Let’s face it: with so many serums, toners, creams, and actives out there, it can be hard to know which ingredients work well together. And which combinations you should try to avoid. In this skincare ingredient combinations guide, we break down the most popular ingredients, show you what pairs well, and explain what to steer clear of. Because the right ingredient combo can work wonders for your skin. Think : glowing complexion, fewer breakouts and deep hydration. The wrong one? It could lead to redness, irritation, or simply no results at all.
What not to combine in skincare?
Some ingredients enhance each other’s effects, while others can cancel each other out or cause irritation. In this guide, we’ll show you why it’s best not to combine retinol with vitamin C in the same routine, or how to safely use AHAs and BHAs without over-exfoliating your skin. This way, you can always make smart, skin-friendly choices. Still unsure? Start a chat consult with one of our in-house skincare experts!
Need help checking your own products?
Use a handy ingredient checker like INCIdecoder to see exactly which actives are in your skincare. That way, you’ll know if your products match your skin type and goals. Or dive straight into our Skincare Ingredient Guide to learn more about powerful actives like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, peptides and many more.
Niacinamide
What is it?
A versatile form of vitamin B3 that supports the skin barrier.
Combine with:
– Hyaluronic acid, retinol, snail mucin, vitamin C (in low concentration)
Avoid combining with:
– High concentrations of vitamin C can irritate sensitive skin
Bonus tip: Calming and brightening—great for redness and dark spots.
Vitamin C
What is it?
A powerful antioxidant that brightens and evens out the skin tone.
Combine with:
– Ferulic acid, vitamin E, niacinamide (if well-formulated)
Avoid combining with:
– Retinol (unless your skin is used to it)
– AHAs/BHAs (may be too harsh together)
Bonus tip: Best used in the morning—always follow with SPF.
Hyaluronic Acid
What is it?
A moisture magnet that deeply hydrates the skin.
Combine with:
– Everything! Especially niacinamide, vitamin C, retinol
Avoid combining with:
– No known negative interactions
Bonus tip: Apply on damp skin and seal in with a moisturizer.
Peptides
What is it?
Building blocks of collagen that help improve skin texture.
Combine with:
– Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, bakuchiol
Avoid combining with:
– Glycolic acid or other acids may reduce effectiveness
Bonus tip: A must-have in any anti-aging routine from age 25+.
Retinol
What is it?
A vitamin A derivative that stimulates cell turnover.
Combine with:
– Niacinamide (soothing), peptides, hyaluronic acid
Avoid combining with:
– AHAs/BHAs, vitamin C (can be too harsh together)
Bonus tip: Use at night only and build up gradually.
Aloe Vera
What is it?
A soothing plant extract that calms redness and irritation.
Combine with:
– Niacinamide, beta-glucan, centella asiatica
Avoid combining with:
– No known negative interactions
Bonus tip: Great after exfoliation or sun exposure.
Green Tea
What is it?
A powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties.
Combine with:
– Niacinamide, vitamin C, snail mucin
Avoid combining with:
– No known negative interactions
Bonus tip: Excellent for oily or acne-prone skin.
Licorice Root
What is it?
A brightening extract that helps fade dark spots and pigmentation.
Combine with:
– Vitamin C, niacinamide, aloe vera
Avoid combining with:
– No known negative interactions
Bonus tip: Great for hyperpigmentation-prone skin.
Beta-glucan
What is it?
A hydrating, anti-inflammatory ingredient often derived from oats.
Combine with:
– AHAs/BHAs, aloe vera, centella asiatica
Avoid combining with:
– No known negative interactions
Bonus tip: A go-to for sensitive or damaged skin.
Centella Asiatica
What is it?
A calming herb known to support skin healing and reduce irritation.
Combine with:
– Niacinamide, beta-glucan, snail mucin
Avoid combining with:
– No known negative interactions
Bonus tip: Excellent for rosacea, sensitive, or inflamed skin.
PDRN
What is it?
A regenerative ingredient derived from salmon DNA that boosts repair.
Combine with:
– Peptides, beta-glucan, hyaluronic acid
Avoid combining with:
– No known negative interactions
Bonus tip: Ideal for stressed, mature, or compromised skin.
AHA / BHA / PHA
What is it?
Exfoliating acids that remove dead skin cells and refine texture.
Combine with:
– Beta-glucan, aloe vera, centella asiatica (for soothing)
Avoid combining with:
– Retinol, vitamin C (can be too harsh together)
Bonus tip: Best used in the evening, always follow with SPF during the day.
Bakuchiol
What is it?
A plant-based alternative to retinol that’s gentler on the skin.
Combine with:
– Niacinamide, peptides, hyaluronic acid
Avoid combining with:
– No known negative interactions, but avoid layering with strong acids if skin is sensitive
Bonus tip: Perfect for those who find retinol too irritating—safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.