).
Saved on this device. View wishlist on epidora.in (separate list there).
Precautions
Both products contain fragrance. Keep away from the eyes. Stop use if irritation persists. Avoid if you are allergic to any listed ingredient. Introduce one product at a time. See a doctor if a skin problem is persistent, painful, spreading or getting worse.
Patch test first: try a small amount on the side of your neck or behind the ear for 24–48 hours before using it on your face.
Frequently asked questions
Can I mix serum into my moisturiser? Apply them as separate steps, serum first.
How much niacinamide is in the moisturiser? The serum states 10%. Check the moisturiser’s product page for its ingredient list.
Can I use both at night? Yes. Serum, then moisturiser, morning and night.
Published research on these ingredients (not studies of Epidora products)
- Tanno O, et al. Nicotinamide increases biosynthesis of ceramides as well as other stratum corneum lipids to improve the epidermal permeability barrier. Br J Dermatol. 2000;143(3):524-31. PMID 10971324. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10971324/ doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2000.03705.x
- Bissett DL, Oblong JE, Berge CA. Niacinamide: a B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance. Dermatol Surg. 2005;31(7 Pt 2):860-5. PMID 16029679. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16029679/ doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2005.31732
*Ingredient results from published studies. Results may vary with skin type and routine.