💡 Ingredients You Should Not Mix

How to boost results without irritating your skin!

Save this for your skincare routine 💕

 

With 5 most common skincare ingredients:

Retinol (Vitamin A), Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, AHA/BHA, and Niacinamide.

But… can you actually use them together? It gets confusing, right?

 

Each ingredient works best in different pH environments, so depending on the combination, your skin may experience changes in absorption, stability, and irritation.

 

Here’s everything organized by ingredient ↓

 

💙1. Retinol (Vitamin A) 

 

Benefits: Cell turnover, boosts collagen, improves wrinkles + pores

 

❌ Do NOT mix with:

 • AHA/BHA: Both exfoliate → high irritation, redness, stinging

 • Pure Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid): Low pH can destabilize retinol

 

✔️ Safe to mix with:

 • Hyaluronic Acid: Adds hydration and reduces irritation

 • Niacinamide: Calms retinol irritation

 

✔️ TIP:

 

Use retinol at night, alone or paired with niacinamide/hyaluronic acid.

When starting, use 2–3× a week, and always apply moisturizer after to help your skin adjust.

 

💛2. Vitamin C

 

Benefits: Antioxidant, brightening, reduces hyperpigmentation, protects from sun damage

 

❌ Do NOT mix with:

 • AHA/BHA: Weakens skin barrier + drops pH → irritation

 • Retinol: Same reason as above (reduced stability + irritation)

 

✔️ Safe to mix with:

 • Hyaluronic Acid: Moisture + protects Vitamin C from oxidizing

 • Niacinamide: Recent studies show they stabilize each other

Just avoid using both in very high concentrations together.

 

✔️ TIP:

 

Use Vitamin C in the morning, then apply sunscreen to maximize protection.

 

🩵3. Hyaluronic Acid

 

Benefits: Attracts moisture, strengthens the skin barrier

Notes: Very gentle. Can be used with any ingredient.

 

✔️ Best combinations:

 • Retinol

 • Vitamin C

 • AHA/BHA

 • Niacinamide

 

✔️ TIP:

 

HA works as a “buffer” that reduces irritation and enhances hydration in any routine.

 

💚4. AHA/BHA (Glycolic, Lactic, Salicylic Acid)

 

Benefits: Exfoliates dead skin, clears pores, smooths skin texture

 

❌ Do NOT mix with:

 • Retinol → barrier damage + irritation

 • Vitamin C → low pH overload + irritation

 

✔️ Safe to mix with:

 • Hyaluronic Acid: Replenishes moisture after exfoliation

 • Niacinamide: Regulates oil + calms irritation

 

✔️ TIP:

 

Use AHA/BHA at night, alone.

Let it sit 5–10 minutes after cleansing before applying other products to minimize irritation.

 

🩷5. Niacinamide

 

Benefits: Oil control, brightens skin tone, strengthens barrier

Notes: Once thought to clash with Vitamin C, but newer studies show they are stable together.

 

✔️ Best combinations:

 • Vitamin C: Helps suppress melanin production

 • Retinol: Soothes irritation and reduces inflammation

 • AHA/BHA & Hyaluronic Acid: Strengthens barrier + boosts hydration

 

✔️ TIP:

 

Can be used morning and night.

If using high-strength niacinamide (10%+), be cautious when combining with retinol — may be too strong for sensitive skin.