Can You Use Glycolic Acid and Retinol Together Safely?

Can I Use Glycolic Acid With Retinol?

With so many skin care products and ingredients out there, it can get confusing trying to figure out what can be safely used together. Two popular ingredients that often get combined are glycolic acid and retinol. But is this a skincare combo you should be using?

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin's top layer to reduce dullness, smooth texture, clear acne and improve signs of aging. Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that works deeper in the skin to stimulate collagen production for firmer, plumper skin while also clearing up acne and fading dark spots and fine lines.

While both glycolic acid and retinol offer significant skin benefits, using them together does come with some precautions. Here’s what you need to know about mixing glycolic acid and retinol products.

The Benefits of Glycolic Acid and Retinol

Let’s start by reviewing the benefits of each ingredient on its own:

Glycolic Acid Benefits

• Exfoliates the top layer of skin to reveal brighter, fresher skin underneath
• Clears away dead skin cells, dirt, oil and other impurities
• Helps treat acne
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots
• Minimizes enlarged pores
• Hydrates and smoothes skin texture

Retinol Benefits

• Increases collagen production for firmer, plumper skin
• Reduces appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and crepey skin
• Evens out skin tone and fades dark spots
• Unclogs pores and treats acne
• Smoothes and refines skin texture

With glycolic acid working on the surface and retinol working deeper, it makes sense why people want to combine these ingredients for maximum skin benefits. But is it really ideal to use them together?

Is It Okay to Use Glycolic Acid and Retinol Together?

Whether or not you can use glycolic acid with retinol depends on your skin type and sensitivity. Here are some general guidelines:

• Sensitive skin: Avoid combining. The combo may be too irritating.
• Normal skin: Use together 2-3 times a week max. Glycolic in the morning, retinol at night.
• Oily/acne-prone skin: Can use together up to 5 times a week. Alternate days. Glycolic in the AM, retinol in the PM.
• Mature skin: Use together 2-4 times a week. Glycolic AM, retinol PM.

As you can see, those with sensitive or normal skin need to be more cautious than people with strong, acne-prone skin when it comes to acid/retinol combos. Always introduce new products slowly and discontinue use if any irritation occurs.

Tips for Using Glycolic Acid and Retinol Together

If you want to use glycolic acid and retinol together, here are some tips to make it more compatible with your skin:

1. Alternate Days

Use glycolic acid and retinol on different days rather than layering them at the same time. This will reduce potential irritation.

For example, use your glycolic acid product in the morning and retinol at night. Then take the next morning off the glycolic acid. Or use the glycolic acid one day, and the retinol the next evening.

2. Use Hydrating Formulas

Look for glycolic acid products formulated to be gentle and hydrating. Avoid glycolic acid toners or peels which can be harsh and drying when combined with retinol.

Some hydrating glycolic acid options are Pixi Glow Tonic, First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads and The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution.

3. Buffer With Moisturizer

Apply your retinol after your moisturizer instead of directly on skin. This creates a "buffer" to make the retinol more gentle and prevents excess dryness.

You can also mix a pea-size amount of retinol with your moisturizer before applying. This dilutes the retinol concentration so it’s less likely to cause irritation.

4. Start Slow

When first using glycolic acid and retinol together, go very slowly. Use just 1-2 times a week and work up from there.Pay attention to how your skin reacts over the next day.

If you experience any redness, dryness, peeling or irritation, take a break for a few days before trying again. Adjust frequency based on your skin's tolerance.

5. Take Nights Off

Give your skin a break by using your glycolic acid and retinol together no more than 5 days a week. Have 2 "off" nights where you use only gentle cleanser and moisturizer.

This allows any sensitization from the combo to calm down and prevents your skin barrier from becoming compromised.

What to Avoid When Using Glycolic Acid and Retinol

In addition to the tips above, here are some things you’ll want to avoid when using glycolic acid and retinol together:

1. Layering Glycolic Acid and Retinol at the Same Time

Do not use glycolic acid and retinol one right after the other. This doubles up on the intensity and makes irritation much more likely.

2. Glycolic Acid Peels

Skip the at-home glycolic acid peels. The high concentration of acid can be overdrying and increase retinol side effects.

3. Daily Use

Using this combo every day is too much for most skin types. Take those off nights to prevent excess dryness and irritation.

4. Not Using SPF

Glycolic acid and retinol both make your skin more sun-sensitive. You MUST wear SPF 30+ sunscreen during daytime after using these ingredients.

Signs Glycolic Acid and Retinol Isn't Working For You

Here are some signs that the glycolic acid and retinol combo is too harsh for your skin:

• Redness
• Dry, flaky skin
• Peeling
• Rough, sandpaper texture
• Tight, stinging skin
• Increased breakouts

If you notice any of these side effects, stop using the glycolic acid and retinol immediately. Let your skin recover for a few days before trying to use either product again.

You may need to use gentler forms at a lower frequency or concentration. Or you may just not be able to use these actives together without irritation. Everyone's skin tolerates exfoliating ingredients differently.

The Right Glycolic Acid and Retinol Products

Not all glycolic acid and retinol products are created equal. Here are some smart product picks if you want to combine these ingredients:

Gentle Glycolic Acid

• CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
• First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
• Paula's Choice Resist Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA

Low-Strength Retinol Under 0.1%

• Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum
• ROC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
• Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer

Hydrating Formulas

• Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Firming Eye Cream
• SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 Refining Night Cream
• Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream

Choosing the right glycolic acid and retinol products can make pairing these ingredients much gentler on your skin.

Should You Use Glycolic Acid or Retinol?

If your skin just can't seem to tolerate glycolic acid and retinol without irritation, don't force it. You're probably better off using each ingredient separately.

Focus on one active at a time so you can tailor your routine to meet your skin's needs without overdoing it.

Some signs you may want to stick to only glycolic acid or only retinol include:

• Very dry or sensitive skin
• Eczema, rosacea or damaged skin barrier
• Severe acne or active breakouts
• New to using acids or retinoids

You can still rotate between glycolic acid and retinol on alternate nights. Just avoid layering or combining them at the same time.

Be patient with your skin. It's better to take it slow with exfoliating ingredients rather than aggressively over-treat your skin, especially if you're new to acids and retinoids.

Should You See a Dermatologist?

If you have concerns about using glycolic acid and retinol safely together, it's a smart idea to consult your dermatologist.

A dermatologist can evaluate your skin type and condition to determine if this combo is right for you. They can also give guidance on frequency, usage and cautions based on your unique skin needs.

Seeing a dermatologist is especially recommended if you have sensitive skin, rosacea, eczema or are using prescription acne medications. A derm can help make sure layering OTC ingredients like glycolic acid and retinol won't lead to adverse reactions.

The Takeaway

Can you use glycolic acid and retinol together? With the right products and proper usage, some skin types can benefit from carefully combining these ingredients. But it does require a cautious approach.

To minimize risk of irritation, alternate use on different days/nights, use hydrating formulas, buffer retinol with moisturizer and gradually work up frequency based on tolerance. And don't forget the SPF!

However, those with very sensitive or reactive skin may need to avoid pairing glycolic acid and retinol altogether. Take it slow and listen to your skin - it will let you know what it can handle.

For maximum anti-aging results without irritation, a dermatologist can help devise the ideal glycolic acid and retinol regimen for your unique skin.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.