What does glycolic acid pair well with?

Author: Kelli Walker  |  Last update: Sunday, July 27, 2025

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 should you not mix with glycolic acid?

What NOT to mix with Glycolic Acid. Retinol, other AHAs/BHAs, Vitamin C: Using these ingredients alongside Glycolic Acid in the same routine could irritate the skin.

What can be combined with glycolic acid?

If your skin tolerates retinol well, combining it with glycolic acid is a good idea given their different actions. A study has shown that the combination of glycolic acid and retinol proves to be effective in treating acne and brown acne scars.

What is glycolic acid best used with?

People use glycolic acid for acne, aging skin, dark skin patches on the face, and acne scars. It is also used for stretch marks and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.

What can I layer after glycolic acid?

Hydrate and moisturise: Use hydrating products like serums or moisturisers after using glycolic acid. These aid in rehydrating and nourishing the skin. Look for products that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or natural oils to help maintain a healthy skin barrier.

Reviewing Glycolic Acid Skincare Hacks | Doctorly Explains

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 should not be layered 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 the perfect pair for glycolic acid?

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.

Can I pair glycolic acid with niacinamide?

There are several active ingredients that can be paired together and are beneficial for your skin. However, glycolic acid and niacinamide cannot be used together at the same time. This is because mixing these two ingredients can make these acids less effective.

Who should avoid glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid can cause irritation and redness if you have sensitive skin or overuse the product. Since glycolic acid can make your skin sensitive to the sun, remember to wear sunscreen and consider using glycolic acid at night.

What is incompatible with glycolic acid?

It's powerful on its own, which means doubling up on exfoliating ingredients can easily go overboard. The Warning: Combining glycolic acid with other potent exfoliants (even other AHAs or BHAs) can lead to over-exfoliation. The signs include irritation, redness, and a compromised skin barrier.

What serum works best with glycolic acid?

Best Glycolic Acid Serums
  • Dr. ...
  • Minimalist 10% AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum.
  • L'Oreal Paris Glycolic Bright Face Serum.
  • Himalaya Dark Spot Clearing Turmeric Serum.
  • Dot & Key Watermelon 10% Glycolic Serum.
  • Rejusure 5% Glycolic Acid Facial Serum.
  • Lakme Glycolic Illuminate Face Serum.
  • Dermtribe 10% Glycolic Acid Face Serum.

Is hyaluronic acid OK with 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 clashes with glycolic acid?

AHAs/BHAs and Retinol: Combining exfoliating acids (like glycolic acid or salicylic acid) with retinol can lead to excessive dryness and irritation.

Which serums are not to use together?

PRODUCT COMBINATIONS THAT DON'T WORK TOGETHER
  • RETINOL SERUM + VITAMIN C. ...
  • RETINOL SERUM + AHAS/BHAS. ...
  • AHAS/BHAS + VITAMIN C. ...
  • NIACINAMIDE SERUM + VITAMIN C. ...
  • TRANEXAMIC ACID. ...
  • SALICYLIC ACID SCALP TREATMENT + GLYCOLIC ACID SCALP TREATMENT. ...
  • PRESCRIBED/OTHER ACTIVES TREATMENTS. ...
  • HYALURONIC ACID SERUM + RETINOL/AHAs/BHAs.

Can I use glycolic acid every day?

Everyday usage is acceptable while using a rinse-off product, like a cleanser with glycolic acid. But, while using a leave-on glycolic acid product (such as a serum, gel, cream, mask, or peel), one should only apply it one to three times per week.

What serums should you not mix with glycolic acid?

What NOT to mix 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.

Can I mix glycolic acid with retinol?

Yes, you can! With strategic use, the combined benefits of glycolic acid and retinol can help you attain a healthier, radiant complexion. Need help with your skincare routine? Take help from the L'Oréal Paris Skin Genius tool to get a customized skincare routine and take care of your skin like a pro.

What is the best peptide serum for face?

Our Top Peptide Serums
  • Best for Inflammation: Eighth Day Regenerative Serum, $195.
  • Best for Dullness: Best for Dullness: Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurf Serum, $82.
  • Best Budget: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum, $32.
  • Best Eye Cream: Dermalogica Phyto Nature Lifting Eye Cream, $127.

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...).

Can I mix glycolic acid with anything?

Generally speaking, if you alternate and give your skin enough time to settle between using glycolic with other ingredients, such as retinol, salicylic, vitamin C etc you'll be treating the skin without causing any irritation or damage.

What pairs with glycolic acid?

To double down on anti-aging benefits, pair glycolic acid with either lactic acid or malic acid, both of which unblock pores so that exfoliation is more effective.

What serum can I layer with 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 should I use before and after glycolic acid?

We also highly recommend using moisturising products after applying a Glycolic Acid product. Glycolic Acid can be drying to the skin, so you'll want to restore your hydration levels. You should also always wear sunscreen, as your skin will be more sensitive to UV damage while you're using Glycolic Acid.

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