The topic of compatible and incompatible components in skincare is quite controversial. There has been much debate about not mixing vitamin C with niacinamide, which turned out to be possible.
Don’t panic if you accidentally mix components. Dropping two different serums on your face won’t cause a terrible and irreversible chemical reaction. The worst outcome is skin irritation, redness, or a mild chemical burn (for example, if you apply a pharmaceutical retinoid over a strong acid toner). However…
Here’s what acids don’t pair well with:
Retinoids
Retinoids are also exfoliants, and quite potent ones. You can use acids and retinoids alternately, but don’t apply them at the same time: it’s a surefire way to irritate your skin. This is especially true for the combination of retinoids and glycolic acid, the latter being the most penetrating of all acids.
Benzoyl Peroxide
One of the most effective yet aggressive acne-fighting ingredients. It doesn’t need additional skin irritants. Avoid using other active ingredients (except, perhaps, moisturizers) simultaneously with benzoyl peroxide.
Leave a Reply