Without a doubt, retinol is a star ingredient in the skincare world, known for its ability to accelerate cell turnover, reduce visible signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, and improve overall skin tone and texture. However, combining retinol with other skin care ingredients is crucial to maximize its benefits and avoid potential irritation.
Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is a potent ingredient renowned for its ability to combat premature signs of aging, stimulate collagen production, and promote cell turnover. It is a versatile addition to any skincare routine but requires careful consideration when used with other active ingredients.
In this article, we will examine retinol and what you can/cannot mix with it.
Ingredients That Mix Well with Retinol
Adding retinol to your daily routine can provide impressive anti-aging benefits. Still, it's essential to pair it with the right skin care ingredients to enhance its effectiveness and minimize potential irritation.
But first things first. Make sure you use a retinol product free of synthetic and filler ingredients, like our Smooth Sailing Retinol Serum. It is formulated with abundant natural moisturizers to keep your skin hydrated, healthy, and smooth, while retinol repairs fine lines and damaged skin.
Below, we explore the best active ingredients that complement retinol.
Hyaluronic Acid
Found in: Up the Anti Anti-Aging Night Cream
Why It Works:
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin. After application, hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin, leaving a plumper, fresher glow.
When combined with retinol, hyaluronic acid helps to counteract the drying effects that retinol can sometimes cause. This synergy ensures your skin remains moisturized while improving its appearance and reducing dryness.
How to Use:
Can you mix hyaluronic acid with retinol? Yes! After applying your Smooth Sailing Retinol Serum, follow up with a product containing hyaluronic acid, such as our Up the Anti Anti-Aging Night Cream. This will lock in moisture and support your body’s natural production of collagen while keeping the skin hydrated.
Do I Use Retinol Before or After Hyaluronic Acid?
Whether you should apply retinol before or after hyaluronic acid depends on your specific skin type.
For those with normal or oily skin tone, apply retinol to bare skin first so it absorbs fully, then follow with hyaluronic acid. This allows the retinol to penetrate effectively.
After applying retinol, you can follow up with a face serum, lotion, or cream containing hyaluronic acid to help reduce the likelihood of irritation.
Many over-the-counter retinol products already include hyaluronic acid to reduce irritation.
If you have sensitive or dry skin, you might prefer the "retinol sandwich" method (also known as layering).
Start layering or sandwiching by cleaning the skin with a water-based hyaluronic acid serum. Once fully absorbed, apply a pea-sized amount of retinol to your face and neck.
As the final step, use a moisturizing lotion with hyaluronic acid and emollients like ceramides to prevent dryness. This layering technique helps to minimize irritation while ensuring the retinol is effectively absorbed.
How Often Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol?
Hyaluronic acid can be used whenever your skin needs hydration, whether daily or multiple times daily. However, it's advisable to use hyaluronic acid and retinol more sparingly when combining them.
Experts recommend using the retinol and hyaluronic acid combination around three times a week to see significant results over time.
Starting retinol use in your 20s and maintaining a consistent routine can offer long-term benefits for your skin.
Niacinamide
Found in:Original Cin Niacinamide 10% Serum
Why It Works:
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is an excellent partner for retinol. It helps to regulate oil production, strengthen the skin barrier, and reduce dark spots. Additionally, niacinamide reduces inflammation and irritation, ensuring your skin responds positively to retinol.
How to Use:
Can you mix niacinamide and retinol? Yes, you can! These two ingredients work best when layered in the correct order. Apply niacinamide before your retinol serum to prepare your skin and reduce the likelihood of irritation. Our Original Cin Niacinamide 10% Serum is perfect, providing a calming and strengthening effect before the retinol takes action.
Ingredients That Don't Mix Well with Retinol
As wonderful as retinol is, some active ingredients do not pair well with it. Below are a few things that you should avoid when using retinol.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Not Found in Eight Saints products.
Why It Doesn't Work:
Benzoyl peroxide is an effective acne treatment, but when combined with retinol, it may compromise the skin barrier and reduce the skin’s ability to handle both products. Both ingredients can cause dryness and irritation, leading to excessive peeling and redness. Using them together can compromise the skin barrier and exacerbate irritation.
Recommendation:
Avoid using benzoyl peroxide and retinol in the same skincare routine. If you need both, apply benzoyl peroxide in the morning and retinol in the evening to minimize the risk of irritation.
Glycolic Acid
Found in:Soulmate Brightening Treatment, All In Eye Cream, Brightside Cream Cleanser
Why It Doesn't Work:
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells. While effective, combining glycolic acid with retinol can lead to excessive exfoliation, increasing sensitivity, irritation, and even damage to the skin barrier.
Recommendation:
Can you use glycolic acid with retinol? It's best to avoid this combination. If you use glycolic acid products like our Soulmate Brightening Treatment or Brightside Cream Cleanser, use them on nights when you’re not using retinol to achieve a visible reduction in discoloration without over-exfoliation.
Vitamin C
Found in:Seeking C Face Serum
Why It Doesn't Work:
Vitamin C, particularly in its potent form, ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that brightens the skin and fights free radicals. However, vitamin C is most effective in a low-pH environment, whereas retinol requires a higher pH to work effectively. Using them together can render both ingredients less effective and increase the risk of irritation.
Recommendation:
Can you mix retinol and vitamin C? To get the best results from both ingredients, use vitamin C in your morning routine and retinol in your evening routine. This way, you can enjoy both benefits without compromising their effectiveness.
Salicylic Acid
Found in:Quality Control Acne Spot Treatment
Why It Doesn't Work:
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates deep into the pores to clear out acne-causing debris. However, like glycolic acid, it can be too harsh when used with retinol, leading to increased dryness, irritation, and potential skin damage.
Recommendation:
Can you mix salicylic acid and retinol? It's advisable to use these ingredients on different days or times. For instance, use our Quality Control Acne Spot Treatment in the morning and Smooth Sailing Retinol Serum in the evening.
Top Retinol Picks
With so many retinol products available, deciding which one to try can be hard. However, two clear standouts are the Smooth Sailing Retinol Face Serum and Smooth Sailing Retinol Cream by Eight Saints. Both deliver retinal products powerful results while being gentle on your skin, thanks to their soothing formulas.
Here’s why they shine:
- Gentle on Skin: Eight Saints' retinol products are made for all skin types, even sensitive skin.
- Hydrating: Infused with hyaluronic acid to keep your skin moisturized and plump.
- Calming Ingredients: Additives like aloe vera help to soothe and prevent irritation.
With Smooth Sailing Retinol Face Serum or Cream, you get all the benefits of retinol without the harsh side effects.
Answering the Hard Retinol Questions
When incorporating retinol into your skincare routine, knowing which ingredients complement it and which can cause irritation is crucial.
Pairing retinol with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and soothing agents like niacinamide can enhance its benefits and minimize potential dryness or irritation. However, it's important to avoid combining retinol with potent acids like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and vitamin C, as these can lead to excessive dryness and irritation and reduce the effectiveness of both ingredients.
Below are a few of the most common questions about mixing retinal with other skincare ingredients.
Can you mix hyaluronic acid with retinol?
Yes, hyaluronic acid can be mixed with retinol to help retain moisture and counteract potential dryness.
Can you mix niacinamide and retinol?
Yes, niacinamide pairs well with retinol as it helps to reduce irritation and strengthens the skin barrier.
Can you mix retinol and vitamin C?
No, it’s best to use retinol and vitamin C at different times of the day to avoid irritation and ensure each ingredient works effectively.
Can you mix salicylic acid and retinol?
No, combining salicylic acid with retinol can lead to excessive dryness and irritation, so using them on different days or times is best.
Can you mix retinol and hyaluronic acid?
Yes, retinol and hyaluronic acid can be used together to maintain skin hydration and minimize dryness.
What not to mix with retinol?
Avoid mixing retinol with benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, vitamin C, and salicylic acid, as they can cause irritation and reduce the effectiveness of both ingredients.
Can I mix niacinamide with retinol?
Yes, niacinamide can be mixed with retinol to help calm the skin and enhance the overall benefits of your skin care routine.
Understanding which ingredients work well with retinol and which don't is crucial for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. By combining retinol with hydrating and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, you can reap the benefits while minimizing or preventing skin irritation
To prevent adverse reactions and ensure each ingredient works effectively, avoid pairing retinol with potent acids like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and vitamin C.
Additional Tips for Retinol Use
- Start Slow: If you're new to retinol, start with a lower concentration and gradually increase it to allow your skin to acclimate.
- Use Sunscreen: Retinol can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun, so always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day.
- Moisturize: To counteract any dryness or irritation, use a good moisturizer.
With these guidelines, you can confidently integrate retinol into your skincare regimen and achieve the radiant, youthful skin you've always desired.