What serum works best with glycolic acid toner?

Author: Kelley Rempel  |  Last update: Monday, July 21, 2025

After glycolic acid, use a hydrating serum. Hyaluronic acid, again, is a top pick. It binds to water and lubricates those parched skin cells like a mini oasis. Watch as it fluffs up your skin by infusing it with moisture, rounding out the effects of the glycolic acid.

What serum to use after glycolic acid toner?

Once the product has been absorbed into the skin, you can follow with a hydrating serum such as Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 or a rich moisturizer such as Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides. In the mornings, always remember to apply SPF.

What to pair with glycolic acid toner?

For even-looking skin, pair Vitamin C derivatives with Glycolic Acid. For smoother-looking skin, pair Retinaldehyde and Hyaluronic Acid. For clearer-looking skin, pair Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.

Can I use glycolic acid with other serums?

  • 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.

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.

Reviewing Glycolic Acid Skincare Hacks | Doctorly Explains

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.

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 not to use after glycolic acid toner?

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.

Can I use vitamin C and glycolic acid together?

CAN YOU USE BOTH GLYCOLIC ACID AND VITAMIN C? While both glycolic acid and vitamin C are skincare superstars, using them together requires a bit of caution, and it's generally not recommended to use them at the same time. If you're not sure about your routine, it's best to avoid using them in unison.

Can I use niacinamide serum after glycolic acid toner?

Yes, you can use both glycolic acid and niacinamide in your regular skincare routine – in fact, there are products that include both of these multi-tasking ingredients in a single formulation.

What is the perfect pair for 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 is the next step of glycolic acid toner?

Next, take an adequate amount of glycolic acid toner on your palm or a cotton pad and gently wipe your face and neck. Follow up with a hydrating face serum and face moisturizer for best results. Lastly, use an SPF or sunscreen before stepping out under the harmful UV rays.

What is the best peptide serum for face?

Our Top Peptide Serums
  • Best for Inflammation: Eighth Day Regenerative Serum, $195.
  • Best for Dullness: Best for Dullness: Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurf Serum, $82.
  • Best Budget: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum, $32.
  • Best Eye Cream: Dermalogica Phyto Nature Lifting Eye Cream, $127.

What goes well with glycolic acid toner?

If your skin tolerates retinol well, combining it with glycolic acid is a good idea given their different actions. A study has shown that the combination of glycolic acid and retinol proves to be effective in treating acne and brown acne scars.

How do you neutralize glycolic acid toner?

That something can be as simple as water - which has a natural pH of 7.0. Splash your face for a minute or so and you will neutralize the mandelic, glycolic and lactic. There are some acids that differ though. Salicylic is one of them.

Which is better, glycolic acid or niacinamide?

Acne-Prone Skin: Glycolic acid exfoliates and prevents clogged pores, while niacinamide calms inflammation and regulates oil. Oily Skin: Niacinamide controls oil production, and glycolic acid smooths rough texture. Combination Skin: Use glycolic acid on areas with roughness and niacinamide for hydration and redness.

Which is better for hyperpigmentation, vitamin C or glycolic acid?

Yes, but glycolic acid is better for normal to dry skin, while vitamin C works well for all skin types, especially those prone to dullness or pigmentation.

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 glycolic acid toner every day?

Now, the important thing to remember is, glycolic acid comes in various concentrations. It is OK to use 1-2% containing glycolic acid face wash or ointments daily. The creams have a higher glycolic acid content (10% and above) and must only be used once or twice a week to avoid skin irritation.

What serums to use after glycolic acid toner?

Once you have applied a glycolic acid toner, the best product to follow this with is a serum that enriched in with a hydrating ingredient, such as hyaluronic acid. As effective as glycolic acid is at exfoliating the skin, it can sometimes cause some mild irritation, no matter how much your skin has built a tolerance.

What is bad to 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.

What can I layer 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.

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.

Which moisturizer is best after glycolic acid toner?

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.

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