Can I combine vitamin C and glycolic acid?

Author: Natalia Bartell  |  Last update: Sunday, March 30, 2025

CAN YOU USE BOTH GLYCOLIC ACID AND VITAMIN C? While both glycolic acid and vitamin C are skincare superstars, using them together requires a bit of caution, and it's generally not recommended to use them at the same time. If you're not sure about your routine, it's best to avoid using them in unison.

Can I use vitamin C and glycolic acid together?

  • It's generally not recommended to mix vitamin C serum and glycolic acid together.
  • 1> Potential Skin Irritation: Both vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and glycolic acid are active ingredients that can be irritating to the skin, especially when used together or in high concentrations.

What Cannot be mixed with glycolic acid?

What NOT to mix with Glycolic Acid. Retinol, other AHAs/BHAs, Vitamin C: Using these ingredients alongside Glycolic Acid in the same routine could irritate the skin.

What shouldn't you mix with vitamin C?

Skincare ingredients not to mix with vitamin C

Vitamin C, AHAs (glycolic acid), and BHAs (salicylic acid) are acidic in nature. Layering them together can lower the skin's pH, making it more acidic. When skin pH goes off balance, it becomes a recipe for skin irritation, redness, and peeling.

What pairs well with glycolic acid?

Apply vitamin C in the morning and glycolic acid at night. Glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid: Since hyaluronic acid loads up skin with moisture, it makes for an excellent pairing with glycolic acid. Look for a product that combines both for easiest application, though you can also layer serums.

Why I No Longer Use GLYCOLIC ACID - Glycolic Acid Explored

What cancels out glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid and niacinamide.

Indeed, niacinamide used with AHA's like glycolic acid and lactic acid has no effect and can even cause redness. Since niacinamide has a pH of about 5-7, it can actually increase the lower pH of glycolic acid, which is about 3-4, and negate its properties.

What serum can I layer with glycolic acid?

Hyaluronic Acid acts a humectant by pulling moisture into your skin, making it ideal to use with Glycolic Acid, which can be drying or irritating at times. You can opt to layer Hyaluronic Acid over Glycolic Acid or use Hyaluronic Acid in the morning and Glycolic Acid in the evening.

What cancels out vitamin C?

Vitamin C + Niacinamide

However, when you combine niacinamide with Vitamin C, they'll cancel each other out chemically, making both formulas ineffective on your skin. Niacinamide takes out all the good properties of Vitamin C and makes it into a substance that can cause redness and trigger breakouts.

What is the best match with vitamin C?

What Can You Mix with Vitamin C?
  • Peptides. Can you mix peptides and vitamin C? ...
  • Vitamin E. Vitamin C and E are a highly efficacious ingredient combination, as vitamin E is also an antioxidant. ...
  • Ferulic Acid. ...
  • Hyaluronic Acid. ...
  • Niacinamide. ...
  • Hydroxy Acids. ...
  • Salicylic Acid. ...
  • Retinol.

What can you mix with glycolic acid the ordinary?

However, those accustomed to exfoliating with acids may have a higher skin tolerance and can use both Glycolic Acid and vitamin C together. If you do wish to combine these, we would recommend using them on alternate evenings and waiting until your skin has adjusted before introducing both together.

What clashes with glycolic acid?

Retinoids and Glycolic Acid

Retinoids (including retinol) are fantastic for boosting cell turnover and fighting aging. However, pairing them with glycolic acid is like inviting two energetic party crashers into a small room—they can overwhelm your skin.

Can I use glycolic acid every day?

Everyday usage is acceptable while using a rinse-off product, like a cleanser with glycolic acid. But, while using a leave-on glycolic acid product (such as a serum, gel, cream, mask, or peel), one should only apply it one to three times per week.

What should you not use with vitamin C serum?

Beta Hydroxy Acids

So that salicylic acid of yours should not be mixed with your vitamin C serum. It won't be able to help you with discoloration, collagen production, or protect you from UV rays. Additionally, combining the two can cause irritation and dryness.

Which is better for glowing skin, glycolic acid or vitamin C?

The Verdict: Glycolic Acid Reigns Supreme

If brighter, more youthful skin is your skincare goal, it may be time to welcome a Glycolic Acid product into your skincare routine. However, always remember that consultation with a dermatologist is crucial before embarking on any new skincare regimen.

What not to use with glycolic acid?

What NOT to mix with Glycolic Acid. Retinol, other AHAs/BHAs, Vitamin C: Using these ingredients alongside Glycolic Acid in the same routine could irritate the skin. However, alternating them between your morning and evening skincare routine means that you can enjoy the benefits without the risk of damaging your skin.

Which serums cannot be used together?

Skincare ingredients not to mix
  • Retinoids or retinol and benzoyl peroxide. ...
  • Retinoids or retinol and vitamin C. ...
  • Retinoids or retinol and salicylic acid. ...
  • Retinoid or retinol and AHAs/BHAs. ...
  • Vitamin C and AHAs/BHAs. ...
  • Vitamin C and benzoyl peroxide. ...
  • Niacinamide and AHAs / BHAs. ...
  • Benzoyl peroxide and hydroquinone.

Which serum is best for clear and glowing skin?

To attain radiant skin, look for serums containing:
  • Vitamin C: Boosts skin's natural glow and reduces dark spots & pigmentation.
  • Niacinamide: Brightens skin and fades blemishes.
  • Hyaluronic Acid: Provides intense hydration and plumps up skin.
  • Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Promotes cell turnover for smoother skin texture.

What you Cannot take with vitamin C?

Possible interactions include:
  • Aluminum. Taking vitamin C can increase your absorption of aluminum from medications containing aluminum, such as phosphate binders. ...
  • Chemotherapy. ...
  • Estrogen. ...
  • Protease inhibitors. ...
  • Statins and niacin. ...
  • Warfarin (Jantoven).

What is the best toner to use with vitamin C serum?

Opt for a Brightening Toner

Build on your vitamin C serum-based skin brightening regimen with the mineral-rich Fermented Rice Water Toner. With similar benefits to the vitamin C serum, this sake-infused toner can help brighten, soften, and rehydrate your skin.

How to use glycolic acid and vitamin C together?

USE THEM AT DIFFERENT TIMES

By alternating between the two ingredients, you remove the risk of skin irritation. Apply glycolic acid to cleanse the skin of impurities, makeup and oil buildup from the day. Apply vitamin C in the morning to protect against free radicals throughout the day.

What are the mistakes while using vitamin C serum?

Vitamin C serums are notoriously sensitive to light, air, and heat. Exposure to these elements can cause the serum to degrade, leading to reduced effectiveness. Unfortunately, this is a mistake that many people overlook.

What method destroys vitamin C?

Vitamin C can be destroyed by heat and light. High-heat cooking temperatures or prolonged cook times can break down the vitamin. Because it is water-soluble, the vitamin can also seep into cooking liquid and be lost if the liquids are not eaten.

What is glycolic acid best paired with?

Hydration Boost: Hyaluronic acid can help mitigate any potential dryness or irritation caused by glycolic acid, making it a perfect pair for those with sensitive or dry skin.

Can I use glycolic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?

Separate Sessions: Always using them in separate sessions (e.g., can use vitamin C in the morning and glycolic acid at night). Proper Layering & Timing: Understanding how to layer glycolic acid and vitamin C appropriately, allowing sufficient time between applications.

What is the best peptide serum for face?

Our Top Peptide Serums
  • Best for Inflammation: Eighth Day Regenerative Serum, $195.
  • Best for Dullness: Best for Dullness: Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurf Serum, $82.
  • Best Budget: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum, $32.
  • Best Eye Cream: Dermalogica Phyto Nature Lifting Eye Cream, $127.

Previous article
What was a major fad of the 1980's?
Next article
Does putting lemon in your hair lighten it?