Which comes first, retinol or hyaluronic acid?

Author: Angus Bruen  |  Last update: Friday, September 19, 2025

Hyaluronic acid should be layered before retinol in case of dry or sensitive skin, as it helps create a barrier between retinol and your skin, offsetting irritation. Must-mention: let your hyaluronic acid serum dry before following with retinol as, if applied to damp skin, there's a higher risk of redness and dryness.

Do you put retinol or hyaluronic acid first?

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.

What is the correct order of serums?

Thin to Thick: Layer by lightest to thickest consistency. Many serums have a similar viscous consistency, but if you notice one is thicker, start with the thinner formula first. Take Your Time: Give each serum several seconds to set before moving onto the next.

Can you take hyaluronic acid and retinol together?

In summary: Retinol, hyaluronic acid, and collagen are safe to use together. You can find them each in many forms, including serums, creams, and oral supplements. Retinol can help smooth skin and minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

What order do you put retinol on your face?

Proper Order of Applying the Retinol Set Ensure flawless application of your retinol set with the correct order: 1. Essence/Toner, 2. Serum, 3. Cream, 4. Optional: Pamper yourself with a relaxing face massage ☺️ #retinol #skincare #antiaging This information is AI generated and may return results that are not relevant.

How To Apply Retinol To Achieve The Best Results

What is the 123 rule of retinol?

We recommend following the 1-2-3 rule: apply retinol once a week for one week, twice a week for two weeks, three times for three weeks, then move towards every second night if there are no side effects happening. If you do experience flaking, redness or sensitivity, simply move back to a lower frequency for a week.

What should I use before or after retinol?

It's important to always start with clean, dry skin to make the most out of using retinol. Retinol penetrates the skin better and is more effective when applied after gently cleansing the skin with a mild face wash and toning it but before any moisturizer, since it acts as a treatment.

How long after retinol to apply moisturizer?

Wait: Allow the retinol to absorb into your skin. Waiting 20-30 minutes can reduce the risk of irritation. Moisturize: Apply your moisturizer to lock in hydration and soothe the skin.

Is retinol or hyaluronic acid better for wrinkles?

Function: Retinol primarily works by promoting cell turnover and stimulating collagen production, making it ideal for anti-ageing and spot-prone skin. In contrast, hyaluronic acid focuses on hydration, drawing moisture into the skin and keeping it plump and supple.

What order to apply hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and retinol?

Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide

These water-based treatments are a great pair and are made for all skin types — especially babes with dry, acne-prone skin. You'll find niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, in my Rewind Retinol Serum. Use hyaluronic acid first, followed by my retinol for the best results.

What are the 7 steps of skincare?

  • Step 1: Cleansing. Start with the basics: skin cleansing. ...
  • Step 2: Exfoliation. Eliminate impurities and dead cells by carrying out an effective exfoliation. ...
  • Step 3: Mask. Apply a mask specific for you. ...
  • Step 4: Toner. ...
  • Step 5: Serum or concentrate. ...
  • Step 6: Eye contour. ...
  • Step 7: Moisturising cream. ...
  • Step 8: Sun protection!

What is the best night cream for your face?

Our top pick for the best night cream is Kiehl's Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream, as it's great for all skin types and provides long-lasting hydration. Another fantastic option is La Roche-Posay's Double Repair Moisturizer, which leaves the skin feeling nourished, soft, and supple—all for under $25.

In what order should I layer hyaluronic acid?

Moisturize: Some experts recommend applying Hyaluronic Acid serum directly onto fresh, damp skin, then layering a cream or oil on top to lock moisture in.

Do you use CeraVe retinol before or after hyaluronic acid?

You'll need to apply your retinol face serum to dry skin, so either thoroughly pat your skin dry after cleansing or wait for your hyaluronic acid serum to dry first. Then, apply small dots of our CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Serum and spread the formula evenly over your entire face.

Can I use retinol every night?

Retinol and other retinoids work best if you use them daily. But when you first start out, you should begin using retinol every 1 or 2 days. This helps your skin get used to it, and avoid irritation. After a few weeks, slowly work your way up to using it every night.

Can I layer hyaluronic acid with retinol?

The answer is yes. The combination of these two ingredients can help you treat multiple skin concerns and give you a more youthful, radiant complexion. However, it's important to use these ingredients in moderation and in the correct order to avoid any adverse effects.

Is it better to use retinol or hyaluronic acid at night?

“Retinol tends to make your skin photosensitive, which is why I recommend using it as an overnight treatment,” says Dr. Marmur. Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, can be used in the morning, at night, or both morning and night.

Is it better to put retinol on wet or dry skin?

It's essential to make sure to wait until your skin is dehydrated before moving on to applying your retinol. If you use it on wet or even damp skin, there is a greater likelihood that you'll experience irritation. That is because cleansing the skin opens up the pores.

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.

What is the best moisturizer for aging skin?

SkinCeuticals' Triple Lipid Restore is our top pick because it absorbs well and promises deep hydration while providing skin a youthful glow. Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream is a close second because it can moisturize and plump skin intensely. Aging is a beautiful thing, but change isn't always easy.

What order should I layer retinol?

Retinol Application Order
  1. Step 1: Wash Face with Cleanser. Use your facial cleanser as the label indicates. ...
  2. Step 2: Gently Pat Your Face Dry. Treat this step like a soothing act of self-care. ...
  3. Step 3: Apply Retinol. Start by using a pea-sized amount at night, twice a week. ...
  4. Step 4: Apply Moisturizer. ...
  5. Step 5: Apply Sunscreen.

What brand of retinol is the most effective?

  • Best Retinol Cream: SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3.
  • Best Tretinoin: Nurx Tretinoin Cream.
  • Best Adapalene: Differin Adapalene 0.1%
  • Best Retinol Serum: Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum.
  • Best for Acne-Prone Skin: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum.

What not to do after applying 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.

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