What serum should I use before retinol?

Author: Madelynn Emard V  |  Last update: Saturday, March 22, 2025

In fact, combining retinol with a hyaluronic acid serum prior to application is often recommended to prevent skin irritation. Niacinamide – derived from vitamin B, niacinamides improve skin's natural barrier functions and address signs of aging like skin laxity.

What serum to use under retinol?

You can pair a hyaluronic acid serum or moisturizer with retinol, retinal, and retinoids. Generally, there's no need for a long wait between applications. However, if you have sensitive skin, waiting a few minutes can help minimize sensitivity or irritation.

Should you apply serum before retinol?

The general rule of skincare is to apply in order of thinnest to thickest; or lightest to heaviest. Following this rule, your retinol will go after your serums. However, there are some retinoids that are more ``serum'' consistency; this would be applied with your serums, before moisturizer + SPF.

What should I layer before retinol?

The general rule of skincare is to apply in order of thinnest to thickest; or lightest to heaviest. Following this rule, your retinol will go after your serums. However, there are some retinoids that are more ``serum'' consistency; this would be applied with your serums, before moisturizer + SPF.

What can I put on my face before retinol?

Niacinamide serums, being lightweight, should be applied before the thicker-textured retinol products. For an evening skincare routine: Begin with a mild, non-exfoliating acid cleanser to cleanse the skin. Pat dry after. Apply a hydrating toner if available; otherwise, skip this step.

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What not to use before retinol?

Don't combine retinol with alpha or beta hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, vitamin C, and other retinols or retinoids. Don't skip sunscreen Retinols are usually used as part of nighttime skincare routines, but even when they're applied at night, they can lead to lingering sun sensitivity.

Do you put hyaluronic acid on before or after retinol?

HA provides hydration, which can counteract the potential drying effects of retinoids. Since Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a water-based serum, it would be applied first and then after, you would apply retinoids, such as Retinol 1% in Squalane, as it's an anhydrous formulation.

Can I use serum and retinol together?

Yes, you can! In fact, you can mix retinol with Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which is good for hydration, and SPF, which is even more important to use since Retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Which moisturizer is best before retinol?

“Also, when following the logic of using hydrators like hyaluronic acid and glycerin-containing serums , then locking them in with moisturizers like ceramides and niacinamide, one may want to apply a serum or a cream that has hyaluronic acid and ceramides before retinol and then serum or moisturizer that has ceramides ...

What is the sandwich method of retinol?

In short, the retinol sandwiching technique is as follows:

Apply a layer of moisturiser to damp skin. Allow this to dry completely. Apply your retinol. After giving retinol time to absorb, finish your skincare routine with a second layer of moisturiser.

Which comes first retinol or serum?

Retinol and other retinoid treatments should be applied after serums because they are often thicker and more occlusive. "By applying the retinol cream after the serum, you ensure that the active ingredients in the serum have already penetrated the skin.

Can I use vitamin C serum before retinol?

Retinol is recommended for overnight use only and vitamin C is well suited to apply in the morning. In light of this, using your vitamin C in the morning and your retinol at night is a simple and easy way to ensure that these ingredients won't interfere with one another.

What moisturizer to put over retinol?

Look for moisturizers with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or glycerin. These ingredients help lock in moisture and restore the skin's barrier function.

Is it OK to use serum before retinol?

Retinol is a serum but it cana lso be used wiht other serums. There are many types of serums with many different skin lightening, anti-inflammatory, or anti-aging ingredients. Retinol should be applied after other antiaging serums.

What is the timeline for retinol?

When can you expect to see changes in your skin? It takes at minimum around four weeks, and at maximum up to three months to start reaping benefits from retinol, as dermatologists say skin turnover benefits closely align with the timeline of collagen production.

Do I apply niacinamide before or after retinol?

First, use niacinamide and then layer retinol to protect your skin from any irritation. The optimal pH level for retinol activation is between 5.5 and 6 and topical niacinamide is most effective at a pH of 5-7. Neither ingredient will alter the pH of the other and instead work to increase the effectiveness of each.

What do I put on my face before retinol?

In general, here are the steps you take:
  1. Clean your skin with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry. ...
  2. Apply retinol in a thin layer to your entire face (be careful not to get it in your mouth, nose and eyes). ...
  3. Finish with a facial moisturizer that won't clog your pores (noncomedogenic).

What is the best serum to use with retinol?

Niacinamide, or Vitamin B3, is a versatile skincare ingredient that works well with retinol. It helps to soothe the skin, reduce redness, and improve the skin's barrier function. Using a niacinamide serum in conjunction with retinol can help mitigate irritation and enhance skin texture and tone.

What goes before and after retinol?

You should always apply retinol at night, after cleansing, and before your nighttime moisturizer.

Do you put hyaluronic acid before or after retinol?

STEP 4: APPLY YOUR HYALURONIC ACID

If you are using it in serum form, you'll apply it immediately after your retinol. If it is part of your moisturizer, it will be your last step. That allows it to truly harness its power as an emollient and seal in both your other products and moisture.

What does retinol purging look like?

For those of us who do suffer from purging, it can look like: breaking out in pustules (pimples), the appearance of flaky, peeling skin, irritation and dry patches. Getting these symptoms can be demotivating, especially if you're already feeling unconfident about your skin.

Do you put serum then retinol then moisturizer?

Moisturize After Retinol Application

If your skin is normal, or oily, or you are used to using retinol products already, use moisturizer after retinol serum. Applying a layer of moisturizer over the retinol helps the retinol penetrate more deeply and seals it in.

What can I layer with retinol?

Do Layer Retinol with Hyaluronic Acid. Retinol and hyaluronic acid are safe and effective when layered and used together. Hyaluronic acid, found naturally in our bodies, is a powerful humectant, which means that it keeps skin hydrated and plump.

What order should I do my skincare?

The right morning routine will help your skin feel calm and hydrated all day long.
  1. Step 1: Cleanser. A clean face is your starting point for a healthy, glowing complexion. ...
  2. Step 2: Toner. ...
  3. Step 3: Serum. ...
  4. Step 4: Moisturizer. ...
  5. Step 5: Eye Cream. ...
  6. Step 6: Sunscreen.

How long to wait between retinol and moisturizer?

After applying your retinol product, it's best to wait roughly 10 minutes before moving on to the next step in your routine.

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