Which skincare should you not mix?

Author: Retta Mills  |  Last update: Monday, July 7, 2025

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.

What skincare should not be used together?

What products should we really not mix together in the skin care routine?
  • Retinol and AHAs/BHAs
  • Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C) and Niacinamide
  • Retinol and Dihydroxyacetone (fake tan)
  • Retinol and Benzoyl Peroxide
  • Etc...

What combination skin should I avoid?

Avoid using harsh, alcohol-based toners, over-exfoliating your skin, and using heavy, oil-based products. These can exacerbate the imbalances in your skin, leading to issues in both the oily and dry areas. Remember, skincare is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another.

Is it bad to mix skincare brands?

Mixing skin care brands is perfectly fine. You might want to read through the side bar, though. Some ingredients are not supposed to be mixed together (eg AHA's and retinol), so you should avoid using products with those at the same time.

What is the rule of 7 skincare?

The 7 Skin Method is a skincare technique that involves applying seven layers of hydrating toner or essence to your skin.

How to Prevent Skin Thinning & Boost Your Collagen! From a Dermatologist | Dr. Shereene Idriss

What is the 7 skin rule?

This technique involves applying toner to your skin seven times in a row, allowing each layer to fully absorb before applying the next one. The idea behind this method is that it helps to deeply hydrate your skin, improving its texture and appearance.

What is the 80 20 rule skin care?

Skincare regimens are vital to your skin health. In office treatments make up 20% of skin health but the other 80% makes up for how you care for your skin at home. Finding and creating a regimen that works with your skin is a process that takes time, but we are here to help! Check out our 7 pro tips for skin success!

What skincare products should you never 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.

What not to pair 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 not to mix 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.

What should you not mix with 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.

Which skin type is best?

By definition, Normal Skin is a skin type often perceived as the gold standard due to its balanced sebum production. It is neither too oily nor too dry. This type of skin is characterised by a soft, smooth texture accompanied by a radiant complexion. It has minimal pores and rarely gets any blemishes.

What is the T-zone on the face?

Your T-zone is made up of the 'T' shaped area spanning your forehead down to your nose and chin. Your T-zone contains more sebaceous glands than anywhere else on your face and so it is completely normal to appear more oily than other areas of your face.

What should you not use vitamin C serum with?

Don't Mix with Certain Ingredients:

Avoid applying Vitamin C with products containing AHAs, BHAs, retinol, or benzoyl peroxide in the same routine.

What not to pair with salicylic acid?

Salicylic Acid is considered to be one of the most effective peeling agents. Using Salicylic Acid with Retinol or Benzoyl Peroxide can dry out the skin, causing flakiness and redness.

What serums can I use together?

Which serums mix well together?
  • Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol. Hyaluronic Acid works to hydrate the skin deeply, as it carries water, and retinol (one of the most powerful anti-ageing ingredients) works to fight fine lines and wrinkles. ...
  • Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C. ...
  • AHAs and BHAs.

What cancels out niacinamide?

Niacinamide and vitamin C

This combination sparks a lot of debate among skincare experts. Some say that since both niacinamide and vitamin C contain antioxidants, they cancel each other out and might even lead to irritation.

Can I use vitamin C serum every day?

While it is safe to use products with vitamin C serum for face twice a day, we recommend keeping your skin type and concerns in mind before you start. Ensure that you check the directions mentioned on the packaging to get the most out of your products.

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 skincare not to combine?

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.

Can hyaluronic acid cause acne?

Generally, Hyaluronic acid is not known to cause acne. It is non-comedogenic, lightweight, and non-greasy. But some people may experience breakouts after using products that contain it. This may be due to the increased moisture in the skin, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria.

What skincare does not work together?

The Dos & Don'ts of Mixing Skincare Ingredients

Some active ingredients such as retinol and vitamin C can irritate the skin if used in conjunction with exfoliants such as acids, while more gentle humectants such as hyaluronic acid can make a harmonious pairing with just about everything.

What is the 60 second rule in skincare?

What is the 60 Second Rule? The 60 Second Cleansing Rule is the idea that you should take a whole minute to massage cleanser into the skin to ensure that it's completely clean and free of impurities, and perfectly prepped for your skin care routine.

How many skin care products should I be using?

How many products are recommended? Despite what social media might suggest, (the online world does tend to promote routines that seem miles long), most dermatologists recommend a three to four product-based routine.

Is 20 too late for skincare?

Your 20s is an ideal time to start a skin care routine and adopt skin healthy habits. “The skin care choices you make now will affect what your skin looks like in your next decade – and beyond,” says board-certified dermatologist Rajani Katta, MD, FAAD.

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