Which serum should not be used together?

Author: Jaqueline D'Amore  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Retinol: As Retinol and Salicylic Acid are both exfoliating, drying skincare ingredients, using both together in the same routine could lead to serious irritation. Glycolic Acid: Similarly, as an AHA, Glycolic Acid helps exfoliate the top layer of the skin, which is too intense when used alongside Salicylic Acid.

Which 2 serums should not be mixed?

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.

Which serums are not to use together?

PRODUCT COMBINATIONS THAT DON'T WORK TOGETHER
  • RETINOL SERUM + VITAMIN C. ...
  • RETINOL SERUM + AHAS/BHAS. ...
  • AHAS/BHAS + VITAMIN C. ...
  • NIACINAMIDE SERUM + VITAMIN C. ...
  • TRANEXAMIC ACID. ...
  • SALICYLIC ACID SCALP TREATMENT + GLYCOLIC ACID SCALP TREATMENT. ...
  • PRESCRIBED/OTHER ACTIVES TREATMENTS. ...
  • HYALURONIC ACID SERUM + RETINOL/AHAs/BHAs.

Which two serums can be used together?

Yes, you can layer multiple serums in your skincare routine. The best order is to apply serums from the thinnest to the thickest consistency. Start with water-based serums, such as those containing hyaluronic acid, followed by oil-based or creamier serums.

What cannot be paired with vitamin C serum?

Vitamin C is effectively an acid (it's sometimes known as ascorbic acid), so layering it with AHAs and BHAs like glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids is a big no-no.

Skincare Ingredients You CAN'T Mix?! | Doctorly Investigates

What is a bad combination with vitamin C?

Skincare ingredients not to mix with vitamin C

Vitamin C, AHAs (glycolic acid), and BHAs (salicylic acid) are acidic in nature. Layering them together can lower the skin's pH, making it more acidic. When skin pH goes off balance, it becomes a recipe for skin irritation, redness, and peeling.

What not to pair with hyaluronic acid?

However, there are certain ingredients that should not be mixed with hyaluronic acid:
  • AHAs and BHAs: AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) are chemical exfoliants that can help improve skin texture and unclog pores. ...
  • Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient found in acne treatments.

In what order should serums be applied?

Apply serums after cleansing and toning and before moisturizers to help active ingredients penetrate deeply and more effectively. Wait at least two to three minutes before layering your second or third serum to give each product enough time to fully seep into your skin and prevent pilling or rubbing off.

Can I use hyaluronic acid with vitamin C?

While vitamin C and hyaluronic acid can be used separately for impressive outcomes, they are also a power duo when applied in tandem. In fact, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are often mixed - either in one serum formula, or layered in a skincare regime.

What not to use with niacinamide?

DON'T MIX: AHA/BHA and niacinamide

Niacinamide is used to treat hyperpigmentation and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, while alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are chemical exfoliants. To understand why niacinamide shouldn't be mixed with AHAs and BHAs, you need to consider pH.

What serums cancel each other out?

Retinol and Benzoyl Peroxide

It is useless to use benzoyl peroxide, which is usually used to treat acne, and retinol together, says Paviol. The ingredients can cancel the positive effects of each other out and leave skin extremely dry and irritated.

Can I use 5 serums at the same time?

' The number of serums you should combine will depend on the outcome you're after and therefore the ingredients required. A general rule of thumb is to layer 2-3 serums. This ensures skin doesn't become overwhelmed and gives each formula the space to absorb properly. However – as mentioned above, all skin is unique.

Can I use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night?

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. Applying your products at opposite ends of the day means your skin will be at its regular pH level for each application.

What to avoid with vitamin C serum?

How not to use it: vitamin C mistakes to avoid
  • Using an expired or oxidised serum:
  • Forgetting to patch test:
  • Using too much or too little:
  • Not using sunscreen:
  • Using a low-quality or ineffective serum:
  • Benzoyl peroxide:
  • Retinol:
  • AHAs and BHAs:

What not to mix with snail mucin?

Snail mucin products can be used with most other skincare ingredients, but avoid combining them with harsh exfoliants or acids to prevent potential irritation.

What not to mix with peptides?

For that reason, mixing peptides and glycolic acid is not recommended. Why shouldn't these acids be mixed with peptides? The reason peptides and salicylic acid as well as peptides and glycolic acid aren't efficacious ingredient combinations is because peptides are susceptible to hydrolysis when exposed to acids.

What happens if you use too much vitamin C serum?

One of the most common side effects of using a Vitamin C serum is skin irritation. This can include redness, itching, and burning. This is often caused by the high concentration of Vitamin C in the serum, which can be too strong for some people's skin.

Should I use hyaluronic acid serum at night or morning?

If you have dehydrated skin, use hyaluronic acid serum both in the morning and at night. In the morning, it might help hydrate your skin and prepare it for the day ahead. At night, it might help repair and rejuvenate your skin while you sleep. Be sure to follow up with a moisturizer to lock in the hydration.

Can I use niacinamide and hyaluronic acid together?

Both have been praised for their remarkable benefits in improving skin texture, hydration, and overall complexion. The increased popularity of these ingredients has left many with a pressing question: Can you use niacinamide and hyaluronic acid together? The short answer: Yes!

What serum should I use in the morning?

“A serum designed for daytime—which should contain antioxidants like vitamin C, green tea, or resveratrol—should be applied in the morning so it can help protect your skin throughout the day,” says board-certified dermatologist Shari Sperling, MD.

Can I use hyaluronic acid every day?

Don't worry. Hyaluronic acid is acidic by name, but not by nature and won't exfoliate the skin or supercharge its turnover. For this reason, it's perfectly fine to use hyaluronic acid every day. “I would recommend using it once or twice a day,” says Dr Hextall.

What to put on face overnight?

Hydrate with a nourishing moisturizer: To achieve a glowing complexion, moisturizing is essential. Choose a hydrating moisturizer that suits your skin type and contains nourishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, or aloe vera. Apply it to your face and neck, massaging it gently until fully absorbed.

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 is best paired with hyaluronic acid?

Retinol. When it comes to your skincare routine, adding Hyaluronic Acid in the morning and Retinol at night can strike a great balance. While Retinol promotes cell turnover, which may cause some irritation, Hyaluronic acid can increase your skin's ability to counter these effects.

Which skincare not to mix?

Retinoids don't combine well with AHAs, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or vitamin C due to potential stability issues and skin sensitivities, and soap-based cleansers can also reduce vitamin C's skin benefits.

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