What moisturizer should I use after glycolic acid?

Author: Vernie Dach  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 23, 2025

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 moisturizer do I use after using 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 to avoid after using 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.

Which cream is best with glycolic acid?

When in doubt go for Pharma. Start with Glyco 6 Cream (6% GA). After you have built up tolerance for it, switch to Glyco 12 (12% GA).

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.

What Can You Use Glycolic Acid With? | Retinol, Vitamin C, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Lactic Acid

What is best paired with glycolic acid?

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 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.

How do you use glycolic acid for best results?

If no symptoms occur, apply it to the face. Start slowly: It is best to start with a low strength of glycolic acid, using it infrequently at first. If the skin feels smoother and shows no signs of an adverse reaction, a person can slowly increase their use following the instructions on the product label.

Is hyaluronic acid good 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 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.

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 I apply after glycolic acid at night?

In the evenings, we recommend using your glycolic acid product followed by a moisturizer. Confidence in Your Beauty Sleep Night Cream—which is scented with soothing lavender and won't rub off on your pillow—is a great pick. Exfoliation can be drying, so using a moisturizer is key.

What is the purging process of glycolic acid?

The accelerated shedding of dead skin cells, often leading to red bumps or breakouts, is known as the "purging" process. It might seem a little alarming initially, but it's actually a positive sign that the glycolic acid is doing its job - paving the way for a smoother, brighter complexion.

How do you hydrate skin after glycolic acid?

Apply Serum Or Moisturiser After Glycolic Acid

Applying a serum or cream such as our Laser Renew Serum and Cream will nourish and condition the new skin and help to remove the dead skins cells more effectively.

What is the best face moisturizer?

Some of the best brands include:
  • CeraVe: Known for their gentle, dermatologist recommended moisturizers.
  • La Roche-Posay: Offers a wide range of affordable skincare products, including non-comedogenic moisturizers.
  • Kiehl's: Known for their effective, high end skincare products.

What to layer with glycolic acid?

Layering Order: If you prefer to use them in the same routine, apply glycolic acid first as it exfoliates the surface layer of the skin, followed by combine retinol and salicylic acid to penetrate deeper into the pores.

What should I never mix with hyaluronic acid?

What Not to Mix with Hyaluronic Acid: Expert Advice for Your Skincare Routine
  • Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid: A Powerful Combination. ...
  • However, there are certain ingredients that should not be mixed with hyaluronic acid: ...
  • Step 1: Cleansing. ...
  • Step 2: Toner/Mist. ...
  • Step 3: Antioxidant Serum. ...
  • Step 4: Moisturizer. ...
  • Step 5: Sunscreen.

Which acid is best for hyperpigmentation?

Salicylic acid

It is an exfoliating agent that removes dark spots and acne-causing bacteria along with dead skin cells that can lead to pigmentation. However, you need to be patient while using salicylic acid to treat hyperpigmentation.

What cream to use 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.

How long to wait to apply moisturizer after glycolic acid?

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.

Do you apply glycolic acid on wet or dry skin?

As part of the Treat step, the Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner would be applied after cleansing to dry skin. We would recommend using a gentle cleanser without any strong actives such as our Glucoside Foaming Cleanser.

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.

Which serum should not be used with glycolic acid?

Niacinamide. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 and has become a well-loved skin care ingredient, as it has soothing properties, helps reduce redness and supports overall collagen production. Glycolic acid's potency can potentially dry out the skin, which is where niacinamide comes in.

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