The formula contains retinyl palmitate and niacinamide — how do they work together, and is there a conflict between them?

Retinyl palmitate is an ester of retinol and palmitic acid, one of the gentlest forms of vitamin A. In cosmetics it is used to make the skin look smoother and more even in texture. Compared with pure retinol, it acts more gently and is less likely to cause irritation, which makes it suitable for formulas aimed at a wide audience.

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) helps the skin look calmer and more even in tone. It is well tolerated by most skin types and is often used precisely as a ‘soothing’ ingredient in formulas with more active ingredients.

Combining these two ingredients in one cream is standard practice in modern cosmetics. Concerns that niacinamide and vitamin A derivatives ‘conflict’ are based on outdated data and are not supported by current research at the concentrations typical of skincare products.

Nevertheless, if you have very sensitive skin or are using vitamin A products for the first time, it is wise to start with evening use and apply the cream every other day for the first 1–2 weeks, gradually moving on to daily use. This lets your skin adapt without unnecessary stress. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is worth consulting a specialist before using products with vitamin A derivatives.