Can I use hyaluronic acid moisturizer after glycolic acid?

Author: Prof. Kayla Koepp  |  Last update: Friday, July 4, 2025

Can you use glycolic acid with hyaluronic acid? The answer is yes — not only can you use the two together, but you should.

Can I apply hyaluronic acid after applying 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 moisturizer should I use after glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid works decently with ceramides niacinmide and of course hyaluronic acid for starters you can gradually add other steps to your routine.

What goes first, hyaluronic acid or glycolic acid?

We recommend using glycolic acid before applying hyaluronic acid as its exfoliating benefits will help to slough away dead skin cells and debris, and unclog the pores by getting rid of excess sebum, dirt, and bacteria.

What should you avoid after glycolic acid?

Because Glycolic Acid exfoliates the top layer of the skin, we would recommend avoiding any other products that also promote skin cell turnover. This would include ingredients such as Retinoids and Copper Peptides. Combining multiple resurfacing products may increase the chances of developing skin sensitivities.

How to use The Ordinary Lactic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid

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 Cannot be paired 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.

What not to pair 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.

How do you layer glycolic acid and moisturizer?

Layering order: To maximise the benefits of your skincare products while minimising any potential interactions, layer them in the correct order. Apply glycolic acid products after cleansing and toning but before thicker products such as moisturisers or oils.

What order do you put hyaluronic acid and moisturizer?

Here is how you can add hyaluronic acid to your skincare routine!
  • Step 1 – Cleanser. Before layering multiple products, it is important for you to have a clean canvas. ...
  • Step 2 – Serum. While applying products, it is advisable to apply products from the thinnest to the thickest consistency. ...
  • Step 3 – Moisturizer.

What to layer on top of glycolic acid?

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.

What is the best hyaluronic acid moisturizer?

Best hyaluronic acid moisturizers
  • RoC Multi Correxion Hyaluronic Acid Daily Moisturizer SPF 30. ...
  • VANICREAM Daily Facial Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides. ...
  • Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Silky Moisturizer with Double Hyaluronic Acid. ...
  • COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream.

How long should I wait after applying glycolic acid to apply moisturizer?

Generally speaking, the experts recommend that you not apply any other product or moisturizer to your face until 60 seconds have passed.

What do you moisturize with after glycolic acid?

Hyaluronic Acid is one of the best hydrating ingredients, as it can hold up to 1,000 times its own mass in hydration. Therefore, if you're using Glycolic Acid, we highly recommend following up with a Hyaluronic Acid treatment. This will help undo the drying side effects and restore balance within the skin.

Is hyaluronic acid or glycolic acid better for wrinkles?

Glycolic acid works as an exfoliant and serves to improve skin tone and texture - this can mean that fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage / spots, etc can be reduced or improved over time. Hyaluronic acid works as a great source of hydration for the skin and promote collagen while reserving moisture.

What goes after hyaluronic acid?

“Once the hyaluronic acid comes into contact with water, it will know exactly what to do and what to bind to,” he says. Be sure to follow up your face serum with a moisturizer. “Moisturize first to help seal in hydration and then layer on cosmetics after,” adds Zeichner.

Can I use hyaluronic acid after glycolic acid?

Can you use glycolic acid with hyaluronic acid? The answer is yes — not only can you use the two together, but you should.

What to avoid when using glycolic acid?

If you're using Glycolic Acid, be wary of throwing the kitchen sink at your skin by layering it with too many other active ingredients – ideally, Vitamin C and Retinol should be applied at a different time to Glycolic Acid rather than one after the other.

Is glycolic acid better on wet or dry skin?

To achieve smoother, healthier, and more radiant skin, start by removing your makeup and then cleanse your face. Also, ensure your skin is properly dried: applying on wet skin will be less effective and less well-tolerated, as the presence of water makes the acid more irritating.

What is best paired with hyaluronic acid?

Retinol. When it comes to your skincare routine, adding Hyaluronic Acid in the morning and Retinol at night can strike a great balance. While Retinol promotes cell turnover, which may cause some irritation, Hyaluronic acid can increase your skin's ability to counter these effects.

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

If you have dehydrated skin, use hyaluronic acid serum both in the morning and at night. In the morning, it might help hydrate your skin and prepare it for the day ahead. At night, it might help repair and rejuvenate your skin while you sleep. Be sure to follow up with a moisturizer to lock in the hydration.

Do you wait for hyaluronic acid to dry before moisturizer?

Always make sure to follow with a moisturizer, this is a skincare must in general, but especially when using Hyaluronic Acid Serum because it locks the moisture in. But it's important to wait 30-60 seconds for the serum to absorb before following with other products.

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.

What to not mix with hyaluronic acid?

“Hyaluronic acid plays well with most ingredients, while caution must be taken when using retinol in combination with alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, and some types of vitamin C.” Linkner echoes the tip about avoiding vitamin C.

What does glycolic acid work best with?

Here are the combinations to favour: Combining glycolic acid with azelaic acid is particularly effective in targeting various skin issues, such as blemishes or uneven skin tone (melasma, brown scars, etc...).

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