Centella vs. Niacinamide in 2025

Which Ingredient Is Right for Your Skin?

In the ever-evolving world of K-Beauty, some ingredients come and go, while others stand the test of time. Two skincare heroes continue to dominate routines worldwide: Centella Asiatica (often called Cica) and Niacinamide. Both are powerhouse ingredients, but they address different skin concerns. Choosing between them—or learning how to use both effectively—can help you get the most out of your skincare routine. Let’s break down what makes each ingredient unique, their benefits, and the most popular K-Beauty products featuring Centella and Niacinamide.

What Makes Centella So Popular in 2025?

Centella Asiatica, or Cica, is celebrated for its healing, soothing, and barrier-repairing properties. If your skin struggles with sensitivity, redness, irritation, or breakouts, Centella is often the go-to solution. It works by boosting collagen production, strengthening the skin barrier, and reducing inflammation.

One of the most sought-after products in 2025 is the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule, a cult-favourite for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Made with 100% Centella extract, it calms flare-ups almost instantly without feeling heavy or sticky. Pairing it with the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Soothing Cream offers a complete calming duo that hydrates deeply while restoring balance.

Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica First Ampoule — A hydrating booster combining Centella extract with Portulaca and Rhodiola extracts to deeply soothe and enhance skin elasticity right after cleansing.

Haruharu Wonder Centella 4% TXA Dark Spot Go Away Serum — Combining Tranexamic Acid, Niacinamide, Vitamin C derivatives, and a Centella complex, this fast-absorbing serum is formulated to fade dark spots, soothe skin, and even tone.

In 2025, Centella remains a top choice because of its ability to keep skin calm, resilient, and hydrated—especially in a world where environmental stressors and mask-related irritation still affect many people.

Why Niacinamide Is Still a Skincare Superstar

Niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3, has earned its place as one of the most versatile skincare ingredients. Known for its ability to brighten skin, refine pores, regulate oil production, and strengthen the barrier, Niacinamide works well across nearly all skin types.

Among the most popular products is the Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum, which blends propolis and Niacinamide to deliver a radiant glow while keeping skin smooth and balanced. This serum is especially loved by those with dull or uneven skin tone.

Other trending Niacinamide products in 2025 include the Medicube TXA Niacinamide Capsule Cream and Mary & May Rice Niacin 10% Triple Vitamin Serum. These formulas combine high concentrations of Niacinamide with other brightening ingredients to reduce dark spots, refine texture, and support long-term barrier health.

Niacinamide’s appeal lies in its ability to address multiple concerns at once. Whether you’re targeting uneven tone, visible pores, or early signs of aging, it’s a reliable multitasker.

The Hybrid Heroes: Combining the Best of Both Ingredients

If you’re looking for synergy, Korea’s K-Beauty innovators have you covered. A top-tier hybrid that's trending:

Haruharu Wonder Centella 5% Niacinamide Radiance Gel Cream — Lightweight, non-greasy gel-cream combining 5% Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Squalane, Panthenol, Centella Leaf Water, and Madecassoside to hydrate, brighten, strengthen your barrier, and achieve a radiant glow. This gel cream was spotlighted by top media as a standout lightweight moisturizer for oily or combination skin—perfect for a soft, subtle glow without heaviness.

Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Niacinamide 10 Boosting Shot Ampoule — A standout product featuring 10% Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, and Ascorbyl Glucoside, all delivered via micro-spicules enriched with Centella and Panthenol for targeted brightening, pore refinement, and radiant glow.

Should You Use Centella or Niacinamide?

The choice between Centella and Niacinamide depends on your skin’s needs:

If you have sensitive, acne-prone, or irritated skin: Centella is your best friend. It will calm inflammation, reduce redness, and repair your barrier.

If you want to brighten, reduce pores, or improve texture: Niacinamide is the ingredient to reach for. It balances oil, enhances glow, and supports long-term resilience.

If you have combination concerns: You don’t have to choose. Using both in the same routine or opting for products that combine them can give you the best of both worlds.

How to Incorporate Them Into Your Routine

If you’re new to these ingredients, here’s a simple approach:

Morning: Start with the Hyalu-Cica Ampoule or Dark Spot Go Away Serum to soothe and address pigmentation. Layer the Gel Cream for hydration and luminosity without heaviness.

Evening: Use the Niacinamide 10 Boosting Shot to tackle dullness, pore texture, and uneven tone while soothing with Centella. Finish with the Gel Cream for restorative, brightening moisture.

Sensitive or combination skin: Alternate Centella-rich boosters in the morning with Niacinamide-strong ampoules at night for calm, radiant skin by morning.

Combination approach: If you have multiple concerns, layer Centella first to calm the skin, then follow with Niacinamide for brightening and pore refinement.

Remember to always patch test and introduce one new product at a time to avoid overwhelming your skin.

TL;DR

Both Centella and Niacinamide continue to shine in 2025 because they are gentle, effective, and backed by science. Centella is ideal for calming and repairing sensitive or irritated skin, while Niacinamide addresses dullness, uneven tone, and enlarged pores. And thanks to innovative K-Beauty formulations, you don’t always have to choose—many new products blend both for synergistic results.

Whether you’re building a skincare routine from scratch or upgrading your current lineup, Korean Beautify has some of the best Centella and Niacinamide products of 2025 to suit every skin type and concern. Investing in these ingredients is a smart move toward achieving balanced, healthy, and glowing skin—without compromising on affordability or effectiveness.