What can you use together?
A simple guide to layering skincare ingredients, so your routine works with your skin, not against it.
Pairs wellUse separately
“Separately” means use them at different times of day, or on alternate nights.
| Retinal / retinol | Vitamin C | AHA / BHA acids | Niacinamide | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retinal / retinol | — | SeparatelyVitamin C in the morning, retinoid at night | SeparatelyUse on alternate nights | Pairs well |
| Vitamin C | SeparatelyMorning and night | — | SeparatelyCan irritate together | Pairs well |
| AHA / BHA acids | SeparatelyAlternate nights | SeparatelyCan irritate together | — | Pairs well |
| Niacinamide | Pairs well | Pairs well | Pairs well | — |
| Centella | Pairs wellGreat on retinoid nights | Pairs well | Pairs wellSoothes after acids | Pairs well |
| Snail mucin | Pairs well | Pairs well | Pairs well | Pairs well |
| Hyaluronic acid | Pairs well | Pairs well | Pairs well | Pairs well |
| Peptides | Pairs well | Pairs well | SeparatelyAcids can weaken some peptides | Pairs well |
| PDRN | Pairs well | Pairs well | Pairs well | Pairs well |
The golden rules
- Sunscreen every morning, especially if you use retinoids, acids or vitamin C.
- One strong active per routine while you’re starting out: a retinoid, an acid or vitamin C.
- Calming ingredients go with everything: centella, snail mucin, hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
- New to a product? Patch test first, and introduce one new active at a time.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding? Skip retinal and retinol, and check with your GP or midwife.
Want a routine that follows these rules for you?
Take the routine quizGeneral information, not medical advice.