Which serum is best with glycolic acid?

Author: Gilda Nienow  |  Last update: Saturday, October 18, 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.

What serum can be used with 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 pairs best with glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid works decently with ceramides niacinmide and of course hyaluronic acid for starters you can gradually add other steps to your routine.

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.

Reviewing Glycolic Acid Skincare Hacks | Doctorly Explains

What is best to apply 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 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.

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.

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.

Is it OK to use hyaluronic acid after 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.

What combines 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.

Can I use niacinamide with glycolic acid?

In order to answer how often you can combine glycolic acid and niacinamide, you'll need to pay close attention to how your skin reacts. The ingredients can be used together up to once or twice daily, as long as you don't experience any irritation.

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.

What is glycolic acid best paired with?

Glycolic acid and vitamin C: This combination can increase collagen production and smooth skin, but it's best to stagger application to keep skin from getting irritated. Apply vitamin C in the morning and glycolic acid at night.

Which serum is best for dark spots?

Check each product page for other buying options.
  • AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum 50ml / 1.69 fl. ...
  • 4beauty Therapy Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum 50Ml / 1.69 Fl. ...
  • The Derma Co 2% Kojic Acid Face Serum | With 1% Alpha Arbutin & Niacinamide | Reduces Dark Spots, Pigmentation & Blemishes | For All Skin types | 10 ml.

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 to 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.

Which combination of serum is best?

The Top 11 Skincare Combinations That You Will Absolutely Love!
  • Retinol and Niacinamide. ...
  • Glycolic Acid and Vitamin C. ...
  • Hyaluronic Acid with Alpha Hydroxy Acids. ...
  • Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Beta Hydroxy Acids. ...
  • Hyaluronic Acid and Peptides. ...
  • Alpha Arbutin and Vitamin C. ...
  • Green Tea Extracts and Caffeine. ...
  • Alpha Arbutin and Niacinamide.

What serum to use after glycolic acid?

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 can I layer with glycolic acid?

To double down on anti-aging benefits, pair glycolic acid with either lactic acid or malic acid, both of which unblock pores so that exfoliation is more effective.

Which serum should not be used with glycolic acid?

Niacinamide. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 and has become a well-loved skin care ingredient, as it has soothing properties, helps reduce redness and supports overall collagen production. Glycolic acid's potency can potentially dry out the skin, which is where niacinamide comes in.

What clashes with glycolic acid?

Retinoids and Glycolic Acid

Retinoids (including retinol) are fantastic for boosting cell turnover and fighting aging. However, pairing them with glycolic acid is like inviting two energetic party crashers into a small room—they can overwhelm your skin.

What is the best vitamin C serum?

Prices and availability are subject to change.
  • Amazon. iS Clinical Super Serum Advance. ...
  • Sephora. Tatcha Violet-C Brightening serum. ...
  • Sephora. Dr. ...
  • Dermstore. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic acid serum. ...
  • Amazon. Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30% ...
  • Sephora. Paula's Choice C15 Vitamin C Super Booster. ...
  • Maelove. ...
  • Sephora.

What can I put on my skin after glycolic acid?

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.

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