Can I use both vitamin C and hyaluronic acid together?

Author: Prof. Major Walsh DVM  |  Last update: Sunday, July 27, 2025

While vitamin C and hyaluronic acid can be used separately for impressive outcomes, they are also a power duo when applied in tandem. In fact, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are often mixed - either in one serum formula, or layered in a skincare regime.

Which goes first vitamin C or hyaluronic acid?

To maximize their benefits, apply a hyaluronic acid serum to replenish moisture, followed by a vitamin C serum to boost radiance and protect against environmental damage.

Why can't you mix hyaluronic acid and vitamin C?

CAN YOU USE HYALURONIC ACID AND VITAMIN C TOGETHER IN YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE? Absolutely! Combining these two skincare ingredients can maximise the benefits of each. When used together, these two ingredients protect against harmful free radicals that irritate the skin and contribute to photoageing.

Is it better to use hyaluronic acid in the morning or at night?

The best time to apply hyaluronic acid is right before you go to sleep, and make sure to use a moisturizer on top of your serum. Another option is to use hyaluronic acid during the day when you're not wearing any makeup, then at night as well as under makeup.

What should you not mix with vitamin C?

DON'T MIX: Vitamin C and AHA/BHA

Since vitamin C is pH-sensitive, using other products without stabilized pH right before or after vitamin C can degrade the antioxidant properties and decrease the skin's absorption of the ingredient, Dr.

How to layer skin care products | Which goes first | Vitamin C , Retinol, AHA, BHA | Dermatologist

What doesn't pair well with vitamin C?

Mixing the types of hydroxy acids known as BHA and AHA and vitamin C tends to be too much for the skin, resulting in discomfort or unwanted side effects.

What not to mix with hyaluronic acid?

However, there are certain ingredients that should not be mixed with hyaluronic acid:
  • AHAs and BHAs: AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) are chemical exfoliants that can help improve skin texture and unclog pores. ...
  • Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient found in acne treatments.

Is it okay to use hyaluronic acid every day?

Don't worry. Hyaluronic acid is acidic by name, but not by nature and won't exfoliate the skin or supercharge its turnover. For this reason, it's perfectly fine to use hyaluronic acid every day. “I would recommend using it once or twice a day,” says Dr Hextall.

Should I apply vitamin C at night or morning?

While you can work your vitamin C serum into either your morning or evening skincare routine, most dermatologists recommend the morning [2]. This keeps your skin protected from free radicals as you go about your day, and can work especially well with your sunscreen to keep you safe from UV radiation.

Can I use hyaluronic acid under my eyes?

Can I use hyaluronic acid under eyes? Yes! Hyaluronic acid formulas made specifically for the eye contour area can be both essential and effective. Thanks to its ability to bind to water, this hydrating ingredient can help restore elasticity and moisture levels around the eyes as well.

Is vitamin C serum better on wet or dry skin?

You'll want to apply your vitamin C serum to clean, dry skin. “As far as active ingredients go, vitamin C is quite unstable, and it's easily affected by outside elements such as air, light and moisture,” says board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

What happens if you use too much vitamin C serum?

One of the most common side effects of using a Vitamin C serum is skin irritation. This can include redness, itching, and burning. This is often caused by the high concentration of Vitamin C in the serum, which can be too strong for some people's skin.

Can I use the ordinary hyaluronic acid with vitamin C?

Research shows using hyaluronic acid and vitamin C together can enhance each ingredient's skin-beneficial powers (4). There is a school of thought that these two ingredients cannot be used together, because hyaluronic acid must be applied to wet skin, and vitamin C to dry skin.

Can I apply hyaluronic acid after vitamin C?

Yes, you can use the two together and enjoy the exceptional benefits they bring to your skin. Generally, two counteractive chemicals can lead to skin reactions. But you can be sure that that is not the case with vitamin C and HA. Both are very effective together and are often used in beauty products.

In what order do you apply serums?

How to Layer Serums
  1. Order of Face Products Matters: Serums are applied after cleansing and toning and before your moisturizer. ...
  2. Keep It Simple: It's best to layer no more than two serums at a time. ...
  3. Thin to Thick: Layer by lightest to thickest consistency.

How long to wait between hyaluronic acid and moisturizer?

Wait for the serum to absorb: Give the serum some time to absorb into your skin. This usually takes a few minutes. You'll know the serum has been absorbed when your skin feels soft and smooth. Apply moisturizer: Once the serum has been absorbed, apply your moisturizer on top of it.

Do you put vitamin C or hyaluronic acid first?

Allow 1-2 minutes between the application of each serum for full absorption of the vitamin C by your skin before you apply the hyaluronic acid. This ensures that both ingredients can work together effectively.

Can I leave vitamin C serum overnight?

Benefits of applying vitamin C serum at night

There are several benefits of using this product at night; some of the common ones are, It repairs skin damage overnight. Helps in dealing with fine lines and wrinkles. Lightens the dark spots.

What order should I do my skincare?

The right morning routine will help your skin feel calm and hydrated all day long.
  1. Step 1: Cleanser. A clean face is your starting point for a healthy, glowing complexion. ...
  2. Step 2: Toner. ...
  3. Step 3: Serum. ...
  4. Step 4: Moisturizer. ...
  5. Step 5: Eye Cream. ...
  6. Step 6: Sunscreen.

Is there a downside to hyaluronic acid?

The most common adverse effects associated with hyaluronic acid filler are pain, bruising, redness, itching, and swelling. These side effects are self-limited and typically last no more than seven days.

What happens if you put too much hyaluronic acid on your face?

But like all good things, moderation is crucial. Overloading your skin with HA can lead to the paradoxical drying effect or even irritation. Less is often more. Tune into your skin's needs.

Which is the best combination with hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C is one of the best skincare pair that ensures superior skin health. These two ingredients compliment and complete each other when it comes to hydrating skin, and repairing signs of ageing.

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.

Which two serums should not be mixed?

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.

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