Is there anything you shouldn't mix with retinol?

Author: Miss Madge Roberts PhD  |  Last update: Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Don't combine retinol with alpha or beta hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, vitamin C, and other retinols or retinoids. Don't skip sunscreen Retinols are usually used as part of nighttime skincare routines, but even when they're applied at night, they can lead to lingering sun sensitivity.

What should you not mix with retinol?

Retinoids don't combine well with AHAs, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or vitamin C due to potential stability issues and skin sensitivities, and soap-based cleansers can also reduce vitamin C's skin benefits.

What is not okay with retinol?

Do Not Use Your Anti-Ageing Retinol Serum With...
  • 1. Lactic Acid and Retinol
  • 2. Retinol and Vitamin C
  • 3. Retinol and Salicylic Acid
  • 4. Retinol and Benzoyl Peroxide
  • 5. Retinol and Glycolic Acid

What is bad to use with retinol?

AHAs and BHAs are exfoliating, which can dry the skin and cause further irritation if your skin-care routine already includes retinol. As for benzoyl peroxide and retinol, they're not recommended to use together. "They can literally cancel each other out, rendering them less effective," said Dr.

What is safe to layer with retinol?

Do Layer Retinol with Azelaic Acid. Retinol and azelaic acid are safe and effective when layered and used together. Neither an AHA nor a BHA, azelaic acid is a chemical compound found naturally in certain plants.

3 AMAZING TRETINOIN PAIRINGS FOR MAXIMUM RESULTS | ANTI-AGING, UNEVEN SKIN AND MORE!

What is the rule of 3 for retinol?

We recommend following the 1-2-3 rule: apply retinol once a week for one week, twice a week for two weeks, three times for three weeks, then move towards every second night if there are no side effects happening. If you do experience flaking, redness or sensitivity, simply move back to a lower frequency for a week.

Can I use retinol with niacinamide?

Yes, you can safely combine niacinamide and retinol as a part of your regular skin care regimen. Niacinamide and retinol are skin care soulmates, especially for supporting the appearance of a smoother, more even skin tone and texture.

What does retinol react badly with?

Ingredients to Avoid When Using Retinol

Pairing retinol with strong alpha and beta hydroxy acids can lead to over-exfoliation and irritation, especially when you first start using retinol. Vitamin C – the role of vitamin C in skin care is to protect against damage from the sun and environmental aggressors.

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.

Why does my skin look more wrinkled after using retinol?

The Wrinkle Worsening Myth

Here's the tea: Retinol does NOT make your wrinkles worse. But (and it's a big but), it can sometimes make your skin look worse before it gets better. When you first start using retinol, it's literally speeding up the process of cell turnover.

What are the retinol uglies?

The Retinol Uglies: Fact vs Myths. Retinol can benefit skin in a myriad of ways. Often implemented into routines for anti-ageing and skin clearing, its potency can sometimes cause side effects in the short term. Termed 'retinol uglies', the skin shedding function of this ingredient results in sensitivity for many users ...

Is it better to put retinol on wet or dry skin?

It's essential to make sure to wait until your skin is dehydrated before moving on to applying your retinol. If you use it on wet or even damp skin, there is a greater likelihood that you'll experience irritation. That is because cleansing the skin opens up the pores.

Can you mix hyaluronic acid with retinol?

Hyaluronic acid and retinol pair well with each other, Adel says. If anything, Adel suggests that using the two ingredients together is “a great way to potentially counter some of the irritation and dryness that you can get with using retinol.” In practice, she recommends applying your hyaluronic acid product first.

What pairs best with retinol?

8 Products That Go Well With Retinol
  • Hydrating Cleansers: Retinol can be drying, so starting your routine with a gentle, hydrating cleanser is crucial. ...
  • Soothing Toners: ...
  • Antioxidant Serums: ...
  • Moisturizers with Ceramides: ...
  • Sunscreen: ...
  • Niacinamide: ...
  • Peptide Products: ...
  • Hydrating Masks:

What interferes with retinol?

Zinc deficiency is thought to interfere with vitamin A metabolism in several ways (30): (1) zinc deficiency results in decreased synthesis of retinol-binding protein (RBP), which transports retinol through the circulation to peripheral tissues and protects the organism against potential toxicity of retinol; (2) zinc ...

What drug interacts with retinol?

What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Retin-A? Retin-A may interact with other topical medications, especially those containing sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid. Tell your doctor all medications you use.

What Cannot be used with retinol?

Since retinol is such a powerful ingredient, it's important to be cautious about what you are pairing this with in your daily routine. To be specific, you cannot mix retinol with AHAs (Glycolic Acid Toner, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid Treatment, BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum, PHA Toner.

What ingredients inactivate retinol?

Retinol and Benzoyl Peroxide

Retinoids prevent clogged pores by exfoliating the top layer of skin. If you're fighting acne, you likely also use benzoyl peroxide, which eliminates acne-causing bacteria. Unfortunately, benzoyl peroxide can deactivate the retinoid molecule, rendering this powerful treatment useless.

Can I use vitamin C with retinol?

It's perfectly safe and very effective to incorporate both retinol and vitamin C into your skincare routine, as long as you use them at different times of the day.

Why is retinol banned in Europe?

This was driven by concerns over skin irritation and systemic absorption. These could pose health risks, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women. The ban reflects a broader precautionary approach by the EU.

Why does my skin look so bad after using retinol?

As retinol stimulates the flaking of old skin cells, you might experience dryness and skin flaking, particularly in areas where you're prone to dryness. This shedding is a natural part of the renewal process, but it's crucial to maintain a proper skincare routine and protect the skin with adequate UV protection.

Is it bad to use retinol every day?

Retinol and other retinoids work best if you use them daily. But when you first start out, you should begin using retinol every 1 or 2 days. This helps your skin get used to it, and avoid irritation. After a few weeks, slowly work your way up to using it every night.

How long after retinol to apply moisturizer?

Wait: Allow the retinol to absorb into your skin. Waiting 20-30 minutes can reduce the risk of irritation. Moisturize: Apply your moisturizer to lock in hydration and soothe the skin.

Which goes first retinol or niacinamide?

First, use niacinamide and then layer retinol to protect your skin from any irritation. The optimal pH level for retinol activation is between 5.5 and 6 and topical niacinamide is most effective at a pH of 5-7. Neither ingredient will alter the pH of the other and instead work to increase the effectiveness of each.

Can I mix retinol with salicylic acid?

There are several reasons retinol and salicylic acid should not be used at the same time. Since retinol is such a potent ingredient, it already creates the potential for temporary dryness, redness and flaking. When applied at the same time with salicylic acid, the chances of these effects are increased.

Previous article
Does anxiety cause pimples?
Next article
How long does it take for vitamin D to work for hair loss?