Which goes first, retinol or glycolic acid?

Author: Prof. Destin Thompson  |  Last update: Sunday, June 1, 2025

However, a planned approach is required to ensure that products containing glycolic acid and retinol aren't applied immediately before or after one another. SkinCeuticals recommends using cleansers and serums formulated with glycolic acid in the morning and reserving retinol creams for your nightly regime.

Do you put acid or retinol first?

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.

How to rotate retinol and glycolic acid?

(Routine Help) Layering Retinoids and Acids
  • 1) Use your acids in the morning and your retinol in the evening. This is probably the ``easiest'' way to incorporate it, but my morning routine is usually just a quick water rinse and a SPF/moisturizer.
  • 2) Alternate Nights
  • 3) Wait 30 minutes
  • Wait 30 minutes.

Which is better for aging skin glycolic acid or retinol?

Retinol is probably the best for anti-aging. Glycolic is more for brightening but I find it easy to tolerate. SA works well for acne in particular because it dissolves in oil and stays in the pores. If you do use retinol, do it only at night.

What order do you use glycolic acid in skincare?

Glycolic acid is an active so it goes on after cleansing before other products. The HA and niacinamide go after the glycolic in whichever order you prefer, then moisturizer. And don't forget sunscreen in the morning.

Why I No Longer Use GLYCOLIC ACID - Glycolic Acid Explored

Should I use glycolic acid before or after retinol?

However, a planned approach is required to ensure that products containing glycolic acid and retinol aren't applied immediately before or after one another. SkinCeuticals recommends using cleansers and serums formulated with glycolic acid in the morning and reserving retinol creams for your nightly regime.

What is the correct order for skincare?

How to Layer Your Skincare Products in the Right Order
  • Step 1: Cleanser.
  • Step 2: Toner.
  • Step 3: Spot Treatment.
  • Step 4: Serums.
  • Step 5: Retinol.
  • Step 6: Eye Cream.
  • Step 7: Moisturizer.
  • Step 8: Face Oils.

What not 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.

Which is better for deep wrinkles retinol or hyaluronic acid?

If your primary concern is ageing, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone, retinol is likely your best bet. However, if you're looking to boost hydration, improve skin plumpness and maintain overall skin health, hyaluronic acid is the way to go.

Is 70 too old to use retinol?

If you've surpassed your 20s and are concerned that you've missed your window for reaping the benefits of retinol, don't worry—it's never too late to start. Dr. Arthur says she's had patients who reported noticeable results after starting retinol in their 60s and 70s.

Is it better to use glycolic acid at night or morning?

Glycolic acid is easy to use because there are so many ways to incorporate it into your skin care routine. As a rule of thumb, use one glycolic acid product at a time to avoid irritation, and incorporate it into your evening routine, since it makes skin more sensitive to sunlight.

How to layer glycolic acid hyaluronic acid and retinol?

Recommended Usage of Retinol & Glycolic Acid

Alternate them by using a retinol product at night and a glycolic acid product in the morning—or use a retinol product one day and a glycolic acid product the next.

Does vitamin C cancel out retinol?

It's perfectly safe and very effective to incorporate both retinol and vitamin C into your skincare routine, as long as you use them at different times of the day.

Can I use glycolic acid and retinol on alternate days?

Introduce Gradually: Begin by using each ingredient individually to allow your skin to adjust. Glycolic acid and retinol concentrations should start out lower. Alternative Usage: To reduce the chance of irritation, apply glycolic acid and retinol on different days or evenings at first.

How long to let retinol sit before moisturizer?

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

What goes well with retinol at night?

Best Ingredients to Pair with Retinol

Hyaluronic acid and other moisturizers – hyaluronic acid, peptides, ceramides, and other moisturizing and skin hydrating ingredients pair well with retinol and help to minimize adverse effects like skin drying.

What order do you put hyaluronic acid and 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.

Which acid is best for deep wrinkles?

1 - Glycolic Acid

A fantastic anti-aging product that does everything is glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is the most widely used alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) for skin care. Because it is the smallest AHA and is derived from sugar cane, it penetrates the skin the best.

What is the best retinol serum?

Best retinol serums and treatments
  • The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane Serum. ...
  • PEACH & LILY Retinal For All Renewing Serum. ...
  • Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum. ...
  • La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Face Serum for Fine Lines & Wrinkles. ...
  • e.l.f. Cosmetics Youth Boosting Blue-ty Sleep Night Oil. ...
  • Naturium Retinol Complex Serum.

What cancels out glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid and niacinamide.

Indeed, niacinamide used with AHA's like glycolic acid and lactic acid has no effect and can even cause redness. Since niacinamide has a pH of about 5-7, it can actually increase the lower pH of glycolic acid, which is about 3-4, and negate its properties.

What Cannot be used with retinol?

Since retinol is such a powerful ingredient, it's important to be cautious about what you are pairing this with in your daily routine. To be specific, you cannot mix retinol with AHAs (Glycolic Acid Toner, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid Treatment, BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum, PHA Toner.

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.

What is the 4 2 4 rule in skincare?

The 4-2-4 rule is a detailed cleansing routine that involves a four-minute oil massage, a two-minute cleanse with a water-based cleanser and a four-minute rinse with warm and cold water. Read ahead to know about the Japanese double cleanse routine, and what experts have to say about it.

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.

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!

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