What not to use with salicylic acid?

Author: Cruz Donnelly  |  Last update: Sunday, August 31, 2025

What not to mix with Salicylic Acid. Retinol: As Retinol and Salicylic Acid are both exfoliating, drying skincare ingredients, using both together in the same routine could lead to serious irritation.

What can you not mix salicylic acid with?

Retinoids or retinol and salicylic acid

Generally, it's recommended you don't mix retinol and salicylic acid in your skincare routine due to the risk of redness or potentially irritating side effects [3].

What combos best with salicylic acid?

Salicylic Acid, the Right Combinations.
  • Zinc: Derived from beetroot, this trace element naturally present in the body is optimal for treating all types of skin imperfections. ...
  • The hydrosol of Centifolia Rose: ...
  • Benzoyl Peroxide: ...
  • Niacinamide: ...
  • Retinol:

What does salicylic acid react with?

SALICYLIC ACID is a carboxylic acid. Carboxylic acids donate hydrogen ions if a base is present to accept them. They react in this way with all bases, both organic (for example, the amines) and inorganic.

What not to use with ordinary salicylic acid?

Like most products with active ingredients, there are certain ingredients that this solution can't be combined with. The Ordinary advise against using the solution in the same routine as peptides, other exfoliating acids, retinoids, vitamin C, or EUK 134 0.1%.

Do Not Mix These Ingredients With Benzoyl Peroxide (According To A Dermatologist) | Dr. Jenny Liu

What skincare can I mix with salicylic acid?

There are several ingredients that can be used alongside salicylic acid.
  • Glycolic acid.
  • Lactic acid.
  • Malic acid.
  • Hyaluronic acid.
  • Niacinamide.
  • Peptides.
  • Ceramides.
  • Retinol.

What does salicylic acid clash with?

Engelman advises against using salicylic acid in conjunction with other strong exfoliants like glycolic acid. Doing so may lead to over-exfoliation. “For patients who are interested in using both of these ingredients, I recommend using them at different times of the day, or on different days,” she says.

What are the incompatibilities of salicylic acid?

The following nonprescription or herbal products may interact with topical salicylic acid : methyl salicylate (in some muscle rubs such as BenGay) or aspirin. Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking these medications before you start using topical salicylic acid.

What conflicts with salicylic acid?

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.

What is best to use after salicylic acid?

Hyaluronic acid can help rehydrate complexions after a chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid has been applied. This means you can support skin texture and clarity with salicylic acid, followed by hyaluronic acid to nourish and soften the skin.

Can I mix salicylic acid with niacinamide?

Yes, a combination of niacinamide and salicylic acid can provide a myriad of benefits when properly incorporated into a consistent skin care regimen. Using niacinamide and salicylic acid together can help reduce the appearance of redness, inflammation, and clogged pores.

What moisturizer to pair with salicylic acid?

Hyaluronic acid serum and salicylic acid serum

Wait a few minutes to allow the serum to absorb completely into your skin, and then follow up with hyaluronic acid. This routine ensures maximum absorption and hydration for clearer, smoother skin.

What Cannot be layered with salicylic acid?

Retinol and Salicylic Acid

Both of these ingredients are two of the most potent blends in the plethora of skincare products. Combining both of these together will act as a super charged, double intense skin nightmare resulting in severe dryness, sensitivity and an increase in skin photosensitivity.

What are the rules for salicylic acid?

To avoid irritation, do not let this medication come into contact with your eyes, nose, mouth, groin, or any broken skin (such as cuts, scrapes, rashes). If you do get the medication in those areas, flush the area with cool water for 15 minutes.

What skincare not to combine?

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 a bad combination for salicylic acid?

Salicylic Acid + Glycolic Acid

Mixing the two together will strip your skin and most likely cause irritation. Using these acids together can also over exfoliate the skin, which can actually speed up the aging process because it slows cell turnover.

What doesn't mix with salicylic acid?

Salicylic Acid is considered to be one of the most effective peeling agents. Using Salicylic Acid with Retinol or Benzoyl Peroxide can dry out the skin, causing flakiness and redness.

Why am I getting more pimples after using salicylic acid?

1 Known as "skin purging," worsening acne is a short-term reaction to ingredients that speed up cell turnover. Salicylic acid helps your body quickly get rid of dead skin cells. As a result, those dead skin cells, dirt, and oils appear on the surface of your skin, which clogs your pores and causes acne.

What reacts with salicylic acid?

In this reaction, salicylic acid is reacting with acetic anhydride. It leads to the acetylation of the hydroxyl group present in the salicylic acid, thereby resulting in the production of acetylsalicylic acid i.e., aspirin. Acetic acid is manufactured as a byproduct of this reaction.

What neutralizes salicylic acid?

The KAVI Post-Peel Neutralizer is a sodium bicarbonate based solution for the safe and effective neutralization of KAVI Glycolic Acid or KAVI Salicylic Acid peels.

What not to do when using salicylic acid?

Also, do not use this medicine if you are a diabetic or if you have poor blood circulation. Do not use this medicine on warts with hair growing from them or on warts on the face, in or on the genital (sex) organs, or inside the nose or mouth. Also do not use on moles or birthmarks. To do so may cause severe irritation.

Should I use anything after salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid can be drying to the skin, so it's important to moisturize your skin after using it. Look for a moisturizer that is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and free of fragrances and other irritants. Moisturizing after using salicylic acid can help to soothe the skin and prevent dryness and irritation.

How to tell if acne is hormonal or bacterial?

How to Tell if Acne is Hormonal or Bacterial?
  1. Breakout Zones: Bacterial acne typically invades the forehead, nose, and cheeks, while hormonal acne prefers the chin, jawline, and lower face.
  2. Timing: Hormonal acne often adheres to a cyclic pattern, intensifying before menstruation and subsiding afterward.

What do most dermatologists recommend for acne?

Drugs that contain retinoic acids or tretinoin are often useful for moderate acne. These come as creams, gels and lotions. Examples include tretinoin (Avita, Retin-A, others), adapalene (Differin) and tazarotene (Tazorac, Avage, others).

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