Retinol, niacinamide, salicylic acid, vitamin c – there are SO many active ingredients in the market right now. You might be wondering, how do I use all of these ingredients together? Which ones should I avoid combining? I’m here to break down some skincare ingredients not to mix, and some you should combine so you can keep your skin barrier intact (you’re welcome 😉).
I want to start off by saying that I truly believe that less is more with skincare. The way I see it is more products = more potential for irritation. I usually recommend using no more than 1 treatment/active product in your AM or PM routine. However, I know there are millions of products on the market and there’s always something new you want to add to your routine! This is a high-level guide on some skincare ingredients not to mix, and some matches made in skincare heaven.
Ingredients NOT to Mix
When it comes to active ingredients, less is more. I recommend sticking with one active product per routine, whether that be an acid, retinoid, acne treatment, etc. Many active ingredients are strong and pH-sensitive, so I would avoid using them together to limit potential irritation. Overdoing it with actives can damage your skin barrier, which can lead to more issues over time. If you have multiple active products, I recommend alternating them in your routine. Example – Night A: acid exfoliator, Night B: retinoid, Night C: acne treatment.
That being said, more brands are coming out with products that combine multiple active ingredients in one formula – even ones that typically shouldn’t be mixed. Here’s the difference: a multi-active serum is specifically formulated so the active ingredients work well together safely and effectively, whereas individual active products are not meant to be combined. If you want to incorporate a bunch of active ingredients in your routine, using a “multi-active serum” is a great way to do so.
Here are some skincare ingredients not to mix:
1. AHAs + BHAs
Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs like Glycolic or Lactic Acid) and Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHAs like Salicylic Acid) are two of my favorite active ingredients to help remove dead skin cells from the top layers of the skin down. They’re great at targeting uneven skin texture and clogged pores. It is possible to use two gentle acid products together, but it’s easy to overdo it. Using too many acids together can be harsh on the skin, and can lead to over-exfoliation. If you want to use both of these ingredients in your skincare line-up, I recommend using them on alternate nights, or find a product that combines both, like the Deviant Skincare Gentle Resurfacing Liquid.
2. Retinoids + Acids
AHAs and BHAs should not be combined with retinoids, for a similar reason as above. Retinoids are the gold standard for treating signs of aging and breakouts. However, one of their most common side effects is dryness/peeling. Given acids and retinoids are both strong active ingredients, I would recommend keeping them separate to avoid irritation. Use them on alternate nights or look for products like my current favorite: Alpha-H Midnight Reboot Serum – which combines glycolic acid with granactive retinoid.
3. Vitamin C + Acids/Retinoids
Vitamin C is one of my all-time favorite ingredients. It’s an amazing antioxidant that helps with hyperpigmentation, sun spots, etc. However, it’s one of the most finicky ingredients to formulate because it oxidizes super easily and it needs to be formulated at a specific pH. Because of this, I would recommend separating it from other actives likes acids and retinoids, which can alter the pH and interfere with the efficacy of your vitamin c. Instead, use vitamin c in the morning, and use your acids or retinoids at night.
4. Benzoyl Peroxide + Retinoids
Benzoyl Peroxide has been used for decades for acne treatment because it helps to kill acne-causing bacteria. However, benzoyl peroxide and retinoids like tretinoin can “cancel each other out” when used together. Although this is not the case with all retinoids, combining the two ingredients together can (you guessed it) lead to irritation and sensitivity. Try incorporating benzoyl peroxide AM and retinoids PM. Alternatively, there are some prescription formulas that combine adapalene and benzoyl peroxide to effectively fight acne and breakouts.
Ingredients You SHOULD Mix
I typically say less is more with skincare, but there are some ingredient combos that are just *chef’s kiss*. It’s important to support your skin barrier so you can get the most out of these active ingredients while keeping your skin healthy and strong. Here are some amazing skincare ingredient combos worth adding to your routine:
1. Retinoids + Niacinamide
Retinoids and niacinamide are the ultimate OTP. As mentioned earlier, retinoids are amazing, powerful ingredients but can be harsh on the skin. Niacinamide is an amazing, multi-functional ingredient that helps balance sebum production and strengthen your skin’s barrier. This makes it the ultimate sidekick to retinoids as it can help alleviate the irritating/drying effects of retinoid treatments.
Try this combo: The Ordinary Niacinamide + Versed Press Restart Retinol
2. Hyaluronic Acid + Acids
Honestly, hyaluronic acid can go with everything. It’s an amazing humectant that helps to draw moisture into the skin. It pairs perfectly with acids and retinoids, which tend to be drying on the skin. Acids/retinoids subtract water, hyaluronic acid adds water back in. It’s the perfect yin and yang. However, it’s important to remember to apply hyaluronic acid to damp skin, so it has something to draw moisture from!
Try this combo: Pixi Glow Tonic + Rovectin Activating Treatment Lotion**
3. Vitamin C + Sunscreen
Again, sunscreen with EVERYTHING, especially when you’re using active ingredients in your routine. Vitamin C pairs particularly well with sunscreen though, as the antioxidant properties of vitamin c help to boost the protection offered by your SPF. Skin brightening effects + added sun protection? Count me in!
Try this combo: Summer Fridays CC Me Serum + DRMTLGY SPF 45
4. Actives + Ceramides
When using active ingredients, maintaining a strong skin barrier is crucial. If your skin barrier is compromised, it can lead to a lot of other skin issues over time. I recommend pairing all actives with a barrier-strengthening product that contains ceramides, cholesterol, or fatty acids. My holy grail is Stratia Liquid Gold*. These ingredients help to keep your skin barrier healthy and strong! If you notice your skin is red, inflamed, or easily irritated, lay off the actives and just focus on barrier strengthening.
Try this combo: Sunday Riley UFO + Stratia Liquid Gold*
And that’s it! Those are four skincare ingredients not to mix, and four that are dream pairings. If you have any questions about what ingredients interact with each other, feel free to leave a comment below or contact me. Want to learn more about how to order skincare products in a routine? Check out my blog post here.
*Stratia link is a referral link that will give you $10 off your first purchase of $25 or more. I do not earn money from the link, but I do receive points for your purchase that can be used for product at no additional cost to you.
**You can use this link to YesStyle and/or use my code ESTIEBUNNY and I will earn a small commision that helps to support my page at no additional cost to you.
Feel free to check out all of my affiliate/referral links if you decide to shop. Thank you for your support!
