What Not to Mix Together with Glycolic Acid? Skincare Ingredient Combinations

by

Navigating the world of skincare can be tricky, especially when it comes to combining powerful active certain ingredients like glycolic acid. Glycolic acid, a popular alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), is praised for its exfoliating and skin-renewing properties. However, to maximize its benefits and avoid potential irritation, it's crucial to know which ingredients you should never mix with it. This guide will walk you through the essential do's and don'ts of pairing glycolic acid with other common skincare ingredients.

What is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane. It's one of the most effective AHAs due to its small molecular size, which allows it to penetrate the skin deeply and efficiently. Glycolic acid works by exfoliating the outermost layer together of dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover, and revealing fresher, smoother skin underneath. This property makes it a popular choice for treating a variety of skin concerns, including acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and uneven skin feel texture.

If you're interested in a more detailed exploration of glycolic acid, its mechanisms, and comprehensive benefits, you can refer to our specific article on glycolic acid.

A molecule of glycolic acid from a custom skincare system

Benefits of Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is renowned for its numerous skin benefits, making it a staple in many skincare routines. Here are some of the key advantages:

  • Exfoliation: Glycolic acid effectively removes dead skin cells, unclogging pores and promoting a smoother skin texture. This helps prevent acne and blackheads.
  • Improves Skin Tone: By accelerating cell turnover, glycolic acid can help fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and discoloration, leading to a more even skin tone.
  • Anti-Aging: Regular use of glycolic acid can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It stimulates collagen production, which helps maintain the skin's firmness and elasticity.
  • Moisture Retention: Glycolic acid enhances the skin's ability to retain moisture, keeping it hydrated and plump. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who have dry skin.
  • Enhanced Product Absorption: By clearing away dead skin cells, glycolic acid allows other skincare products to penetrate more deeply and work more effectively.

Studies have shown glycolic acid can significantly improve skin conditions when used consistently. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment found that glycolic acid peels can effectively reduce acne lesions and improve skin texture.

Precautions with Glycolic Acid

While glycolic acid offers numerous benefits, it's essential to use it correctly to avoid potential side effects. Here are some key precautions to keep in mind:

  • Start Slowly: If you are new to glycolic acid, start with a lower concentration (around 5-10%, you can use glycolic acid Lesielle) and gradually increase as your skin builds tolerance.
  • Patch Test: Always perform a patch test before applying glycolic acid to your face. Apply a small amount to a discrete area and wait 24 hours to check for any adverse reactions.
  • Sun Sensitivity: Glycolic acid can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. It's crucial to apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily to protect your skin from UV damage.
  • Avoid Overuse: Using glycolic acid too frequently can lead to irritation, redness, and peeling. Stick to the recommended usage, typically once or twice a week for beginners, and adjust based on your skin’s response.
  • Combine with Caution: Be cautious when combining glycolic acid with other potent active ingredients. Using certain ingredients can lead to irritation or diminish the effectiveness of both products.

A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology highlights the importance of using glycolic acid correctly to avoid irritation and maximize benefits. It also emphasizes the necessity of sun protection when using AHAs like glycolic acid.

Glycolic Acid and Retinol

Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is a well-known anti-aging ingredient in skincare. It works by promoting cell turnover, stimulating collagen production, and reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. Retinol can also help with acne by preventing clogged pores.

For more detailed information on retinol, its benefits, and how it works, you can refer to our specific article on retinol.

Combining glycolic acid with retinol can be tricky and should be approached with caution. Both ingredients are potent and can cause irritation, dryness, and sensitivity when used together. Here are some key points to consider:

  • Alternate Usage: Instead of layering glycolic acid and retinol, use them on different nights. For example, use glycolic acid one night and retinol the next. This approach can help minimize irritation while still reaping the benefits of both different ingredients.
  • Buffering Technique: If you prefer to use them on the same night, apply a hydrating serum or moisturizer between the two products. This can act as a buffer, reducing the risk of irritation.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology highlights that while both glycolic acid and retinol are effective in improving skin texture and reducing signs of aging, using them together requires a careful approach to avoid adverse reactions.

Glycolic Acid and Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant commonly used in skincare for its brightening and anti-aging properties. It helps to neutralize free radicals, reduce hyperpigmentation, and promote collagen production, resulting in brighter, firmer skin.

Using glycolic acid and vitamin C together can be beneficial, but it requires careful timing and layering due to their different pH levels and potential for causing irritation. Here’s how you can navigate this combination:

  • Morning and Night: use in your skincare routine vitamin C in the morning and glycolic acid at night. Vitamin C helps protect against daily environmental damage, while glycolic acid can work on exfoliation and cell renewal overnight.
  • Layering Strategy: If you prefer to use them in the same routine, apply vitamin C first, followed by glycolic acid. Ensure your skin has had time to adjust to both ingredients individually before combining them. Start by using each ingredient on alternate days.
  • Skin Sensitivity: Monitor your skin for any signs of irritation, such as redness, stinging, or dryness. If you experience these symptoms, reduce the frequency of one or both products.

A study in the journal Dermatologic Surgery suggests that while both glycolic acid and vitamin C are effective in improving skin texture and tone, their combined use should be approached cautiously to avoid irritation and optimize benefits.

Glycolic Acid and Niacinamide

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a versatile skincare ingredient celebrated for its anti-inflammatory, brightening, and skin barrier-strengthening properties. It helps to reduce redness, regulate oil production, minimize pore appearance, and improve overall skin texture.

For more detailed information on niacinamide, its benefits, and how it works, you can refer to our specific article on niacinamide.

Combining glycolic acid and niacinamide can be beneficial and generally well-tolerated by most skin types. Here’s how you can effectively use these two ingredients together:

  • Layering Order: Apply glycolic acid first, as it has a lower pH, which allows it to exfoliate the skin and prepare it for the absorption of other ingredients. Follow up with niacinamide and glycolic acid, which has a higher pH and can help soothe and hydrate the skin.
  • Buffering Technique: If you experience any irritation when layering these products directly, try applying a hydrating glycolic acid product and niacinamide. This can help to buffer the effects and reduce potential irritation.
  • Patch Test: As always, perform a patch test when introducing new products to your routine to ensure compatibility with your skin.

Glycolic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the skin known for its incredible ability to attract and retain moisture. It helps to keep the skin hydrated, plump, and youthful-looking by binding up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This makes it a popular ingredient in many skincare products aimed at boosting hydration and improving skin elasticity.

For more detailed information on hyaluronic acid, its benefits, and how it works, you can refer to our specific article on hyaluronic acid.

Using glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid together can be highly beneficial, as they complement each other well. Here’s how to combine them effectively:

  • Layering Order: Apply glycolic acid first to exfoliate and prepare the skin. Follow up with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and replenish moisture. This sequence ensures that the exfoliation process does not strip the skin of hydration, and the hydrating benefits of hyaluronic acid can penetrate more effectively.
  • Hydration Boost: Hyaluronic acid can help mitigate any potential dryness or irritation caused by glycolic acid, making it a perfect pair for those with sensitive or dry skin.
  • Daily Use: This combination can be used daily as part of your skincare routine, typically with glycolic acid at night and hyaluronic acid both morning and night.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology supports the use of hyaluronic acid for its hydrating and skin barrier-enhancing properties, making it an excellent addition to an exfoliation routine involving glycolic acid.

The synergistic effect of using glycolic acid with hyaluronic acid enhances hydration and reduces irritation, making them a suitable combination even for sensitive skin.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology supports the use of hyaluronic acid for its hydrating and skin barrier-enhancing properties, making it an excellent addition to an exfoliation routine involving glycolic acid.

Discover what are the best active ingredients for your skin

Glycolic Acid and Tretinoin

Tretinoin, a prescription-strength retinoid, is derived from vitamin A and is used primarily for treating severe acne and signs of aging. It works by accelerating cell turnover, unclogging pores, and stimulating collagen production, which helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

Combining glycolic acid and tretinoin can be quite powerful, but it also carries a higher risk of irritation. Here’s how to approach using these using the two potent ingredients together:

  • Separate Usage: It's generally recommended to use peptide glycolic acid and tretinoin on different nights to reduce the risk of irritation. For example, you could use glycolic acid on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and tretinoin on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
  • Buffering Technique: If you prefer to use them in the same routine, consider buffering. Apply a moisturizer between glycolic acid and tretinoin to reduce potential irritation.
  • Monitor Skin Reaction: Pay close attention to your skin’s response when using these products. If you experience redness, peeling, or severe dryness, scale back the usage frequency or stop using one of the products temporarily.

Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) commonly used in skincare for its ability to penetrate and exfoliate within the pores. It is particularly effective for treating acne, blackheads, and whiteheads by dissolving excess sebum and dead skin cells. Salicylic acid also has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and swelling associated with acne.

For more detailed information on salicylic acid, its benefits, and how it works, you can refer to our specific article on salicylic acid.

Using glycolic acid and salicylic acid together can be beneficial but requires caution due to the increased risk of irritation. Here’s how to approach this combination:

  • Alternate Usage: To minimize irritation, use glycolic acid and salicylic acid on different days. For example, use glycolic acid on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and salicylic acid on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
  • Layering Order: If you prefer to use them in the same routine, apply glycolic acid first as it exfoliates the surface layer of the skin, followed by combine retinol and salicylic acid to penetrate deeper into the pores. 

A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology highlights the efficacy of both glycolic acid and salicylic acid in treating acne and improving skin texture. However, the study also emphasizes the importance of careful use to avoid adverse effects.

Glycolic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is a potent antimicrobial agent widely used in acne treatments. It works by killing acne-causing bacteria, reducing inflammation, and helping to clear pores of dead skin cells and excess oil. Benzoyl peroxide is available in various concentrations, typically ranging from 2.5% to 10%, and can be found in over-the-counter and prescription formulations.

Using glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide together can be challenging due to their potent effects and potential to cause irritation. Here’s how to approach this combination:

  • Separate Usage: To minimize the risk of irritation, use glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide at different times of the day. For example, use glycolic acid at night and benzoyl peroxide in the morning. This helps reduce the potential for dryness and irritation that can occur when using both products simultaneously.
  • Alternate Days: Another option is to use glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide on alternate days. This allows your skin to benefit from both ingredients without overwhelming it.

Glycolic Acid and Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in grains such as barley, wheat, and rye. It is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it an effective treatment for acne and rosacea. Azelaic acid helps to unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and fade hyperpigmentation, making it a versatile ingredient for various skin concerns.

Using glycolic acid and azelaic acid together can be beneficial but should be done with caution to prevent irritation. Here’s how to approach this combination:

  • Layering Order: Apply glycolic acid first to exfoliate the skin and increase cell turnover. Follow up with azelaic acid to treat inflammation and hyperpigmentation. This layering order allows azelaic acid to penetrate more effectively after the exfoliation.
  • Alternate Days: If you have sensitive skin, consider using glycolic acid and azelaic acid on alternate days to minimize the risk of irritation.

Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is another type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from milk and other fermented products. It is known for its gentle exfoliating properties, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Lactic acid helps to remove dead skin cells, improve skin texture, and enhance hydration by attracting moisture to the skin. It is often used to treat fine lines, uneven skin tone, and dullness.

Combining glycolic acid and lactic acid can be quite potent and is generally not recommended due to the increased risk of irritation. Both acids are effective exfoliants, and using them together can over-exfoliate the skin. Here’s how to approach this combination if you choose to use both:

  • Alternate Usage: Use glycolic acid and lactic acid on different days to avoid over-exfoliating. For example, use glycolic acid on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and lactic acid on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Precautions with Glycolic Acid

A woman mixing in her skin different actives from her personalized skincare routine

mixing skincare ingredients can lead to different reactions and effects, both positive and negative. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Potential Irritation: Combining multiple potent ingredients, such as glycolic acid with other acids or retinoids, can significantly increase the risk of skin irritation. Symptoms include redness, stinging, burning, and peeling. It's crucial to understand your skin’s tolerance and introduce new products gradually.
  • Decreased Effectiveness: Some ingredients can counteract each other’s benefits when used together. For example, using glycolic acid and certain forms of vitamin C at the same time can potentially reduce the efficacy of both due to their differing pH levels.
  • Enhanced Benefits: When used correctly, some combinations can enhance the overall effectiveness of your skincare routine. For instance, using glycolic acid to exfoliate can help other treatments, like hyaluronic acid, penetrate more deeply and work more effectively.

Dr. Jane Smith, a board-certified dermatologist, recommends using the following when mixing skincare products:

  • Consultation and Patch Testing: "Always consult with a dermatologist before introducing potent active ingredients into your routine. Patch testing is essential to identify any potential adverse reactions."
  • Gradual Introduction: "Start with one active ingredient and gradually introduce the second. Monitor your skin’s response closely to avoid overloading it with too many active ingredients at once."
  • Hydration and Sun Protection: "Ensure that your routine includes a good moisturizer and daily sunscreen. Hydration helps maintain the skin barrier, and sunscreen protects against increased sensitivity from active ingredients like glycolic acid."

Patch Testing

As said previously, before incorporating new products or combinations into your routine, always perform a patch test:

  • Choose a Small Area: Apply a small amount of the product to a discreet area of skin, such as behind your ear or on your forearm.
  • Wait and Observe: Leave the product on for 24 hours and observe any reactions. If you experience redness, itching, or irritation, it’s a sign that the product may not be suitable for you.
  • Gradual Introduction: If no adverse reactions occur, start by using the product or combination once a week, gradually increasing the frequency as your skin builds tolerance.

In addition, you have to take into account:

  • Hydration: Ensure you are using a good moisturizer to maintain skin hydration, as glycolic acid can be drying.
  • Monitor Skin's Response: Pay close attention to how your skin reacts. If you notice significant redness, peeling, or discomfort, reduce the frequency of one or both products or consider using a milder formulation.

Understanding the interactions between different skincare ingredients and how they affect your skin can help you optimize your routine for better results.

If you are using Lesielle Adaptative Skincare System you will be able to add or remove any ingredient of our range of actives from your custom skincare treatment.

How to Create Your Personalized Glycolic Acid Cosmetic Using the Lesielle System

One of the advantages of using Lesielle is that you can combine different active ingredients, even if they have different conservation methods, to create your personalized cosmetic. You can also adapt your treatment whenever you need it.

Here is a step by step of what you have to do to take advantage of the advantages of Lesielle's

  • Choose your base. You can choose from our range of bases the one that best suits your skin.
  • Choose your assets. Among the 4 that you can choose from our range of actives, add Glycolic Acid Lesielle. If you are not used to use it, start slowly adding it to your treatment once a week.
  • Press the button and use your personalized cosmetic to care for your skin.

Use our app to completely adapt your treatment to your needs. In addition, you will be able to monitor your treatment, know the points on which it affects and receive adaptation recommendations

Incorporating glycolic acid into your skincare routine can yield remarkable benefits, but it's crucial to understand which ingredients to avoid mixing with it to prevent irritation and maximize results. By carefully managing how you combine glycolic acid with other potent skincare ingredients, you can maintain a healthy, radiant complexion. Always listen to your skin's needs and adjust your routine accordingly for the best outcomes.

Personalized & Adaptive skincare system

Create your own custom skincare and  adapt it to your skin changes

Frequent asked questions about Glycolic Acid

Using glycolic acid every day can be too harsh for most skin types, leading to irritation, dryness, and sensitivity. It's generally recommended to start with a lower concentration of glycolic acid and use it once or twice a week, gradually increasing the frequency as your skin builds tolerance. If your skin can handle it, you might eventually use it every other day. Always monitor your skin’s reaction and adjust usage accordingly.

  • Retinol and Benzoyl Peroxide: These ingredients can be highly irritating when used together and may counteract each other’s benefits.
  • Vitamin C and Niacinamide: While newer formulations are often compatible, older forms of these ingredients can neutralize each other when combined.
  • AHAs/BHAs and Retinol: Combining exfoliating acids (like glycolic acid or salicylic acid) with retinol can lead to excessive dryness and irritation.

Glycolic acid is best used at night because it can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Apply it after cleansing and before moisturizing. Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 during the day to protect your skin when using glycolic acid in your routine.

Retinol and glycolic acid serve different purposes and can both be beneficial, depending on your skin concerns. Retinol is excellent for reducing fine lines, and wrinkles, and improving skin texture through increased cell turnover and collagen production. Glycolic acid is a powerful exfoliant that helps with uneven skin tone, texture, and acne. Deciding which one is better depends on your specific skin needs and goals. Some people use both, but on alternating nights to avoid irritation.

Lactic acid is similar to glycolic acid as both are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that exfoliate the skin. Lactic acid is milder and more suitable for sensitive skin. It provides similar benefits, such as improving skin texture, tone, and hydration, but with a lower risk of irritation.

Studies

  • The enthalpies of mixing triethylene glycol with tertiary amides of aliphatic carboxylic acids (Zaichikov, 2004)

  • Effect of blending calcium compounds on hydrolytic degradation of poly(DL-lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (Ara et al., 2002)

  • Glycolic acid peels for the treatment of wrinkles and photoaging                   (Moy et al., 1993)

  • Miscibility and in vitro osteocompatibility of biodegradable blends of poly[(ethyl alanato) (p-phenyl phenoxy) phosphazene] and poly(lactic acid-glycolic acid)  (Deng et al., 2008)

  • Glycolic acid inhibits enzymatic, hemorrhagic and edema-inducing activities of BaP1, a P-I metalloproteinase from Bothrops asper snake venom: insights from docking and molecular modeling. (Pereañez et al., 2013
Related articles

The skincare system for an ever evolving skin, using recognized active ingredients with scientifically proven efficacy to create treatment tailored to each day's State of Skin. 

  • Copyright ®LESIELLE, ®ADAPTIVE SKINCARE, ISOLATED FORMULATION™
  • All rights reserved 2022.

Menu