Can I Use Salicylic Acid and Vitamin C Together?

When it comes to achieving radiant, healthy skin, combining powerful skincare ingredients can make all the difference. Two of the most effective ingredients in the skincare world are salicylic acid and vitamin C. Both of these ingredients offer unique benefits, and when used correctly, they can work together to bring out your skin’s natural glow.

But how do you use them together without causing irritation or reducing their effectiveness? This post will show you how to use salicylic acid and vitamin C together in your skincare routine.

To optimize the combination of Salicylic Acid and Vitamin C Serum, achieving the right formulation is crucial. Which boils down to the PH and concentration of the products. For Vitamin C to be effective, you need your skin’s PH to be around 2 to 2.5. Incorporating Salicylic acid can help you lower your skin’s PH such that when you use your Vitamin C Serum, you get the most out of it.

This is an excellent combination if you are looking to heal acne, reduce oiliness, tackle discolouration and even out your skin tone. If you read my previous post on what to pair with salicylic acid, I explained some other combinations that go well with salicylic acid.

Now let’s get to how to Master this vitamin C and salicylic acid combination with sample skincare routines.

A little Bit About Salicylic Acid And Vitamin C

Salicylic acid is the go-to ingredient for oily/acne skin types. It can come as a cleanser or leave-on solution. The lowest concentration of salicylic acid in the market ranges from 0.5% to 2% and it is highly effective at unclogging pores and increasing skin turnover. Read more on the beginner’s guide to salicylic acid on different concentrations of salicylic acid and what it can do for your skin.

Vitamin C on the other hand, is a great anti-oxidant that protects the skin from the damaging effects of the sun, promotes collagen production and reduces wrinkles, reduce hyperpigmentation/dark spots. It can come in its pure form (Ascorbic acid) or derivatives (Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Magnesium Ascorbyl phosphate and so much more). Read more on my guide to vitamin C and its derivatives.

If Acne, oiliness, anti-aging, and hyperpigmentation are your concerns, then you need a combination of salicylic acid and vitamin C.

Salicylic Acid Products

Products with about 0.5% Salicylic acid and PH of 5. These products are very gentle on the skin

Products with about 2% salicylic acid and PH of 5

Products with 3.5 PH Salicylic acid and mixture of AHA’s

It will make a lot of sense to go for this product since it has low PH compared to others but care needs to be taken to avoid irritating and drying your skin out

Products with 2% Salicylic acid and PH 3.5 leave on exfoliants

Vitamin C Products

Products with less than 15% Ascorbic Acid

Products with 15% Ascorbic Acid

⚠️Keep in mind that vitamin C serum products containing over 15% Ascorbic acid might cause a tingling or irritating sensation on your skin due to their lower pH levels.

Skincare Routine: 0.5% Salicylic Acid and Vitamin C Serum with Less than 15% Ascorbic Acid

For the nighttime routine, skip the sunscreen. You can do this daily or every other day depending on how your skin reacts to this combination and also what other actives you use.

Skincare Routine: 0.5% Salicylic Acid and Vitamin C Serum with 15% Ascorbic Acid

Skincare Routine: 2% Salicylic Acid and Vitamin C Serum with Less Than 15% Ascorbic Acid

Skincare Routine: 2% Salicylic Acid and Vitamin C Serum with 15% Ascorbic Acid

Skincare Routine: Low 3.5 PH Salicylic Acid and Vitamin C Serum with Less than 15% Ascorbic Acid

To minimize risks, refrain from using this combination daily. Instead, I recommend incorporating it into your routine twice a week for optimal results

Daily use of this combination may lead to stinging and irritation, and the same caution applies to a 15% Ascorbic acid Vitamin C serum. You might experience irritation more quickly, so exercise caution and conduct a patch test on your skin before incorporating it fully. While low-pH salicylic acid and vitamin C can be highly effective, it’s advisable to patch-test them first for optimal results.

Skincare Routine: Leave On Salicylic Acid and Vitamin C Serum with Less than 15% Ascorbic Acid

Similarly, the routine extends to a vitamin C serum with 15% Ascorbic acid. It’s essential to note a heightened likelihood of stinging. Adjust the frequency based on your skin’s tolerance, whether daily or every other day.

⚠️NOTE: While the pH level plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of Salicylic acid, it’s worth noting that even with a gentle salicylic acid cleanser or leave-on treatment, a vitamin C serum can still penetrate the skin and carry out its tasks effectively. However, it’s essential to understand that you might not be reaping all the benefits that vitamin C has to offer. This may sound a bit confusing, but having a gentle salicylic acid cleanser and a mild vitamin C serum doesn’t mean your skincare combination isn’t effective; it simply may not be as potent in delivering all the potential benefits.

Conclusion

Combining salicylic acid and vitamin C in your skincare routine can bring out your skin’s natural radiance, leaving you with a brighter, clearer complexion. By using vitamin C in the morning and salicylic acid at night, or alternating their use, you can enjoy the benefits of both ingredients without compromising your skin’s health. Remember to start slowly, listen to your skin, and always protect your skin with sunscreen during the day. With the right approach, you’ll be well on your way to achieving glowing, radiant skin.