Combining retinols: What works, what doesn't? The complete guide
You use retinol and are wondering which other active ingredients you can combine with it? Retinol and vitamin C together? Combining retinol and hyaluronic acid? Niacinamide and retinol in one routine?
The truth is: combining retinol is complicated. Some active ingredients complement each other perfectly, while others can ruin your skin. In this guide, you'll learn everything about the correct order for combining retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid, which combinations you should avoid, and which plant-based alternative will completely save you these headaches.
Why is combining retinols so complicated?
Retinol is a demanding active ingredient. It works optimally at a specific pH level and can temporarily weaken the skin barrier [1] . This makes the skin more sensitive to other active ingredients.
Combining the challenges of retinol:
- Different pH values of the active ingredients
- Mutual destabilization possible
- Cumulative irritation potentials
- Complex retinol and vitamin C required in sequence
Retinol and Vitamin C combine
The question "Can you use retinol and vitamin C together?" is one of the most frequently asked. The short answer: Yes, but with rules.
Retinol and Vitamin C: The Problem
Combining retinol and vitamin C is not easy because both active ingredients require different pH values [2] :
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): pH 2.5-3.5
- Retinol: pH 5.5-6.0
Applying retinol and vitamin C together can negate each other's effectiveness. Therefore, a retinol vitamin C serum or cream containing both is often not optimally formulated.
Retinol and Vitamin C order: The solution
The best strategy for combining retinol and vitamin C:
By using this order of retinol and vitamin C, you'll optimally utilize both active ingredients without any problems. A face cream containing both retinol and vitamin C isn't necessary – apply them separately.
Retinol or Vitamin C – which is better?
The question of "retinol or vitamin C" doesn't arise – both have different strengths:
- Vitamin C: Antioxidant, brightening, protects against free radicals
- Retinol: Anti-aging, cell renewal, collagen production
The ideal combination is both active ingredients – with the correct retinol and vitamin C sequence.
Retinol and hyaluronic acid combined
Good news: Combining retinol and hyaluronic acid is not only possible, but ideal!
Retinol or hyaluronic acid – which is better?
The question "What is better, retinol or hyaluronic acid?" or "What is better, hyaluronic acid or retinol?" is incorrectly phrased. Hyaluronic acid or retinol? You need both!
- Hyaluronic acid: Provides moisture, binds water in the skin
- Retinol: Anti-aging, but can be drying
Combining retinol and hyaluronic acid is perfect because hyaluronic acid balances the drying effect of retinol [3] .
Retinol and hyaluronic acid: Which comes first?
The question "Retinol and hyaluronic acid, which comes first?" has a clear answer:
- cleanse face
- Hyaluronic acid first – on damp skin
- Let it soak in briefly
- Then retinol
- Finish with moisturizer.
This retinol and hyaluronic acid sequence optimizes both active ingredients. A cream containing retinol and hyaluronic acid, or a cream containing hyaluronic acid and retinol, can combine both steps.
Cream with retinol, hyaluronic acid and collagen
A cream containing retinol, hyaluronic acid, and collagen from a drugstore or pharmacy can be a good all-in-one solution. Pay attention to:
- Retinol concentration (0.3-1%)
- Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid
- Hydrolyzed collagen
Retinol and niacinamide combined
Niacinamide and retinol – a dream combination!
Niacinamide and Retinol: The Benefits
For a long time, niacinamide and retinol were considered a problematic combination. New research shows that combining retinol and niacinamide is not only safe, but also particularly effective [4] .
Benefits of retinol and niacinamide:
- Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier.
- Reduces retinol irritation
- anti-inflammatory effect
- Improves retinol tolerance
Retinol and niacinamide order
The optimal order for retinol and niacinamide use:
- cleaning
- Niacinamide first (water-soluble)
- Then retinol (fat-soluble)
- Moisturizer
You can also use niacinamide and retinol in one product – there are no pH problems like with retinol and vitamin C together.
Retinol Vitamin C Hyaluronic Acid Order: The Complete Routine
Want to use all three active ingredients? Here's the optimal order for retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid:
Morning routine:
- cleaning
- Vitamin C Serum
- Hyaluronic Serum
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen SPF 30+
Evening routine:
- cleaning
- Hyaluronic Serum
- Retinol
- Moisturizer
This sequence of retinol and vitamin C separates the problematic active ingredients over time and makes optimal use of each.
Azelaic acid and retinol combine
Combining azelaic acid with retinol is an advanced topic.
Azelaic acid and retinol: What you need to know
Combining azelaic acid and retinol can be very effective – especially for age spots and acne. But caution is advised:
- Both active ingredients can cause irritation.
- Introduce slowly
- Test individually first.
- If azelaic acid causes an initial worsening of symptoms: take a break.
Azelaic acid initial aggravation
Initial worsening of symptoms with azelaic acid is less common than with retinol, but possible. Symptoms:
- Slight redness
- Tingling sensation during application
- Rare: Increased impurities
If you want to combine azelaic acid and retinol, start with azelaic acid alone and add retinol only after 2-4 weeks.
BHA and retinol combine
BHA and retinol – this is where it gets critical.
Salicylic acid and retinol: The problem
Combining BHA and retinol is risky. Salicylic acid and retinol both exfoliate the skin – together this can lead to:
- Strong irritation
- Damage the skin barrier
- BHA exacerbates initial worsening
- Redness and peeling are caused
BHA and Retinol: The safe method
If you want to combine BHA and retinol:
- Use on different days
- Example: Retinol Mon/Wed/Fri, BHA Tue/Sat
- Never apply at the same time
- In case of initial BHA worsening: reduce frequency
AHA and retinol combine
Similar to BHA: AHA and retinol together are problematic.
Retinol with AHA BHA: The rules
Retinol with AHA and BHA should be avoided. All three are exfoliating – together they are too much for most skin types [5] .
If you want to include AHA and retinol in one routine:
- Use on different days
- At least a 24-hour break in between.
- In case of irritation: Pause one active ingredient.
Ceramides and retinol combine
Good news: Combining ceramides and retinol is perfect!
Why ceramides and retinol work together:
- Ceramides are natural building blocks of the skin barrier.
- Retinol can weaken the barrier.
- Ceramides repair and strengthen them again
A cream with ceramides is ideal as a final step after retinol. No order issues, no pH conflicts.
Vitamin A acid and its combinations
Vitamin A acid is highly effective for acne and anti-aging. However, vitamin A acid creams or creams containing vitamin A acid have even more limitations than retinol.
Vitamin A acid for acne: What to combine?
Vitamin A acid facial treatments are compatible with:
- ✅ Hyaluronic acid
- ✅ Ceramide
- ✅ Niacinamide (use with caution)
- ❌ Vitamin C (separate in time)
- ❌ AHA/BHA (not together)
- ❌ Benzoyl peroxide (renders vitamin A ineffective)
Vitamin A acid tablets: Special caution
Even stricter rules apply to vitamin A acid tablets (isotretinoin). You should discuss all possible combinations with your dermatologist.
Niacinamide initial aggravation and other reactions
Retinol is not the only substance that can trigger reactions:
Niacinamide Initial aggravation
An initial worsening of symptoms after taking niacinamide is rare, as niacinamide does not accelerate cell regeneration. If you experience a reaction after taking niacinamide, it is more likely that:
- An allergic reaction
- Intolerance to other ingredients
- Too high a concentration (over 10%)
Vitamin C skin initial worsening
Initial skin worsening after taking vitamin C is unusual. Vitamin C does not cause purging. Reactions to vitamin C are usually:
- Irritation due to low pH value
- Oxidized (ineffective) vitamin C
- intolerance
The overview: What goes with what?
The alternative: Combine without restrictions
What if you could forget all these rules?
Bidens Pilosa is a plant-based retinol alternative that can be combined with virtually any active ingredient without restrictions [6] .
Combine Biden's Pilosa with:
The reason: Bidens pilosa has a neutral pH, does not weaken the skin barrier and does not cause increased photosensitivity [7] .
Our solution: SheCARE Retinol Alternative
You can confidently integrate our products containing Bidens Pilosa into any routine – no need to follow a specific order of Retinol, Vitamin C, or Hyaluronic Acid.
Retinol Alternative Serum
The highly concentrated anti-aging serum. Can be combined with vitamin C, AHA, BHA and all other active ingredients.
€79.90 | 30 ml
Retinol Alternative Eye Serum
For the sensitive eye area. No restrictions on combinations.
€59.90 | 15 ml
Retinol Alternative Moisturizer
The daily moisturizing cream. For morning and evening use, can be combined with anything.
€79.90 | 50 ml
All products are COSMOS natural certified, vegan and also suitable during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Who is the retinol alternative suitable for?
The SheCARE Retinol alternative is perfect for you if you:
- You don't want to pay attention to the complicated order of retinol and vitamin C.
- If you want to combine retinol and niacinamide, or retinol and hyaluronic acid – without stress
- if you want to use AHA and retinol or BHA and retinol
- Are you annoyed by initial worsening of symptoms caused by niacinamide or azelaic acid?
- Looking for a simple routine without a weekly plan?
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Can you combine retinol and vitamin C?
Combining retinol and vitamin C is possible, but not simultaneously. Retinol and vitamin C have different pH values. The recommended order for retinol and vitamin C is: vitamin C in the morning, retinol in the evening. This is how you can optimally use retinol and vitamin C together.
Is it safe to combine retinol and niacinamide?
Yes, combining retinol and niacinamide is a very good combination. Niacinamide and retinol complement each other perfectly: niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier. The order of application for retinol and niacinamide is: niacinamide first, then retinol.
Retinol or hyaluronic acid – which is better?
The question "What's better, retinol or hyaluronic acid?" is wrongly phrased. Combining retinol and hyaluronic acid is ideal! Hyaluronic acid moisturizes, retinol has anti-aging properties. Which should you use first? Hyaluronic acid, then retinol.
Can you combine AHA and retinol?
AHA and retinol should not be used together. Both exfoliate the skin. Combining BHA and retinol is also risky. Retinol with AHA/BHA: Use on different days.
How do you combine azelaic acid and retinol?
Combining azelaic acid and retinol is possible, but with caution. When combining azelaic acid with retinol: Introduce them slowly, testing them individually first. If you experience an initial worsening of symptoms with azelaic acid, reduce the frequency of use.
What is the correct order for retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid?
The recommended order for applying retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid: In the morning, apply vitamin C, then hyaluronic acid, then sunscreen. In the evening: apply hyaluronic acid, then retinol. Keep retinol and vitamin C separate – never apply them at the same time.
Is there a cream with retinol and vitamin C?
A cream containing retinol and vitamin C is problematic because they require different pH levels. An alternative: Bidens Pilosa combined with everything works without problems.
Is there an alternative that avoids combination problems?
Yes, Bidens Pilosa is a plant-based retinol alternative that can be combined with all active ingredients – vitamin C, AHA, BHA, niacinamide. No restrictions, no initial worsening of symptoms.
Conclusion: Simple maintenance instead of complicated planning
Combining retinol is a science in itself. The order of retinol and vitamin C, retinol and hyaluronic acid (which comes first), the order of retinol and niacinamide, AHA and retinol on different days – who can remember all that?
The truth is: skincare shouldn't be complicated. With Bidens Pilosa, you get the anti-aging benefits of retinol—without the combination hassles. No retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid sequence stress, no fear of azelaic acid or niacinamide initial breakouts.
Simply apply. Combine with anything. Done.
→ Discover the Retinol Alternative Serum now
Sources
[1] Mukherjee, S. et al. (2006). Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clinical Interventions in Aging , 1(4), 327-348. PubMed
[2] Telang, P.S. (2013). Vitamin C in dermatology. Indian Dermatology Online Journal , 4(2), 143-146. PubMed
[3] Papakonstantinou, E. et al. (2012). Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-Endocrinology , 4(3), 253-258. PubMed
[4] Bissett, D.L. et al. (2005). Niacinamide: AB vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance. Dermatologic Surgery , 31(7), 860-865. PubMed
[5] Zasada, M. & Budzisz, E. (2019). Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology , 36(4), 392-397. PubMed
[6] Bartolome, AP et al. (2013). Bidens pilosa L.: A review of its traditional use, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Journal of Ethnopharmacology , 149(3), 601-619. PubMed
[7] Yang, W. C. (2014). Botanical, pharmacological, phytochemical aspects of Bidens pilosa L. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine , 2014. PubMed
[8] Kligman, D. (2000). Cosmeceuticals. Dermatologic Clinics , 18(4), 609-615. PubMed