Retinol + Vitamin C

Can you use Retinol with Vitamin C?

Yes, with timing

Yes, with timing. Use vitamin C in the morning and Retinol at night.

Why

This is the most common 'can I mix' question, and there is no harmful reaction between them. The reasons to split them are practical. L-ascorbic acid works best at a low pH (around 3.5) and is most useful in the morning, when its antioxidant activity backs up sunscreen against UV-related free radicals. Retinol is broken down by light and is usually used at night. Both can irritate, so stacking them back-to-back on a new routine raises the odds of stinging and peeling.

How to use them together

  1. AM: vitamin C serum, moisturizer, sunscreen.
  2. PM: Retinol, then moisturizer.
  3. If both feel fine after a few weeks, keep going. If not, use vitamin C fewer days.

Who should be careful

Sensitive skin and new retinoid users should introduce one product at a time.

About the ingredients

Retinol: An over-the-counter vitamin A derivative (retinoid) used for fine lines, texture and uneven tone. It converts to retinoic acid in the skin, so it is milder and slower than prescription tretinoin.

Vitamin C: An antioxidant (L-ascorbic acid and derivatives) used for brightening and protection against UV-related oxidative stress. Pure L-ascorbic acid serums are acidic and can sting.

FAQ

Can I use Retinol and Vitamin C together?

Yes, with timing. Use vitamin C in the morning and Retinol at night.

Should I use Retinol or Vitamin C in the morning or at night?

AM: vitamin C serum, moisturizer, sunscreen. PM: Retinol, then moisturizer.

Who should be careful combining Retinol and Vitamin C?

Sensitive skin and new retinoid users should introduce one product at a time.

What if my skin gets irritated using Retinol and Vitamin C?

Stop the stronger active, keep a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen, and reintroduce one product at a time once skin calms down. See a dermatologist if irritation persists.

Sources

Studies and reviews on these ingredients and, where available, on this specific combination.

  1. Kafi R, et al. Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol). Arch Dermatol. 2007;143(5):606-612.
  2. Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The roles of vitamin C in skin health. Nutrients. 2017;9(8):866.
  3. Al-Niaimi F, Chiam NYZ. Topical vitamin C and the skin: mechanisms of action and clinical applications. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017;10(7):14-17.

Last reviewed: . Not medical advice.

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