If you’re invested in using skincare products that deliver, chances are vitamin C, retinol, and hyaluronic acid are on your radar. But if you’ve never used these powerful anti-aging ingredients before, you may have questions (like: Can you use vitamin C with retinol? Can you use hyaluronic acid with retinol? What about combining all three for a supercharged skincare routine?) Ultimately, as is often the case with skincare, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Before you determine whether you can combine retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid, it’s important you understand what each of these ingredients do and how they affect different skin types. If you’re starting from scratch, there’s no need to break out the books—we’re sharing an overview of these three skincare staples, ahead, and explaining how to use each in your routine for smooth, healthy-looking skin.Vitamin CWhat is vitamin C? Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin found in plants like citrus fruits and leafy greens. It is commonly used in skincare products, such as serums, lotions, and moisturizers. It’s also the most plentiful antioxidant in the skin and helps mitigate the damage caused by exposure to certain stressors, like air pollution.The benefits of using skincare products with vitamin C Adding topical vitamin C to your skincare routine can have several noteworthy benefits. According to the Cleveland Clinic, products with vitamin C can help brighten the skin, visibly improve skin texture and tone, and help reduce the appearance of some types of discolorations (like dark circles). Because vitamin C is an antioxidant, products with this powerful ingredient may also help to protect the skin against damaging stressors, including UV damage (though, even if you use vitamin C daily, you’ll still need to wear sunscreen for adequate sun protection).RetinolWhat is retinol? Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A used primarily to address age-related concerns like fine lines and wrinkles. You can find this powerful ingredient in over-the-counter serums, moisturizers, and eye creams. Stronger retinoids (such as tretinoin) typically have to be prescribed by a dermatologist.The benefits of using skincare products with retinol Retinol is famous for its many skin benefits. Products with this ingredient can help unclog pores, minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote smoother-feeling skin with consistent use over time. Retinol can also be helpful for those looking to minimize the appearance of discolorations, such as sun spots or post-acne marks. That said, it can cause sun sensitivity, so be sure to wear daily sunscreen when using a retinol product (even if you’re applying it at night). And since it’s such a powerful ingredient, it’s a good one to run by your dermatologist.Hyaluronic AcidWhat is hyaluronic acid? Hyaluronic acid, like vitamin C, is a compound that exists naturally within the skin. It’s a humectant with a slippery texture that helps to keep the skin flexible, pliable, and hydrated. You can find hyaluronic acid in a wide range of skincare products, including toners, serums, and moisturizers, as well as some makeup, haircare, and body care products.The benefits of using skincare products with hyaluronic acid Hyaluronic acid is a star in the skincare scene thanks to its hydrating benefits. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it’s exceptionally good at retaining water—a mere quarter teaspoon of hyaluronic acid can hold about one and a half gallons of water. It’s primarily used in skincare products to help hydrate the skin and lock in moisture. Products with hyaluronic acid can help boost hydration, minimize the appearance of fine lines, and plump the skin.Can You Use Vitamin C, Retinol, and Hyaluronic Acid Together? Many people can use vitamin C, retinol, and hyaluronic acid within the same skincare routine. However, it’s important to do so the right way. When combining ingredients, we advise against playing chemist and creating your own concoctions—instead, look for formulas that feature all three ingredients, as they’ll be rigorously tested for efficacy and safety. If you do want to use vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and retinol separately (as in, within different products), try spacing out your usage. For example, you could use vitamin C and hyaluronic acid in the morning and retinol and hyaluronic acid at night. Alternating days is also a viable option. If you’re unsure how or when to use certain products in your routine, it can’t hurt to schedule a quick chat with your dermatologist.Who can benefit from this combination? Vitamin C, retinol, and hyaluronic acid can be an ideal trio for those hoping to target multiple concerns, such as visible aging, dullness, and dehydration. As explained above, all three ingredients can help combat some of the visible signs of aging and help promote a smoother-looking complexion. They can also be useful for those with dull skin, discolorations, or an uneven skin tone or texture. That being said, if you have dry or sensitive skin, you may want to proceed with caution. While these ingredients can be helpful in addressing some skin concerns, retinol and vitamin C can both be irritating if used incorrectly or too frequently. Start slow, using the lowest concentration of ingredients you can find, until you know how your skin responds. Consulting a dermatologist is also a good idea, particularly if you’re prone to redness, dryness, or discomfort.How To Use Vitamin C, Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid Together Unless you’re applying a formula that combines vitamin C, retinol, and hyaluronic acid in one bottle, you’ll want to apply products featuring these ingredients during different steps in your regimen. It’s also always recommended to layer products according to consistency from thinnest to thickest to allow each formula to absorb as it should. Keep scrolling to learn how you can incorporate these three skincare superstars into your morning and nighttime skincare routines.Morning skincare routine1. Wash your face No matter which ingredients you plan to pair together, start with a freshly cleansed face. For the best results, look for a cleanser that’s formulated for your skin type. Or, skip the guesswork and opt for a gentle cleanser suitable for all skin types, such as Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser. The pH-balanced cleanser helps remove dirt, oil, and debris without stripping the skin of essential moisture. Pro tip: Use lukewarm, rather than hot water, to wash your face—hot water can dry out your skin.2. Apply a hyaluronic acid serum Next, pat your skin dry with a clean towel and apply a lightweight hyaluronic acid serum to help lock in hydration. Try the L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum—it visibly plumps fine lines and deeply hydrates the skin without leaving behind a tacky or greasy residue.3. Follow with a vitamin C serum Once you’ve given your hyaluronic acid serum a moment to absorb into the skin, a vitamin C serum can follow (yes, you can apply two different serums if they’re compatible!). We’re fans of the L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Salicylic Acid Serum, which absorbs quickly (great for under makeup) and helps even skin tone and texture with consistent use.
