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Glycolic acid doesn’t pair well with retinol or salicylic acid unless you’re careful. Using them at separate times is safest. Vitamin C, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid combine with it well.
Glycolic acid is a tried-and-true skin care ingredient, thanks to its exfoliating properties. However, certain active ingredients don't mix well with this common AHA. Read our guide to glycolic acid and what not to use with it and master your skin care routine.
Glycolic acid is a kind of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that's used as an exfoliating treatment in skin care. AHAs are naturally-occurring acids, often found in foods. Glycolic acid is one of the most common AHAs, and while it can be found in food, there are chemically manufactured forms of it, too.
Glycolic acid has become such a staple active skin care ingredient thanks to its ability to remove dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin, support skin against sun damage and help manage breakouts. It’s a potent chemical exfoliant, so you’ll typically find glycolic acid in exfoliation treatments or serums.
You might find toners that contain glycolic acid to be an effective skin care treatment. For instance, our Crystal Clear clarifying pads contain glycolic acid, lactic acid and salicylic acid and effectively tone the skin, helping to remove excess dead skin cells and residue while leaving behind a bright complexion.
Other active skin care ingredients, while effective on their own, can actually damage the skin when combined with glycolic acid. It’s important to be cautious when introducing new ingredients into your routine to avoid skin irritation — use the following list as a guide.
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that is found naturally in certain foods, and it’s one of the most beloved active ingredients in skin care.
It’s known for maintaining proper cell production and turnover, supporting collagen production, exfoliating the skin and even helping the skin appear more youthful.
So, can you use glycolic acid with retinol? Technically, yes - but we recommend being very careful and using the products on alternate days.
Both ingredients have excellent exfoliating properties and can improve the skin’s overall appearance, but when combined they can cause dryness, redness and flakiness.
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that helps with breakouts, clears away dead skin cells and unclogs pores. It’s another potent ingredient that’s a very effective cleansing, exfoliating and toning option. While you can use these them together, it's important to be cautious when combining salicylic acid with glycolic acid.
Both ingredients are strong and work to remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. You might see both listed on the same product — this is fine! Just be careful when using different products with salicylic and glycolic acid consecutively, as they may irritate sensitive skin and cause redness or dryness.
While some actives don't mix well with glycolic acid, there are some ingredients that do. The following are a few of the tried-and-true ingredients that work well alongside glycolic acid.
Vitamin C is a widely popular skin care ingredient because it’s an antioxidant that provides the skin with the necessary nutrients.
This ingredient is especially effective at supporting cells during exposure to free radicals, unstable atoms that can damage the skin. Vitamin C can also be used to manage pigmentation issues and help support overall collagen production.
You can effectively combine vitamin C with glycolic acid, just be sure to do it in the right order for effective results. For instance, it’s generally best to use your glycolic acid product first, and then use vitamin C.
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. Applying niacinamide after glycolic acid can help soothe and rehydrate the skin, working to lock in the benefits and leave your face smooth and bright.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occuring substance that is found in the eyes, joints and skin and is often used as a hydrating skin care ingredient. This ingredient helps replace lost moisture in the skin and supports elasticity.
Like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid is a mild yet beneficial ingredient that you can use with glycolic acid and other AHAs.
Glycolic acid will come first in your skin care routine to exfoliate and remove excess dead skin cells. Follow with a lightweight, hydrating formula with hyaluronic acid, like our Youth Serum, to soothe your complexion.
| Ingredient | Combine with Glycolic Acid? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Retinol | Use caution | Alternate days to avoid dryness, redness, flaking |
| Salicylic Acid | Use caution | Alternate days; both are strong exfoliants |
| Vitamin C | Yes | Apply glycolic acid first, then vitamin C |
| Niacinamide | Yes | Soothes and rehydrates skin after glycolic acid |
| Hyaluronic Acid | Yes | Apply after glycolic acid to hydrate |
Glycolic acid is an exfoliating AHA that helps promote a youthful-looking complexion. Refer to this guide to better understand what ingredients should not be mixed with glycolic acid and which ingredients combine well with the AHA.
This article was medically reviewed by Madeline Stoffer, MSN, NP-BC, a board-certified nurse practitioner with six years of experience in cosmetic dermatology.
SOURCES:
What’s the Difference Between AHAs and BHAs? | The Strategist
Hyaluronic Acid: What It Is, Benefits, How To Use & Side Effects | Cleveland Clinic
