Can I use peptide moisturizer after glycolic acid?

Author: Mr. Patrick Nolan I  |  Last update: Friday, November 14, 2025

Found in sugar cane, beetroots and fruits, glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid known for its antibacterial and brightening properties. However, AHAs including glycolic acid can also hinder the efficacy of peptides. For that reason, mixing peptides and glycolic acid is not recommended.

Can you use peptides after glycolic acid?

What ingredients can't you use peptides with? Although peptides play well with most other active ingredients there are some which should be avoided when using skincare containing them. AHA's such as Salicylic Acid & Glycolic Acid can hinder the efficacy of peptides.

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 not to apply 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.

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.

Skincare Ingredients You CAN'T Mix?! | Doctorly Investigates

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 to layer over glycolic acid?

Layering Order: Apply glycolic acid first to exfoliate and prepare the skin. Follow up with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and replenish moisture. This sequence ensures that the exfoliation process does not strip the skin of hydration, and the hydrating benefits of hyaluronic acid can penetrate more effectively.

What skincare step comes after glycolic acid?

Once dead cells are removed by AHAs, like glycolic acid, any moisturising products applied on top can penetrate the skin more easily so they can help enhance the effects of your other skincare products. They are also very helpful for targeting signs of ageing, such as fine lines and early wrinkles.

Can I use glycolic acid with ceramide?

Ceramides work well with products containing glycolic acids or retinol, with the latter getting rid of the layer of dead skin cells to allow the ceramide to penetrate the rest of the skin. Topical application has been proven to be the most effective if used consistently.

Can I use snail mucin after glycolic acid?

Apply glycolic acid first, then snail mucin.

Glycolic acid, with its small molecular size, penetrates the skin easily and quickly, strategising a well-planned attack on dead skin cells. It's a sort of sorcerer with a spell potent enough to dissolve the binding lipids holding the old, cruddy cells together.

Should I apply moisturizer after glycolic acid at night?

Allow the product to work its magic and absorb into the skin. After using a glycolic acid product, moisturise the skin. Always remember to moisturise the freshly exfoliated skin twice a day, in the morning and the evening.

Is glycolic acid drying or hydrating?

Studies also show that glycolic acid significantly increases skin hydration. Not only is it a humectant, it also helps skin make substances like mucopolysaccharides, which boost skin's ability to stay hydrated by increasing its natural content of hyaluronic acid (8).

Is it OK to use hyaluronic acid after glycolic acid?

Absolutely! In fact, these two ingredients are a skincare dream team. Glycolic acid exfoliates and renews your skin, but it can sometimes cause dryness or irritation. That's where hyaluronic acid comes in—it replenishes moisture and soothes your skin after exfoliation.

What kind of moisturizer should I use 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.

What cancels out copper peptides?

Now, what happens if you mix an acid (i.e salicylic acid) and a base (buffet+copper peptides)? Essentially, they cancel each other out, and if you were to use both of these during your skincare routine, they'd basically cancel each other out by being together on your face.

Can you use peptide moisturizer with glycolic acid?

Found in sugar cane, beetroots and fruits, glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid known for its antibacterial and brightening properties. However, AHAs including glycolic acid can also hinder the efficacy of peptides. For that reason, mixing peptides and glycolic acid is not recommended.

What not to mix with peptides?

The first form part of the acid family: AHAs and BHAs. '[Peptides] should not be used with salicylic acid and alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid as the acids may cause a breakdown of peptide bonds (in a process called hydrolysis), rendering the peptides less effective,' says Dr Meder.

What is the correct order for skincare?

How to Layer Your Skincare Products in the Right Order
  • Step 1: Cleanser.
  • Step 2: Toner.
  • Step 3: Spot Treatment.
  • Step 4: Serums.
  • Step 5: Retinol.
  • Step 6: Eye Cream.
  • Step 7: Moisturizer.
  • Step 8: Face Oils.

Can I use glycolic acid every day?

It is OK to use 1-2% containing glycolic acid face wash or ointments daily. The creams have a higher glycolic acid content (10% and above) and must only be used once or twice a week to avoid skin irritation. The creams with a concentration above 15% may need to be kept only for a few minutes and then wiped off.

How do you treat skin after glycolic acid?

Use cool compresses to soothe minor irritation. Gently wash your face twice a day for the first day or two after your chemical peel. Use a non-irritating moisturizer to keep your face from drying. You should also avoid over-moisturizing, which will prohibit the damaged skin from flaking properly.

What Cannot be mixed with glycolic acid?

Combining glycolic acid and lactic acid can be quite potent and is generally not recommended due to the increased risk of irritation. Both acids are effective exfoliants, and using them together can over-exfoliate the skin.

What is glycolic acid best paired with?

Glycolic acid and vitamin C: This combination can increase collagen production and smooth skin, but it's best to stagger application to keep skin from getting irritated. Apply vitamin C in the morning and glycolic acid at night.

How long to wait between glycolic acid and moisturizer?

Generally speaking, the experts recommend that you not apply any other product or moisturizer to your face until 60 seconds have passed. The reason is that you want the glycolic acid to be fully absorbed into the skin and to dry before you put anything else on top of it.

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