Never Mix These Skincare Ingredients With Retinol

By Odunmorayo Oke

05 August 2024   |   12:01 pm

In the skincare world, certain ingredients are highly potent and should be used with caution. Some of them make your skin sensitive to the sun while others could have adverse effects when mixed with other skincare ingredients. Retinol is one of them. What is retinol? Retinol is a form of vitamin A that is widely…

Skincare ingredients to never mix with retinol. Photo – Freepik

In the skincare world, certain ingredients are highly potent and should be used with caution. Some of them make your skin sensitive to the sun while others could have adverse effects when mixed with other skincare ingredients. Retinol is one of them.

What is retinol?

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that is widely loved in the skincare industry for its ability to increase elasticity and firmness, reverse sun damage, improve skin texture, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It is a superstar ingredient that works by increasing cell turnover by stimulating collagen, leading to smoother youthful-looking skin.

However, certain skincare ingredients should never be used with it at the same time. Beyond its benefits, it is a somewhat tricky ingredient to include in your routine because it can cause sensitivity and peeling. When mixed with other ingredients, it could lead to more irritation. Generally, it is advised to use it in a low concentration especially when you first start using it.

Below are ingredients that you can and cannot mix with retinol.

Ingredients to never mix with it:

1. Benzoyl peroxide

A common acne-fighting ingredient, benzoyl peroxide can be drying and irritating when combined with the potency of retinol. Using them together may lead to the two ingredients deactivating each other, decreasing their effectiveness. Additionally, mixing them may lead to excessive redness and irritation.

2. BHA (beta hydroxy acid)

BHAs are chemical exfoliants used to remove dirt and oil buildup in pores, leading to an improved skin texture. Examples of BHAs are salicylic acid, citric acid, tropic acid and so on. Using them makes the skin sensitive and mixing them with an even stronger ingredient like retinol, can be too drying for most skin types.

3. Vitamin C

While vitamin C is another skincare superstar, it can become unstable and lose effectiveness when mixed with retinol. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that brightens the skin and lightens dark spots. Mixing it with retinoids can cause side effects like irritation to sensitive skin if used in high concentrations.

4. AHA (alpha hydroxy acid)

Similar to BHAs, AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acid are exfoliants used to improve skin texture and skin tone. Just like retinol, AHAs can cause sun sensitivity and when mixed with retinol, it can amplify its side effects.

5. Hydroquinone

This skin-lightening ingredient can have a bleaching effect, and when combined with retinoids, may lead to increased sun sensitivity and even more discolouration.

6. Other retinoids

Applying multiple retinol-based products at the same time, such as prescription retinoids and over-the-counter retinol, can be overly drying and irritating for the skin.

Ingredients that it can be mixed with

1. Ceramides

Photo – Freepik / Scaled

These lipids help strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, offsetting the potential dryness and irritation from retinol.

2. Hyaluronic acid

This humectant draws moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated and plump. Combining it with retinol can reduce its drying effects.

3. Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide can help soothe inflammation and redness that may occur with retinol use. In addition, if you like to layer retinol with your serums, it is safe to do with niacinamide. It is well-tolerated and works well with retinol.

4. Peptides

These tiny proteins can stimulate collagen production, complementing the cell turnover benefits of retinoids.

When it comes to retinoids, it’s all about finding the right balance and building a routine that supports your skin’s needs. Make sure to introduce new products slowly, and always patch test to ensure your skin can handle the combination.