PoreIQCan I mix these?
The most common “can I use X with Y” skincare questions, answered in plain English. Same three outcomes as the PoreIQ app.
Use at different times
Strong actives that compete or over-dry. Use on different nights or AM vs PM.
7 combinations ↓Use with cautionCan be combined, but start slowly and watch for irritation.
6 combinations ↓Works well togetherGenerally fine to layer in the same routine.
17 combinations ↓Want to test any two ingredients? Try the free compatibility checker.
Use at different times
- Retinol and Vitamin CKeep apartBoth are strong, and using them back-to-back increases the chance of irritation.
- Retinol and Salicylic AcidKeep apartBoth increase cell turnover and can dry the skin.
- Retinol and Glycolic AcidKeep apartStacking an exfoliating acid with a retinoid is one of the most common causes of over-exfoliation.
- Retinol and Lactic AcidKeep apartLactic acid is gentler than glycolic, but combined with retinol it can still overwhelm the skin.
- Retinol and Benzoyl PeroxideKeep apartBenzoyl peroxide can break down some retinoids, and both are drying.
- Vitamin C and Glycolic AcidKeep apartTwo low-pH products in a row raise the chance of irritation, and vitamin C is best used in the morning anyway.
- Vitamin C and Benzoyl PeroxideKeep apartBenzoyl peroxide is an oxidizer and can reduce the effectiveness of vitamin C.
Use with caution
- Retinol and Azelaic AcidWith cautionAzelaic acid is gentler than most acids and is sometimes combined with retinoids, but both can tingle at first.
- Vitamin C and Salicylic AcidWith cautionBoth are acidic.
- Niacinamide and Glycolic AcidWith cautionThey can be used together, but on sensitive skin the combination may cause temporary flushing.
- Salicylic Acid and Glycolic AcidWith cautionSome products combine AHAs and BHAs at low strengths, but layering two separate exfoliants often leads to over-exfoliation.
- Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl PeroxideWith cautionBoth are common acne actives and both are drying.
- Peptides and Vitamin CWith cautionMost peptides are fine with vitamin C, but copper peptides may be less stable next to strong acids and vitamin C.
Works well together
- Retinol and NiacinamideYesNiacinamide supports the skin barrier and is well tolerated, so it can help offset some of the dryness retinol causes.
- Retinol and Hyaluronic AcidYesHyaluronic acid only hydrates.
- Retinol and CeramidesYesCeramides help rebuild the barrier that retinol can stress.
- Retinol and PeptidesYesPeptides are gentle and do not interfere with retinol.
- Vitamin C and NiacinamideYesAn old myth says they cancel each other out.
- Vitamin C and Hyaluronic AcidYesHyaluronic acid adds hydration and can make vitamin C feel less tingly.
- Vitamin C and Zinc OxideYesAntioxidants like vitamin C complement sunscreen.
- Vitamin C and Tranexamic AcidYesBoth target the look of dark spots in different ways and are commonly combined.
- Niacinamide and Salicylic AcidYesA popular combination for oily and acne-prone skin: salicylic acid clears pores, niacinamide helps with shine and the barrier.
- Niacinamide and Hyaluronic AcidYesBoth are gentle and suit all skin types.
- Niacinamide and Azelaic AcidYesA gentle combination for redness, breakouts and uneven tone.
- Niacinamide and Tranexamic AcidYesTwo gentle brighteners that are often formulated together.
- Salicylic Acid and Hyaluronic AcidYesHyaluronic acid helps offset the dryness that salicylic acid can cause.
- Glycolic Acid and Hyaluronic AcidYesHydration after exfoliation helps the skin stay comfortable.
- Benzoyl Peroxide and NiacinamideYesNiacinamide can help with the dryness and redness that benzoyl peroxide may cause.
- Ceramides and Glycolic AcidYesCeramides help repair the barrier after exfoliation.
- Centella Asiatica and RetinolYesCica is soothing and is often recommended to make retinoids more comfortable.