Can I use serum after using glycolic acid toner?

Author: Shakira Conroy Sr.  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Over-exfoliating can damage the skin barrier, which can lead to redness, irritation, or breakouts. Once the product has been absorbed into the skin, you can follow with a hydrating serum such as Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 or a rich moisturizer such as Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides.

Can I use serum after glycolic acid toner?

Using a toner with glycolic acid followed by a serum with skin lightening agents like alpha arbutin can gel in reducing dark spots.

What not to use after glycolic acid toner?

Technically, you can use retinol and glycolic acid together — but we recommend being very careful and using the products on alternate days. Both ingredients have excellent exfoliating properties and can improve the skin's overall appearance, but when combined they can cause dryness, redness and flakiness.

What serum pairs well with 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 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.

the ordinary glycolic acid toner 1 MONTH review (w BEFORE/AFTER)

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 is the next step of glycolic acid toner?

Next, take an adequate amount of glycolic acid toner on your palm or a cotton pad and gently wipe your face and neck. Follow up with a hydrating face serum and face moisturizer for best results. Lastly, use an SPF or sunscreen before stepping out under the harmful UV rays.

How long should I wait to apply hyaluronic acid after glycolic acid?

Glycolic Acid: Follow with your glycolic acid treatment. Allow it to absorb for a good 5-10 minutes. Hyaluronic Acid: Apply hyaluronic acid serum next to flood your skin with moisture.

How do you neutralize glycolic acid toner?

That something can be as simple as water - which has a natural pH of 7.0. Splash your face for a minute or so and you will neutralize the mandelic, glycolic and lactic. There are some acids that differ though. Salicylic is one of them.

Can I leave glycolic acid toner on overnight?

Usage of the glycolic acid toner 👇🏻(unsponsored reel) ✅ Make sure your skin barrier is healthy before applying this product otherwise your face might have burning sensation as soon as you apply it (can be applied by all skin types but sensitive skin avoid it) ✅Application of glycolic acid should be only at NIGHT TIME.

Can I use Vitamin C cream after glycolic acid toner?

We won't keep you in suspense: YES, you can use vitamin C and glycolic acid together in your skincare routine. In fact, these two dermatological ingredients can work beautifully in tandem — as long as you know what you're doing.

How many times a week should you use glycolic acid toner?

Glycolic Acid Toner is a potent exfoliating treatment and we advise against everyday exfoliation as this can cause irritation and skin sensitivity. Exfoliating 1-3 times per week in your PM routine is ideal and you skin will still enjoy the benefits if you use this product consistently.

What can I layer after glycolic acid toner?

Layer your glycolic acid with a mild retinol based moisturizer or a 0. 1% ah retinol. This is going to supercharge your anti-aging game.

Can I use serum after toner?

Chock-full of antioxidants, nutrients, and hydrating ingredients, serums absorb best after applying your toner. Place a few drops on your face and neck, massaging the product gently into the skin.

Should I use a glycolic acid toner or serum?

Ultimately, both can be effective depending on your goals. If you're unsure, start with a glycolic acid toner and move to a serum once your skin adjusts.

What serum can I use after glycolic acid?

After glycolic acid, use a hydrating serum. Hyaluronic acid, again, is a top pick. It binds to water and lubricates those parched skin cells like a mini oasis. Watch as it fluffs up your skin by infusing it with moisture, rounding out the effects of the glycolic acid.

Can I use niacinamide serum after using glycolic acid toner?

So, this leaves many skincare enthusiasts asking, “Can I use glycolic acid with niacinamide?” Although the answer is yes, you must use them one after the other with proper intervals following proper skincare tips and advice. Read this article to learn how to use both these ingredients together.

What is the best partner of glycolic acid toner?

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.

How do I know if my glycolic acid toner is working?

Be patient with the process: Your skin may feel a bit rough after your first few treatments. This is normal and just means that the glycolic acid is working. Unless your skin is irritated, keep using your glycolic acid product. You should slowly start to see smoother, more healthy skin.

Which moisturizer is best after glycolic acid toner?

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.

Which serum should not be used with glycolic acid?

Combining glycolic acid with retinol can be tricky and should be approached with caution. Both ingredients are potent and can cause irritation, dryness, and sensitivity when used together. Here are some key points to consider: Alternate Usage: Instead of layering glycolic acid and retinol, use them on different nights.

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.

Which is better retinol or glycolic acid?

Clinically speaking, retinol lacks the penetrative strength of Retin-A and glycolic acid, as it remains inactive and fails to reach beyond the superficial layer of the skin. Conversely, glycolic acid has the ability to deeply penetrate the skin, breaking down the "glue" that holds together dead and dull skin cells.

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