In skincare mixing and matching can either be genius or disastrous. So, for all the skincare junkies out there, we all know the thrill of discovering new skincare actives and incorporating them into our routine. But cramming a bunch of skincare actives into your routine isn’t the best idea, because not all actives are meant to be besties. In fact, there are some skincare actives you should not use together. Some active combinations can lead to irritation, breakouts, and other unwanted side effects. Others essentially sabotage each other when paired together making both actives less effective.
While each person reacts differently to combination regimens. Some active combinations should generally be avoided or used with caution. To save your skin and your money, keep reading for a list of skincare actives that don’t play well together.
9 Skincare Actives You Should Not Use Together
1. Retinoids or Retinol and Benzoyl Peroxide
Talk about a skincare showdown. Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful acne fighting active their works by killing acne causing bacteria. While retinoids promote cell turnover and unclog pores. While both actives are effective on their own, benzoyl peroxide is highly reactive and can oxidise retinoids or retinol reducing their efficacy. Using them together can lead to irritation, redness, excessive dryness, peeling, increased sun sensitivity and even chemical burns. So, if you are dealing with acne and want to incorporate both benzoyl peroxide and retinoids or retinol into your routine, it’s best to use them at different times of the day or on alternate nights to avoid unwanted side effects.
2. Vitamin C and Retinoids or Retinol
Powerhouse actives beloved by skincare enthusiasts everywhere. Individually, they work wonders for brightening, smoothing, and rejuvenating the skin. But when combined, they can cause some serious drama. You see, retinol or retinoids work best in alkaline pH while vitamin C is most effective in an acidic pH environment. When you use them together, they can cancel each other out, rendering them both ineffective. Plus, the combination can be too harsh for some skin types, leading to irritation and sensitivity. Talk about a skincare disaster!
3. Retinol or Retinoids and Exfoliating Acids (AHAs/BHAs)
Next on our list of frenemies is retinol or retinoids and AHAs/BHAs. These exfoliating superstars are great for slugging off dead skin cells, unclogging pores, and revealing brighter, smoother skin. Retinol or retinoids are the Holy Grail of anti-aging ingredients. Known to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture. But the catch is that they don’t really play well together. When used together, retinol or retinoids and exfoliating acids can cause irritation and sensitivity leading to redness, dryness, and even peeling. It’s best to use them on alternate nights to avoid any skincare drama.
4. Vitamin C and Exfoliating Acids (AHAs/BHAs)
On the surface this seems like a match made in skincare heaven. With exfoliating acids helping to remove dead skin cells and unclogging pores and vitamin C brightening and evening out skin tone. But when combined, they actually cancel each other out. When used together, the pH of the skin can become imbalanced, reducing the efficacy of both actives. It’s best to use them at different times of the day (vitamin C in the morning and exfoliating acids at night) to get the most out of each active.
5. Benzoyl Peroxide and Vitamin C
When it comes to combining vitamin C and benzoyl peroxide in your skincare routine, there are a few things to consider. Benzoyl peroxide may oxidise an antioxidant like vitamin C, making the vitamin C ineffective. I recommend using them at different times to ensure optimal effectiveness.
6. Vitamin C and Niacinamide
Individually, these powerhouse actives work wonders for brightening and evening out skin tone. But when combined, they can cause a bit of a stir. There is a small chance that the combination could cause irritation for those with sensitive skin. It’s not a total deal breaker, but if you want to play it safe, it’s best to use them at different times of the day or at least 30 minutes apart.
7. Niacinamide and AHAs/BHAs
AHAs and BHAs usually have a pH around 3.0 to 4.0, while niacinamide usually has a pH around 5.0 to 7.0. When combined, you are likely to raise the pH of the acid and lower the pH of the niacinamide. These changes in pH can decrease the efficacy of both products and lead to irritation. When the pH of niacinamide gets lowered, it can convert to niacin, another form of vitamin B3 which can cause flushing and redness. For maximum benefits, the actives should be applied at different times of the day or at least 30 minutes apart.
8. Vitamin C and Soap-based Cleansers
Vitamin C is best when formulated at a low pH. When you cleanse with a soap-based cleanser with a high pH beforehand, you decrease your skin’s ability to absorb vitamin C. Get your money’s worth by washing with a salicylic or glycolic acid cleanser before slathering on your vitamin C.
9. Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are both exfoliating actives and you risk irritating your skin when they are used together. Keep the two separate and use at different times of the day to prevent irritation, redness, and peeling.
So, What’s a Skincare Enthusiasts to do?
In the face of these skincare frenemies, fear not, because I’ve got some tips to help you navigate the treacherous waters of skincare compatibility.
- Patch test: before diving headfirst into a new skincare cocktail, always patch test first. Apply a small amount to a discrete area of your skin and wait 24 to 48 hours to see how your skin reacts. If you experience any irritation or sensitivity, it’s best to steer clear of that combination.
- Keep it Simple or Layer Wisely: sometimes less is more when it comes to skincare. Stick to a simple routine with a few key actives that work well together. When layering skincare actives, avoid layering products with conflicting ingredients. As a general rule of thumb, apply water-based serums before oil-based products.
- Choose Pre-formulated Skincare Combos: pre-formulated skincare combination products are curated collections of skincare actives designed to work well together. These combinations take the guesswork out of building a skincare routine and provide a convenient and effective solution for your skincare needs.
Recommendations: Cerave Acne Control Gel, TruSkin Vitamin C Super Serum+, Bioderma Pigmentbio C Concentrate, Naturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus, Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24
- 4. Listen to Your Skin: your skin knows best. If a product is causing irritation or sensitivity, it’s time to hit the pause button. Listen to your skin’s cues and adjust your routine accordingly to ensure that your skin stays happy and healthy.
- 5.Consult a Professional: when in doubt, seek professional advice! A dermatologist or skincare expert can help you tailor a skincare routine that’s suited to your individual needs or concerns.
The Bottom Line
So, there you have it, skincare lovers. A cautionary tale of skincare frenemies and the havoc they can wreak on your precious skin. While it’s tempting to throw all your favourite actives into the mix, it’s important to remember that not all actives are meant to be besties. Building the perfect skin care routine is all about knowing your actives and how they interact with each other. By being mindful of which active you are using and how you are using them, you can avoid any unnecessary skincare drama and keep your skin happy and healthy.
