Is it okay to use Vitamin C and Retinol together at the same time during your skincare routine?
It’s no secret that Vitamin C and Retinol together are the skincare superstars. These powerhouse ingredients are celebrated for their ability to deliver a brighter complexion, even out skin tone, and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
But if you are incorporating them into your skincare routine without adjusting to how you mix it or other products, you might not be doing yourself any favors.
Here’s everything you need to know about layering Retinol and Vitamin C in your skincare routine.
In this article, you will learn;
- Whether you can apply retinol and vitamin C at the same time
- The best way to combine retinol and vitamin C in your skincare routine
- My top retinol and vitamin C product picks
- Free “Types of Vitamin C cheat sheet” for you to download
Can You Apply Retinol and Vitamin C at the Same Time?
While technically you can apply retinol and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in the same routine if your skin can tolerate it.
Both Retinol and Vitamin C have many forms and mix in the product with different ingredients.
And THIS creates a problem. Some of these retinol and vitamin C mixes can work and others don’t.
The pH Levels
Retinol loves higher pH levels (5.0-6.0) and L-ascorbic acid low pH levels (<3.6).
Vitamin C is water-soluble, and our skin is lipid-soluble. This means the formulation of Vitamin C should be at a low pH level, so it penetrates the skin.
This is very important because anti-aging skincare needs to get into deep layers of your skin.
Since retinol and L-ascorbic acid need different pH, using them at the same time raises vitamin C pH. Which as a result may lower penetration of vitamin C in dipper layers of your skin.
A recent study revealed two important facts:
- The effectiveness of retinol improves when paired with vitamin C
- They work beautifully two together against environmental damage when applied under a sunscreen.
Though the products don’t lose their effectiveness when paired together, it could cause issues like irritation and sensitivity.
The Best Ways to Apply Retinol and Vitamin C
There are four ways to incorporate both vitamin C and retinol in your skincare routine without sacrificing any of the benefits.
✔ Vitamin C in the morning and Retinol at night
I apply vitamin C in the morning and retinol in the evening. It’s the easiest course of action. This ensures that you get the benefit of each ingredient in its correct pH environment.
✔ Retinol and Vitamin C on Alternate Nights
Many dermatologists recommend using vitamin C in the morning.
Did you know that you can use it at night and still repair environmental damage with nightly antioxidants? According to this study, DNA damage continues for hours after exposure to UV lights.
You can use vitamin C and retinol on alternate nights. You will get benefits of both, without having to worry about skin irritation.
✔ Vitamin C and Retinol Together at Night, 30 Minutes Apart
If you determine to use retinol and L-ascorbic acid at the same time, try to apply them 30 minutes apart. First, apply vitamin C, then wait half an hour before you apply retinol.
Who has the time?
✔ Vitamin C Derivative and Retinol at Night
If you don’t want to wait but want to use vitamin C and retinol together at the same time, then your best choice is to use vitamin C derivatives.
Vitamin C derivatives work by converting into the active form of L-ascorbic acid inside your skin. So, they are not as potent as L-ascorbic acid itself.
Vitamin C derivatives tend to be more stable and offer many of the same benefits (protection from free radicals and brightening).
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate / Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate – Some products use these forms of Vit C’s. They have a pH of around six and they are skin-friendly. So, u can use retinol with these kinds of VIT C serums.
You can find a full list of vitamin C derivatives in my article. They can be a lot to remember, that is why I created the “Types of Vitamin C Cheat Sheet”. Just click below to download it. This way you will have a quick reference at your fingertips at any time. And the best part is it’s FREE!!!
The Best Retinol and Vitamin C Products to Try
Retinol Treatments
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane – is the most affordable, this 1% can cause skin irritation.
Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream is a strong 1% retinol with other ingredients to minimize irritation.
L-Ascorbic Acid Treatments
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic – is the most tested product and formula. One of the best. 15% concentration of L-ascorbic acid ALONG WITH Ferulic acid and VIT E to improve efficiency and stability.
Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster – also at 15% L-ascorbic acid + Ferulic acid and VIT E.
Timeless 20%C + E + Ferulic Acid Serum – contains the highest level of vitamin C and is the most affordable.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum – 15% L-ascorbic acid with Ferulic acid, vitamin E, and Morula oil. Morula oil can cause break out, so be careful.
Key Takeaways
I hope this little guide on “How to use Retinol and Vitamin C together in your skincare routine” was helpful.
In summary: if you want to use both at the same time, it can be too much for the skin to tolerate and might result in an adverse effect on the skin.
Maybe use Vitamin C in the morning and Retinol at night or use Vitamin C on the days you’re not using Retinol.
Most importantly, acids can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. ALWAYS use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or above.
You may also like my article “Benefits of vitamin C in skincare“