Can you use The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane with The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner?
Yes, with timing
Use them at different times of day or on different nights.
Based on 1 active-ingredient pairing, listed below.
How to use them
- Night A: Retinol. Night B: Glycolic Acid. Or use Glycolic Acid in the morning and Retinol at night if your skin tolerates it.
- Start slowly (2-3 nights a week each) and moisturize.
- Daily sunscreen is essential with both.
Every active pairing checked
| Actives | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Retinol + Glycolic Acid | Yes, with timing | Yes, with timing. Use Retinol and Glycolic Acid on alternating nights rather than together. |
What's in each product
Key actives
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
Actives read from the published ingredient list (as transcribed on INCIDecoder). Formulas change; check your bottle.
Key actives
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
Actives read from the published ingredient list (as transcribed on INCIDecoder). Formulas change; check your bottle.
Sources
- Kafi R, et al. Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol). Arch Dermatol. 2007;143(5):606-612.
- Kornhauser A, Coelho SG, Hearing VJ. Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2010;3:135-142.
- Kaidbey K, et al. Topical glycolic acid enhances photodamage by ultraviolet light. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2003;19(1):21-27.
DM
Reviewed by the Does It Mix editorial team
Last reviewed . Product verdicts combine our ingredient-pair verdicts for each product's key actives. We are not affiliated with these brands. Methodology.