Vitamin C vs Niacinamide: Which Serum to Choose This Monsoon?

Monsoon is the season of unexpected downpours, cozy chai and a whole new set of skin concerns like excess oil, clogged pores, dullness and uninvited breakouts. But here’s the good news- the right serum can take care of your skin concerns and restore its balance and glow. Now the question is, which serum should you pick-Vitamin C or Niacinamide?

In this guide, we will introduce you to The Pink Foundry’s science-backed skincare including both Vitamin C serums and Niacinamide serums. We will help you decide whether you should go for the best vitamin C serum or the best niacinamide serum for your monsoon skincare routine.

Understanding the Actives

What Does Vitamin C Do for Your Skin?

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps with skin brightening, anti-aging, and anti-pigmentation. A vitamin C serum for oily skin can control oil, reduce acne marks, and boost glow, making it a go-to for dull, tired-looking skin.

Key Benefits:

• Brightens dull and uneven skin tone

• Fades acne scars and dark spots

• Boosts collagen and skin firmness

• Neutralizes free radical damage
  
  

Try: Vitamin C Serums by The Pink Foundry
Perfect for:
  Oily & combination skin
Dull skin with pigmentation
Sensitive dry skin types (with gentle formulations)

What Does Niacinamide Do for Your Skin?

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is a multitasking skincare ingredient. It strengthens the skin barrier, regulates oil production, and calms inflammation. A niacinamide serum for oily skin is especially helpful during monsoons when breakouts are more inevitable.

Key Benefits:

• Minimizes enlarged pores

• Reduces redness and irritation

• Controls oil production

• Improves skin texture and hydration
  
  

Try: Niacinamide Serums by The Pink Foundry
Ideal for:
Acne-prone, oily skin
Redness-prone, sensitive skin
Dehydrated yet oily skin

Vitamin C vs Niacinamide: Which One Is Better for Monsoon?

Which serum to choose depends upon your skin type. Below is a breakdown of the same:

1. For Oily and Acne-Prone Skin

Monsoons often trigger breakouts on oily skin due to the increased humidity. Skin oiliness, clogged pores, and acne become very common and if you are someone facing similar issues, here are the 2 ingredients you can rely on-

• Niacinamide for oily skin helps reduce sebum and soothe inflammation.
  

• Vitamin C serum for oily skin targets acne scars and pigmentation.

Best Pick:
Start with a niacinamide serum for oily skin in the AM and follow up with vitamin C serum 2–3 times a week.

 Use: Best niacinamide serum for oily skin
Alternate: Best vitamin C serum for face for oily skin

2. For Dry and Dull Skin

Dry skin can feel even more dehydrated and flaky during rainy weather.The fix? These 2 ingredients in your face serum:

• Vitamin C for dry skin restores glow and targets pigmentation.

• Niacinamide serum for dry skin improves moisture retention and texture.
  

Best Pick:
Layer niacinamide first, then apply vitamin C serum for dry skin if your skin tolerates it well.

Try: Best vitamin C serum for dry sensitive skin
Pair with: Best niacinamide serum for dry skin

3. For Combination Skin

Dealing with extra oily T-zones or dry patches this monsoon? You need a balanced approach.

• Vitamin C serum for combination skin helps fade spots and even tone.

• Niacinamide for combination skin balances oil without stripping moisture.

Best Pick

Use a vitamin c brightening serum in the morning and niacinamide at night for best results.

Explore: Best vitamin C serum for combination skin
Support with: Niacinamide serum for sensitive skin

4. For Sensitive Skin

Rainy weather can disrupt the skin barrier, making it sensitive to actives.

• Use the best niacinamide serum for sensitive skin to calm redness and build resilience.

• Opt for the best vitamin C serum sensitive skin only if it’s formulated for gentle use.

Best Pick:
Start with niacinamide serum for sensitive skin. Once skin adjusts, slowly introduce serum vitamin C for sensitive skin 2–3 times a week.

5. For Pigmentation and Dark Spots

If you’re dealing with post-acne marks, sun spots, or dull patches:

• Vitamin C serum for pigmentation fades dark spots effectively.

• Niacinamide enhances the effects and prevents new spots from forming.
  

Best Pick:
Layer both ingredients, with vitamin C serum in the morning and niacinamide serum at night for optimal results.

Can You Use Vitamin C and Niacinamide Together?

Yes! Pink Foundry’s modern formulations make it safe to use both together. If you're just starting out, alternate them in your routine:

• Morning: Cleanser → Vitamin C Brightening Serum → Moisturiser → Sunscreen

• Night: Cleanser → Niacinamide Serum → Moisturiser
  
  

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Final Thoughts

Both Vitamin C and Niacinamide are the best ingredients for skincare in monsoons and your skin can benefit from either (or both) depending on your skin type and needs. At The Pink Foundry, our serums are dermatologist-developed, clinically tested, and crafted to work even in the most humid seasons.