What skincare ingredients you can and can’t mix

Image credits: The Ordinary

What skincare ingredients you can and can’t mix

It’s important when using active skincare ingredients that you don’t mix certain ingredients together so they don’t cancel eachother out or cause irritation to the skin. 

-Retinol (also known as vitamin A)

Can be mixed with: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamida and SPF. It’s very important to wear an SPF when using retinol as it can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. 

Shouldn’t be mixed with: Vitamin C or other exfoliating acids such as AHAs or BHAs. These can if used together strip the skin and cause irritation.

-Vitamin C

Can be mixed with: Vitamin E and ferulic acid. Same rule applies here as with retinol, you should always wear SPF. 

Shouldn’t be mixed with:  AHAs or BHAs or retinol. 

-Niacinamide

Can be mixed with: almost any active skincare ingredient

Shouldn’t be mixed with: Vitamin C as they won’t cause any harm but they do have the potential to cancel eachother out.

-Benzoyl Peroxide

Can be mixed with: Hyaluronic acid (to keep skin hydrated and soft), SPF and Niacinamide

Shouldn’t be mixed with: Vitamin C, Retinol, AHAs or BHAs

Finally with all products you should apply an SPF during the day to prevent UV damage and keep skin looking young. If you would like to read the full article on Refinery 29 click below.