Everything You Want To Know About Combining Acids with Retinol

Combining retinol with acids is possible but should be done carefully and not by everyone.

Initial Phase

When using home retinol for a skin rejuvenation course of 3-4 months, you should stop using all irritating actives: acids, including L-ascorbic acid (the most active form of vitamin C), enzymes, scrubs, products with simple alcohols (including decorative cosmetics), and deep cleansing gels and foams. Start with a basic regimen: a gentle cleanser and a moisturizing cream. Follow this routine for the first 3-4 weeks to allow your skin to adjust to the retinol.

Gradual Reintroduction

After this initial period, you can slowly reintroduce one gentle enzyme or acid product per week, carefully monitoring your skin’s reaction.

In some cases, retinol is combined with glycolic acid in one product, usually available through a cosmetologist. Such products are trusted to experienced retinol users with thick, non-sensitive skin who know what they are doing. Otherwise, I do not recommend combining these two actives in separate products.

Alternative Approaches

You can use a mild retinol (0.2–0.4%) and alternate it with toners or creams containing low acid concentrations, or with at-home multi-acid peels. Alternate these products, do not use them on the same day.

It is acceptable to use creams or serums with a low concentration of azelaic or mandelic acid (3–10%) simultaneously with retinol, especially for women with oily skin who need non-comedogenic moisturizers. However, do not layer these products on top of each other. Use them on different days.

Key Considerations

Always remember that your skincare routine should include only one strong irritating active at a time if used consistently.

In home care, skin irritation and deterioration are typically caused not by a single active ingredient (barring individual intolerance) but by using too many actives simultaneously. To avoid this, add a new active to a basic regimen (cleansing and moisturizing), allow your skin to get used to it, and then gradually reintroduce your previous products step by step.