What not to use after glycolic acid?

Author: Roderick Lebsack III  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 15, 2025

If you're using Glycolic Acid, be wary of throwing the kitchen sink at your skin by layering it with too many other active ingredients – ideally, Vitamin C and Retinol should be applied at a different time to Glycolic Acid rather than one after the other.

What should you not use 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.

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 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.

Does glycolic acid react with anything?

Avoid mixing glycolic acid with potent active ingredients like Vitamin C, beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid, and other AHAs like lactic acid. Glycolic acid can deactivate the effectiveness of Vitamin C, Vasile notes.

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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 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.

What neutralizes glycolic acid?

Neutralisation is required to terminate the action of gly- colic acid peels and can be achieved using water, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide or ammonium salt solu- tions.

Can I use niacinamide after glycolic acid?

It is said that your skin needs some time between each ingredient that you apply to let it completely absorbed into the skin to make it work efficiently. We can safely say that niacinamide and glycolic acid can work if you choose to use these together but after a gap of at least 30 minutes.

What to apply after glycolic acid at night?

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.

What is the best moisturizer to use after glycolic acid?

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.

Is it OK to use hyaluronic acid after 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.

Should I apply anything after glycolic acid?

Always moisturize after use.

Glycolic acid exfoliates and hydrates the skin, but it can irritate or dry out sensitive skin. Always follow your glycolic acid application with an additional light moisturizer to reduce the effects of dryness and irritation on the skin. 7.

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 you overdo glycolic acid?

However, as with all chemical exfoliants, using glycolic acid too frequently, at too high a concentration, or incorrectly can result in skin irritation or damage.

What is bad to mix 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 should you avoid after 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.

How do you treat skin after glycolic acid?

Use cool compresses to soothe minor irritation. Gently wash your face twice a day for the first day or two after your chemical peel. Use a non-irritating moisturizer to keep your face from drying. You should also avoid over-moisturizing, which will prohibit the damaged skin from flaking properly.

What should you not pair 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 are the bad side effects of glycolic acid?

Common side effects reported after the use of glycolic acid peels include reddening; a stinging sensation or sensation of pulling of facial skin; mild burning; and temporary post-inflammatory dark spots.

What is glycolic acid best paired with?

Glycolic acid and vitamin C: This combination can increase collagen production and smooth skin, but it's best to stagger application to keep skin from getting irritated. Apply vitamin C in the morning and glycolic acid at night.

What can I layer on top of glycolic acid?

Niacinamide: Niacinamide is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help calm the skin after using glycolic acid and reduce any redness or irritation. Moisturizer: Applying a moisturizer after glycolic acid is essential to restore hydration and nourish the skin.

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.

Can I use vitamin C after glycolic acid?

Using glycolic acid and vitamin C together can have a massive, positive effect on your skin — if done in the right way. Applying your glycolic acid product first to clear the skin, followed by your vitamin C product, means that both products can be as effective as possible.

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