Skincare is more than a relaxing self-care routine—it’s a science! Knowing which ingredients you can and can’t combine will affect how your skincare products work for you. With the wrong combinations, you can experience issues like enhanced skin sensitivity and irritation.
Below, we’ll break down the skincare science behind ingredients you can mix together and combinations you should avoid. Keep reading to learn more!
What You Can Combine
The right combination of ingredients can work wonders for your skin health and provide you with a smooth, hydrated complexion!
Here are some common ingredients that we feature in our products at Isomers Skincare and how you can pair them together for effective and lasting results:
Retinol
Hyaluronic acid: Retinol can cause some irritation when used alone. Combining it with a hydrating product like hyaluronic acid allows it to effectively target acne and visible aging without damaging the skin.
Niacinamide: This ingredient comes from Vitamin B and enhances the skin’s barrier functions to maintain skin laxity. While retinol works to remove dead skin cells, niacinamide protects new cells from environmental contaminants.
Acids (AHAs, BHAs, Azelaic Acid): In the right ratio, acids like alpha hydroxy, beta hydroxy, and azelaic can work together. If you have sensitive skin or use these ingredients daily, using both can hurt your skin. Each acid has its strength, and overuse or heavy combinations can cause damage.
What You Should Avoid
When we say to avoid pairing certain products together, that doesn’t mean you should avoid using them. Rather, certain ingredients shouldn’t be layered on top of the other during the same routine. Certain products, like Vitamin C, should be used in your morning skincare, while retinol should only be used in the evening. Here are a few ingredients that you should keep separate:
Retinol & Benzoyl Peroxide: Pairing these together increases irritation and sensitivity. Instead, use benzyl in the daytime and retinol at night
Retinol and AHAs (glycolic acid), BHAs, and salicylic acid: Using any of these with retinol increases the skin's sensitivity. If you have large pores, use BHAs in the daytime and retinol at night—don’t layer one over the other. If you must use them together, apply low doses and don’t use them every day.
Things to Keep in Mind When Combining Skincare Products
You can successfully combine your skincare ingredients by keeping a few points in mind:
- When using products like retinol and acids that increase sensitivity, start slow and split applications between the morning and evening.
- Remember that the pH of your skin and exposure to UV rays can alter how your products work, such as neutralizing their properties or altering the benefits they provide.
- While all of these ingredients offer benefits to the skin, remember to be patient with the results. Stay consistent, and don’t overload your skincare routine with too many active ingredients in one go.
- When trying new skincare, it's always best to patch-test on a small area of your skin to see if you are reactive before fully incorporating it into your regimen.
- Identify your skincare goals, whether it’s targeting hyperpigmentation, acne, or anti-aging, and stick to a routine that works for you!
Build Your Routine with Isomer’s Skincare
If you’re looking for effective skincare products that will improve your skin’s health, texture, and appearance, choose Isomers Skincare for products scientifically proven to drive results.
Visit our Shop to browse products for your skin type and concern, and find out which ones work best for you on our Build My Routine page.