Skincare Active Ingredients You Should Never Mix

There are lots of active ingredients. All of them claim to achieve this or that, which can make you want to start mixing products together to achieve your goal. Doing this can cause more harm than good. Here is a guide to skincare active ingredients you should never mix

Active ingredients are the powerhouse components that target specific concerns like acne, aging, hyperpigmentation, and more. While incorporating these actives into your routine can do wonders for your skin, mixing the wrong ones can lead to irritation, redness, or even make the products less effective.

Why Certain Skincare Ingredients Shouldn’t Be Mixed

Active ingredients are by far the most important because they cause real changes to the appearance of the skin. Whether you are trying to treat hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, inflammation, tone, or oil control, active ingredients help achieve your desired results, but when mixed improperly, they can clash, leading to skin issues rather than improvements. Some combinations can neutralize each other, reducing their effectiveness, while others can be too harsh when used together, overwhelming your skin.

To help you navigate your skincare routine safely, here’s a guide on which active ingredients you should never mix.

Skincare Active Ingredients You Should Never Mix

1. Retinol and Vitamin C

Retinol (a form of Vitamin A) and Vitamin C are both powerful anti-aging ingredients, but they work best at different pH levels. Retinol needs a higher pH (around 5.5-6) to be effective, while Vitamin C works best at a lower pH (around 3.5). Using them together can destabilize both ingredients, making them less effective.

What to Do Instead:

Use Vitamin C in the morning to protect your skin from free radicals, and retinol at night to repair and rejuvenate your skin.

Since retinol is drying, you can mix it with moisturizers that contain essential fatty acids such as ceramides, cholesterol, hyaluronic acid and fatty acids. When using retinol, use your sunscreens diligently because retinol can make your skin sensitive to the sun.

2. Retinol and AHA/BHA

Why Not to Mix:
Both retinol and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are exfoliants that increase cell turnover. When used together, they can lead to excessive exfoliation, causing redness, irritation, and peeling.

What to Do Instead:
Alternate between these ingredients on different nights or use AHA/BHA in the morning (followed by sunscreen) and retinol at night. This way, you get the benefits of both without overwhelming your skin.

3. Retinol and Benzoyl Peroxide

Why Not to Mix:
Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful acne-fighting ingredient, but it can be very drying. Retinol also has a drying effect, so using them together can lead to excessive dryness, irritation, and even worsen acne.

What to Do Instead:
Use benzoyl peroxide in the morning and retinol at night. If you must use them both at night, apply them on different areas of your face (spot-treat with benzoyl peroxide and use retinol on the rest).

4. Retinol and Salicylic Acid

Why Not to Mix:
Both retinol and salicylic acid are potent ingredients used to treat acne and improve skin texture. However, using them together can be too harsh on the skin, leading to dryness, irritation, and peeling.

What to Do Instead:
Alternate their use: apply salicylic acid on one night and retinol on another. This approach helps you reap the benefits of both without causing irritation.

5. Vitamin C and Niacinamide

Why Not to Mix:
There’s a longstanding belief that Vitamin C and niacinamide cancel each other out when used together, though recent studies suggest they can be combined in some formulations. However, mixing them on your own can still cause irritation for some people, especially those with sensitive skin. My husband tried this combination in the same routine and regretted it because it irritated his skin.

What to Do Instead:
If you want to use both, apply Vitamin C in the morning and niacinamide at night. Alternatively, you can use them at different times of the day or on alternate days.

6. Vitamin C and AHA/BHA

Why Not to Mix:
AHAs and BHAs exfoliate the skin, while Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant. Combining these ingredients can lead to irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin, as the exfoliation from the acids can make the skin more prone to Vitamin C-induced irritation.

What to Do Instead:
Use AHAs or BHAs on nights when you’re not using Vitamin C. Alternatively, you can apply Vitamin C in the morning and exfoliants at night. I prefer applying exfoliants at night because of how they make your skin sensitive to the sun.

7. Vitamin C and Copper Peptides

Why Not to Mix:
Copper peptides are known for their anti-aging and wound-healing properties, but they can be destabilized when mixed with Vitamin C, making both ingredients less effective.

What to Do Instead:
Use copper peptides and Vitamin C at different times of the day. For instance, apply Vitamin C in the morning and copper peptides in the evening.

General Tips for Mixing Skincare Ingredients

1. Patch Test First: Always patch test new products or combinations on a small area of your skin before applying them to your entire face.
2. Introduce Actives Gradually: When introducing new active ingredients into your routine, start slowly to allow your skin to adjust. This can help prevent irritation.
3. Listen to Your Skin: If your skin starts to feel irritated, red, or sensitive, reduce the frequency of use or stop using the combination altogether.
4. Consult a Dermatologist: If you’re unsure about which ingredients to mix or how to use them, it’s always a good idea to consult a dermatologist or skincare professional for personalized advice.

Conclusion

Understanding which skincare ingredients shouldn’t be mixed is crucial for maintaining a healthy and effective skincare routine. By following these guidelines, you can avoid irritation and get the most out of your skincare products. Remember, less is often more when it comes to skincare, so focus on what works best for your skin.

If you found this post helpful, share it with others who might benefit from this information. And feel free to leave a comment below with your experiences or questions about mixing skincare ingredients!