COMPARISON
cbd vs niacinamide – two ways to less shine
If your skin is oily but also easily irritated, it is easy to get stuck between two classics: cbd vs niacinamide. Both can help skin behave more evenly, but they do it from different angles. The real question is not which one sounds better in theory, but what your skin actually responds to.
What controls sebum better – calm or B3?
Niacinamide, vitamin B3, is one of the most studied ingredients for sebum and barrier support. It can help reduce visible shine, support ceramide production and strengthen the barrier over time. For many people it is a smart, direct answer, especially if uneven tone is also part of the picture.
CBD works more indirectly. In the skin’s own endocannabinoid environment, CBD is linked to pathways involving CB2 receptors and signals tied to stress, redness and reactivity. When skin is overactive, sebum often seems to join the chaos. That is where CBD becomes interesting, especially for sensitive skin that does not love strong acids or aggressive cleansing.
So this is not really “oil versus active.” Niacinamide is usually clearer on paper. CBD is often gentler in practice. And for some skin types, that gentleness is exactly what makes a routine sustainable.
Three smart ways to choose
Start with your skin’s response
If you are shiny but not very red, niacinamide may be the first stop. If your skin also feels thin, warm or easily upset, CBD can be the more forgiving option.
Try one ingredient at a time
Do not pile on everything at once. Give one product 2–3 weeks so you can see what actually changes, instead of guessing between multiple actives.
Think barrier first
Sebum often gets messy when the barrier is stressed. A mild cleanse and fewer attacks on the skin can do more for balance than another “oil control” product.
Choose by tolerance
Niacinamide works for many, but not all. Some people flush or sting at higher doses, while CBD is often perceived as kinder to sensitive skin.
Be consistent
The best ingredient is the one you will use every day. A simple routine with clear results beats an elaborate plan your skin keeps rejecting.
How to solve it without overcomplicating things
If you want to work on sebum from two angles, it makes sense to choose based on your skin’s temperament. Niacinamide often suits people who want a clear B3-based solution for shine, pores and barrier support. CBD often suits people who want to calm reactive skin where oiliness and sensitivity go hand in hand.
That is where 1753’s combination of The ONE and I LOVE becomes a rare but logical complement. The ONE gives you CBD + MCT in a skin-regulating facial oil, while I LOVE brings a CBG serum with calming, antibacterial support. Together, they feel less like a loud “active regime” and more like a way to stop the skin from overreacting.
If you want to expand the routine without going harsh, Au Naturel Makeup Remover is a better starting point than stripping cleansers. And if you want one more layer of daily support, Ta-DA serum can add antioxidant backup. Whichever side you land on, the point is the same: calm the skin, stress it less, and let it show you what it can handle.
Products we recommend
Save €34DUO kit
Two face oils, one for morning and one for evening. Simple skincare that works with your skin, not against it.
Save €60DUO kit + TA-DA Serum
The full routine in one: three products that help skin become calmer, stronger and more resilient.
TA-DA Serum
A CBG-powered serum that seals in moisture and adds glow, whatever the season.
Frequently asked questions
Is cbd or niacinamide better for oily skin?
Niacinamide is often the first pick when the goal is clear sebum control. CBD may be better if oily skin is also sensitive, red or easily irritated by stronger actives.
Can you use cbd and niacinamide together?
Yes, for many people that works well. They support the skin from different angles: niacinamide more through B3/barrier support and CBD more through calming pathways. Introduce them gradually.
Is niacinamide suitable for sensitive skin?
Often yes at lower strengths, but some people feel stinging or flushing, especially at higher doses. Sensitive skin may prefer CBD because it is usually experienced as gentler.
How long before sebum changes?
It varies, but think weeks rather than days. Skin balance does not shift overnight, especially if the barrier has been stressed for a long time.
Sources
- Oláh A, Tóth BI, Borbíró I, et al. Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and antiinflammatory effects on human sebocytes. J Clin Invest 2014;124(9):3713–3724.
- Tóth KF, Ádám D, Bíró T, Oláh A. Cannabinoid signaling in the skin: therapeutic potential of the c(ut)annabinoid system. Molecules 2019;24(5):918.
Article reviewed by Christopher Genberg, founder of 1753 SKINCARE.
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