What serum goes well with glycolic acid?

Author: Erik Hessel  |  Last update: Friday, June 20, 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 serum to use with glycolic acid?

You can use a serum if they don't contain the following: vitamin C, peptides, retinol derivatives, any other aha/bha. So just check the ingredients. Both torriden dive in and BOJ glow serum is compatible with glycolic acid toner. Just wait for the aha to sink in properly before applying.

Can you put serum on top of glycolic acid?

  • Yes, you can typically use glycolic acid toner and vitamin C serum together in your skincare routine, but it's important to use them correctly to avoid irritation.
  • 1> Patch Test: Before applying any new products to your face, it's a good idea to do a patch test on a small area of your skin to see how it reacts.

What not to pair 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 is best to layer with glycolic acid?

Using glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid together can be highly beneficial, as they complement each other well. Here's how to combine them effectively: Layering Order: Apply glycolic acid first to exfoliate and prepare the skin. Follow up with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and replenish moisture.

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

Which serum should not be used with glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid and niacinamide.

The layering of these ingredients is counterproductive. Indeed, niacinamide used with AHA's like glycolic acid and lactic acid has no effect and can even cause redness.

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.

Which serums cannot be used together?

Skincare ingredients not to mix
  • Retinoids or retinol and benzoyl peroxide. ...
  • Retinoids or retinol and vitamin C. ...
  • Retinoids or retinol and salicylic acid. ...
  • Retinoid or retinol and AHAs/BHAs. ...
  • Vitamin C and AHAs/BHAs. ...
  • Vitamin C and benzoyl peroxide. ...
  • Niacinamide and AHAs / BHAs. ...
  • Benzoyl peroxide and hydroquinone.

Can I use hyaluronic serum after 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 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...).

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 products can be used after glycolic acid?

Moisturize: After allowing the glycolic acid to absorb into the skin, apply a moisturizer to hydrate and nourish the skin. Sun Protection: In the morning, always remember to apply sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Is it OK to use vitamin C serum with glycolic acid?

So, the answer to your question is a resounding yes! Glycolic acid and vitamin C can totally be your new beauty squad. Remember, though: all good things take time. Patience with these two can lead to a bright, glowing complexion that has you looking radiant, feeling fantastic, and ready to slay the day.

What order do you use the ordinary serums?

We recommend using no more than three serum formulations in a single regimen for optimal layering and ingredient delivery. As a summary, we suggest applying water-based solutions first, followed by anhydrous or oil formulations, and finally cream or suspension formulations.

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 serums work best together?

Which serums mix well together?
  • Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol. ...
  • Niacinamide and Retinol. ...
  • Vitamin C and Niacinamide. ...
  • Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C. ...
  • AHAs and BHAs.

Can I use 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 not to pair with niacinamide?

DON'T MIX: AHA/BHA and niacinamide

Niacinamide is used to treat hyperpigmentation and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, while alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are chemical exfoliants. To understand why niacinamide shouldn't be mixed with AHAs and BHAs, you need to consider pH.

What pairs with 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.

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 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 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 serum to use with The Ordinary glycolic acid?

Not sure what products to use with our Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner? Follow this simple routine for smoother, plumper, hydrated skin 🥰 Step 1: Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner (PM only!) Step 2: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Step 3: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Step 4: Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides.

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.

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