What Cannot be mixed with vitamin C skincare?

Author: Kailee Kreiger  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Here are some ingredients to never mix with vitamin C: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Citric Acid, Tartaric Acid. Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs): Tropic Acid, Betaine Salicylate, Salix Acid. Salicylic Acid.

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.

What skincare products should not be used with vitamin C?

Don't mix: Vitamin C should not be used with retinol products as this can cause irritation. Additionally, vitamin C should not be mixed with niacinamide since the effectiveness of vitamin C will be decreased. As mentioned above vitamin C should not be mixed with AHAs or BHAs, or benzoyl peroxide products.

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 reacts with vitamin C skincare?

Some chemical exfoliants and AHAs may cause skin irritation when used with Vitamin C, especially if used daily. “Though you're unlikely to see a topical reaction with Vitamin C esters, Benzoyl Peroxide can oxidize ascorbic acid and may reduce its efficacy.

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

What reacts badly with vitamin C?

Possible interactions include: Aluminum. Taking vitamin C can increase your absorption of aluminum from medications containing aluminum, such as phosphate binders. This can be harmful for people with kidney problems.

What cancels out vitamin C in skincare?

Niacinamide and vitamin C

This combination sparks a lot of debate among skincare experts. Some say that since both niacinamide and vitamin C contain antioxidants, they cancel each other out and might even lead to irritation.

Can I mix vitamin C with niacinamide?

Can I Combine Niacinamide and Vitamin C together? Yes, you can mix niacinamide and vitamin C together in your skincare routine, and doing so can offer significant benefits. However, it's essential to understand how to use them properly to avoid irritation and maximize their effectiveness.

What are the enemies of vitamin C?

Anyway, heat and water are the enemies of vitamin C in potatoes, as they are in all vegetables. Vitamin C is soluble in water, and too long an exposure to heat causes nutrients to vanish. Minimise the time, temperature and amount of water.

What is not good with vitamin C?

Vitamin C supplements can also lead to high aluminum levels if you take them with antacids that contain aluminum. They may also interact with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and medications that contain estrogen.

What conflicts vitamin C in skincare?

Here are some ingredients to never mix with vitamin C:
  • Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Citric Acid, Tartaric Acid.
  • Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs): Tropic Acid, Betaine Salicylate, Salix Acid.
  • Salicylic Acid.
  • Benzoyl Peroxide.
  • Retinol.

What is the disadvantage of vitamin C on face?

While Vitamin C serum is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience skin irritation, especially if they have sensitive skin. Symptoms of irritation can include redness, itching, and a burning sensation.

Can I mix vitamin C and hyaluronic acid?

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 serums should not be mixed?

6 Skin-Care Ingredient Combinations That Don't Mix
  • Skin products may work well for you on their own, but do they all work in combination? ...
  • Retinoid or Retinol and Alpha Hydroxy Acid. ...
  • Retinoid or Retinol and Benzoyl Peroxide. ...
  • Retinoid or Retinol and Vitamin C. ...
  • Retinoid or Retinol and Salicylic Acid.

Can I mix vitamin C with retinol?

The answer is a resounding YES! The combination of Vitamin C and Retinol in a skincare regimen can help you achieve glowing, healthy-looking skin, while improving the look of dark spots and uneven skin tone, as well as visibly improving signs of skin aging including fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness.

What is vitamin C not compatible with?

Vitamin C is effectively an acid (it's sometimes known as ascorbic acid), so layering it with AHAs and BHAs like glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids is a big no-no.

Should you use vitamin C serum every day?

You should also avoid over application of your vitamin C serum. Start by applying every second day, and as your skin becomes more tolerant, progress to using it daily. Some users may choose to use a vitamin C product both morning and evening, although this doesn't suit everyone.

Can I use vitamin C with salicylic acid?

' Yes, you can use these two ingredients together. But before incorporating salicylic acid and vitamin C into your skincare regimen, we suggest identifying your skin type to assess how you might tolerate this pairing – those with particularly dry or sensitive skin may find this combination too harsh.

Which serum goes first, niacinamide or vitamin C?

It is suitable across all skin types and age groups. You can use it with hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. If you're applying them together, you should apply Vitamin C first, followed by hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. Don't use it with AHAs, BHAs, and retinol at once.

Can I use vitamin C with glycolic acid?

CAN YOU USE BOTH GLYCOLIC ACID AND VITAMIN C? While both glycolic acid and vitamin C are skincare superstars, using them together requires a bit of caution, and it's generally not recommended to use them at the same time. If you're not sure about your routine, it's best to avoid using them in unison.

What to avoid with vitamin C on skin?

Beta Hydroxy Acids

So that salicylic acid of yours should not be mixed with your vitamin C serum. It won't be able to help you with discoloration, collagen production, or protect you from UV rays. Additionally, combining the two can cause irritation and dryness.

Why is my skin purging after using vitamin C?

Vitamin C- Vitamin C is a popular brightening ingredient which can stimulate the production of collagen in the skin and help diminish scars. Since Vitamin C is a gentle exfoliant, using it at higher concentrations may cause purging for some people.

What can destroy vitamin C?

Did You Know? Vitamin C improves the absorption of non-heme iron, the type of iron found in plant foods such as leafy greens. Drinking a small glass of 100% fruit juice or including a vitamin-C-rich food with meals can help boost iron absorption. Vitamin C can be destroyed by heat and light.

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