Can I Use Glycolic Acid With...?
Check if glycolic acid is safe to combine with your other skincare ingredients. Each interaction is rated as safe, caution, or avoid based on published dermatological research, with detailed explanations and practical timing advice.
Covering 25 common skincare ingredients. Click any card for the full evidence-based breakdown.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
SafeNiacinamide and glycolic acid are an excellent combination that can be used together in the same routine.
Hyaluronic Acid
SafeHyaluronic acid is an ideal pairing with glycolic acid, providing deep hydration to counterbalance exfoliation.
Ceramides
SafeCeramides help repair and strengthen the skin barrier, making them a perfect complement to glycolic acid exfoliation.
Peptides
SafePeptides and glycolic acid work well together, though applying them at separate times optimizes effectiveness.
SPF / Sunscreen
SafeSunscreen is not just safe but essential when using glycolic acid - it protects against increased photosensitivity.
Azelaic Acid
SafeAzelaic acid and glycolic acid complement each other well, targeting different aspects of skin improvement.
Green Tea Extract (EGCG)
SafeGreen tea extract provides antioxidant protection that complements glycolic acid's exfoliating action.
Bakuchiol
SafeBakuchiol is a plant-based retinol alternative that pairs safely with glycolic acid without causing pH conflicts or excessive irritation.
Squalane
SafeSqualane is a lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that counteracts glycolic acid dryness without clogging pores or interfering with exfoliation.
Tranexamic Acid
SafeTranexamic acid and glycolic acid are an excellent combination for hyperpigmentation, targeting pigment through complementary mechanisms.
Alpha Arbutin
SafeAlpha arbutin is a gentle tyrosinase inhibitor that works synergistically with glycolic acid for brightening and reducing hyperpigmentation.
Chemical Sunscreen Filters (Avobenzone, Homosalate, etc.)
SafeChemical sunscreen filters are fully compatible with glycolic acid and are essential for protecting photosensitized skin from UV damage.
Retinol / Retinoids
CautionGlycolic acid and retinol can be combined, but require careful timing to avoid over-irritation.
Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)
CautionVitamin C and glycolic acid can work together, but the low pH of both may cause irritation in sensitive skin.
Benzoyl Peroxide
CautionBenzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid can be combined for acne, but simultaneous application may cause significant drying and irritation.
Other AHAs (Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid)
CautionUsing multiple AHAs simultaneously offers no additional benefit and increases irritation risk - choose one or alternate.
Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca)
CautionTea tree oil and glycolic acid are both potentially drying and irritating - use them at different times of day to avoid overwhelming the skin.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis)
CautionWitch hazel's astringent properties can compound the drying and barrier-stripping effects of glycolic acid, especially in alcohol-containing formulations.
Kojic Acid
CautionKojic acid and glycolic acid are effective together for hyperpigmentation but can cause significant irritation and sensitization, especially on darker skin.
Hydroquinone
CautionGlycolic acid enhances hydroquinone penetration and efficacy, but this potent combination requires dermatological supervision due to increased irritation risk.
High-Concentration BHA (Salicylic Acid 2%+) at Same Time
AvoidApplying concentrated BHA and glycolic acid simultaneously causes excessive exfoliation and serious barrier damage.
Physical Scrubs / Manual Exfoliants
AvoidCombining physical scrubs with glycolic acid causes double exfoliation that damages the skin barrier and causes micro-tears.
Multiple Chemical Exfoliants Simultaneously
AvoidLayering multiple chemical exfoliants (AHA + BHA + PHA or enzyme peels) in one session destroys the skin barrier.
Isotretinoin (Accutane)
AvoidDo not use glycolic acid while taking isotretinoin - the combination causes severe skin barrier damage and scarring risk.
Denatured Alcohol (Alcohol Denat.)
CautionDrying alcohols can worsen the barrier disruption caused by glycolic acid - avoid them in your acid routine steps.
