Tretinoin + Vitamin C

Can you use Tretinoin with Vitamin C?

Yes, with timing

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

Why

There is no harmful reaction, but tretinoin is the strongest common topical retinoid and low-pH vitamin C can sting on skin that is adjusting to it. Vitamin C fits the morning under sunscreen, and tretinoin is applied at night because it breaks down in light.

How to use them together

  1. AM: vitamin C serum, moisturizer, sunscreen.
  2. PM: Tretinoin, 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

Tretinoin: Prescription retinoic acid (Retin-A and others), used for acne and photoaging. The strongest common topical retinoid; dryness and irritation are common early on.

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 Tretinoin and Vitamin C together?

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

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

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

Who should be careful combining Tretinoin and Vitamin C?

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

What if my skin gets irritated using Tretinoin 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. Zaenglein AL, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74(5):945-973.
  2. Martin B, et al. Chemical stability of adapalene and tretinoin when combined with benzoyl peroxide in presence and in absence of visible light and ultraviolet radiation. Br J Dermatol. 1998;139 Suppl 52:8-11.
  3. Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The roles of vitamin C in skin health. Nutrients. 2017;9(8):866.
  4. 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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