What Pairs Well With Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is a powerful alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that has taken the skincare world by storm. If you go to beauty stores, you will notice lots of skincare products with glycolic acid in them, that is because glycolic acid works. You will find it in jars, creams, serums and in a mixture with other skincare ingredients.

What pairs well with glycolic acid? Glycolic acid can be paired with a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, lactic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, retinol, azelaic acid, alpha arbutin, and vitamin C derivative. But before we dive into these combinations, let’s recap what glycolic acid is.

It is known for its ability to exfoliate dead skin cells, brighten the complexion, and even out skin tone, glycolic acid has become a staple in many skincare routines. But, like any potent active ingredient, how you use it and what you pair it with can make a huge difference in its effectiveness and the overall health of your skin.

Best Ingredients to Pair with Glycolic Acid

Glycolic Acid And Lactic Acid – Dynamic Duo

Glycolic acid and lactic acid. While potent on their own, together, they form a powerhouse combination that targets everything from fine lines to hyperpigmentation. Glycolic acid and lactic acid can be used together only when they are in the same product or formulation, not separated.

Studies of 8% glycolic acid and 8% lactic acid were carried out in patients with photodamaged skin which included hyperpigmentation, fine wrinkling, coarse wrinkling, laxity, sallowness and tactile roughness. The patients were given the same soap and sunscreens and screened properly, so they had not used retinoids and other AHAs 6 months before the experiment. They were treated with 8% glycolic and 8% lactic acid for 22 weeks. The study revealed that both glycolic acid and lactic acid improved signs of photodamaged skin more than moisturizers and sunscreen alone.

When separated, the strength of both ingredients can cause skin irritation. Always check the strengths of the ingredients you have so that both are not more than 10% and the PH should not be less than 3.5 each. Although most brands don’t put their PH, the strengths should be known.

You can use both ingredients only if they are in the same formula or products. It is not recommended to use them separately because they can both cause irritation.

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Glycolic Acid And Niacinamide (10%) – The All-Rounder

Niacinamide is another skincare superstar that pairs beautifully with glycolic acid. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, niacinamide can help soothe and calm the skin, reducing the risk of irritation from glycolic acid. Additionally, niacinamide is great for strengthening the skin’s barrier, improving texture, and reducing the appearance of pores.

How to Use: You can apply niacinamide either before or after glycolic acid. If you’re layering, niacinamide can be used right after glycolic acid, followed by your moisturizer. Niacinamide can be used once or twice per day in the morning and/or evening. In contrast, glycolic acid should be used once per day ideally in the evening since it can make your skin sensitive to the sun.

If you are using glycolic acid toner like “The Ordinary 7% Glycolic acid solution“, it is recommended to use sunscreen every single day to ensure your skin is protected.

Sample skincare routine for Glycolic acid and niacinamide:

• Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser, pat your skin dry
• Use a clean and new cotton pad, dispense your glycolic acid toner and swipe evenly across your face and neck area.
• Give it a moment to let the glycolic acid soak into your skin.
• Drop about 2-3 drops of niacinamide for your face and neck.
• Once you have applied niacinamide, leave it on your skin. There’s no need to wash it off.
• You may also want to add a moisturizer on top, this is completely optional.

Glycolic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid – The Hydration Hero

Glycolic acid can sometimes leave your skin feeling dry or tight, especially if you’re using it regularly. This is where hyaluronic acid comes in. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture into the skin and helps to keep it hydrated. By pairing glycolic acid with hyaluronic acid, you can counteract any dryness or irritation while boosting your skin’s hydration levels.

How to Use: Apply glycolic acid first, allowing it to absorb fully into the skin. Follow up with a hyaluronic acid serum or moisturizer to lock in moisture and keep your skin plump and hydrated. Just like I mentioned earlier, it is recommended to use your glycolic acid in your evening skincare routine and your hyaluronic acid in the morning.

Sample skincare routine for Glycolic acid and Hyaluronic acid

• In the morning – Cleanse your skin with a gentle cleanser, you may also use an exfoliating cleanser. Use your hyaluronic acid. If it’s a pump (apply 1-2 pumps), if in a serum (use 3 to 5 drops). Apply your sunscreen 10 to 15 mins before sun exposure
• In the evening – Only use a gentle non-exfoliating cleanser. Use a clean and new cotton pad, dispense your glycolic acid toner and swipe evenly across your face and neck area. Drop about 3-5 drops of Hyaluronic acid for your face and neck. You may or may not use a moisturizer, this totally depends on you

Glycolic Acid And Retinol – For Youthful Skin

When it comes to combating the signs of aging and acne, few ingredients rival the effectiveness of glycolic acid and retinol. These skincare powerhouses work wonders individually, but when used together in separate routines, they can truly transform your skin.

Glycolic acid and retinol boast impressive anti-aging and acne-fighting properties, making them a dream team for achieving youthful, clear skin. While glycolic acid exfoliates and brightens, retinol stimulates collagen production and speeds up cell turnover, resulting in smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin. Read more on the beginner’s guide to retinol to learn all about retinol

To incorporate both glycolic acid and retinol into your skincare routine, it’s essential to use them on different days to avoid potential irritation and sensitivity. Additionally, consider your skin’s tolerance levels and the formulation and strength of each ingredient.

You should use both in your evening routine but you would use them on different days. You also need to consider if your skin tolerates both. Don’t forget to consider the formulation and strength of both ingredients.

Sample skincare routine for Glycolic Acid and Retinol:

Evening routine with glycolic acid (Mon, Wed, Fri)

• Gentle cleanse your face. If you have make-up on, do a double cleanse
• Use a clean and new cotton pad, dispense your glycolic acid toner and swipe evenly across your face and neck area. Wait 30 – 60 sec before applying your moisturizer.
• Then apply a pea-size moisturizer all over your face and neck

By incorporating glycolic acid into your evening routine on alternate days, you’ll reap the exfoliating and brightening benefits it provides, helping to reveal smoother, more radiant skin over time.

Now, let’s talk about incorporating retinol into your skincare routine on the days when you’re not using glycolic acid.

Evening routine with retinol (Tue, Thu, Sat)

• Gentle cleanse your face. If you have make-up on, do a double cleanse
• Apply 4-6 drops or 1-2 pumps of retinol all over your face(avoid your eyes, lips and nose. Do not rinse. Wait 2-3min before using your moisturizer
• Apply a pea-size moisturizer all over your face and neck

Using retinol on alternate days allows your skin to reap its collagen-boosting and anti-aging benefits without overloading it with active ingredients. Remember to always use sunscreen during the day when incorporating glycolic and retinol into your skincare routine, as it can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight.

Glycolic Acid And Azelaic Acid – Hyperpigmentation Master

Looking to tackle hyperpigmentation and acne scars? Use glycolic acid and azelaic acid. When used together, these powerhouse ingredients work synergistically to fade dark spots, smooth texture and promote overall skin clarity. Read more on the benefits of Azelaic Acid

Sample skincare routine for Glycolic Acid and Azelaic Acid

Morning Routine

• Gentle cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser
• Use a pea-size Azelaic acid and apply it all over your face
• Then your sunscreen

Evening Routine

• Use a gentle cleanser
• Then apply your glycolic acid exfoliant

Glycolic Acid And Alpha Arbutin – Radiant Complexion

Last but certainly not least, we have glycolic acid and alpha arbutin. This dynamic duo makes your skin flawless and radiant. By harnessing the exfoliating power of glycolic acid alongside the brightening effects of alpha arbutin, you can effectively fade hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and discolouration, revealing skin that’s luminous and even-toned.

Sample skincare routine with glycolic acid and alpha arbutin:

• Use a gentle cleanser
• Then exfoliate with your glycolic acid. Wait 30 – 60 sec before the next step
• Apply your alpha arbutin serum
• Finish up with a moisturizer (Optional)

What Not To Pair With Glycolic Acid?

1. You should not pair glycolic acid with peptides like “buffet” + copper peptides, Argireline solution and Matrixyl. They may neutralize the effect of glycolic acid. If you really want to use it please use them in separate routines.
2. Do not mix glycolic acid with 100% Niacinamide powder. As you can see from this post, you can use glycolic acid with a lesser percentage of niacinamide but not 100% niacinamide powder.
3. Do not mix glycolic acid with Salicylic acid or other strong acids in the AHA family. You may use it on separate days but not in the same routine.
4. Avoid using Glycolic acid with Retinol in the same routine. From the above, you can see how I have separated it in your evening skincare routine. Avoid using them on the same day.
5. Avoid using Glycolic acid with pure vitamin C serum. Vitamin C can irritate your skin and the same goes for glycolic acid. However, you may use glycolic acid with vitamin C derivatives
6. Avoid using glycolic acid with EUK 134 0.1%. This combination is too strong and can be highly irritating to your skin.

Tips for Using Glycolic Acid Safely

Start Slow: If you’re new to glycolic acid, start with a lower concentration (around 5%) and gradually work your way up as your skin builds tolerance.

Patch Test: Always do a patch test when introducing a new product into your routine, especially when it contains active ingredients like glycolic acid.

Use Sunscreen: Glycolic acid increases your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so it’s crucial to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day to protect your skin.

Listen to Your Skin: If you notice excessive dryness, redness, or irritation, cut back on how often you use glycolic acid or switch to a milder formula.

Conclusion

Glycolic acid is undoubtedly a skincare powerhouse, but to get the most out of it, you need to pair it with the right ingredients. By combining glycolic acid with hydrating, soothing, and protective ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides, you can amplify its benefits while keeping your skin healthy and radiant. Remember, skincare is all about balance, so find what works best for your skin type and enjoy the glowing results!