As beauty experts, we’re constantly asked about skincare ingredients and how they work. And one of the most common questions we get is: Can you use retinol and hyaluronic acid together? It makes sense—hyaluronic acid and retinol are two of the most popular and well-known skincare ingredients on the market. The former has a well-earned reputation as an effective anti-aging ingredient that can help address fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture, while the latter is a humectant moisturizer that helps hydrate the skin. And while retinol and hyaluronic acid may not seem like the most obvious pairing at first, combining these two ingredients can help promote smoother, plumper, and more youthful-looking skin.
To help explain the benefits of these ingredients and why they’re such a powerful pairing, we tapped L’Oréal Paris consultant and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Erin Gilbert, MD, FAAD. Read on for her expertise and learn how you can use retinol and hyaluronic acid together in your skincare routine.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), retinol is a form of vitamin A that can help address the visible signs of aging when used topically. It can be found in a wide range of over-the-counter skincare products, including serums, moisturizers, and eye creams.
Retinol and other retinoids (a broad term used to describe vitamin A derivatives) are often considered must-have skincare ingredients for mature skin, but they can also be used to help address a variety of other skin concerns—including dark spots, rough texture, and post-blemish marks. If you have any of these concerns, retinol may be worth adding to your skincare routine.
Try It: We recommend using a retinol serum like the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives Night Serum, 0.3% Pure Retinol, which helps to smooth and brighten the skin while visibly reducing wrinkles over time.
“Hyaluronic acid is a sugar known for its hydrating benefits,” says Dr. Gilbert. This humectant ingredient helps draw moisture into your skin, promoting a smooth, supple appearance. (And don’t let the word “acid” mislead you—hyaluronic acid doesn’t exfoliate the skin like alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids).
Generally speaking, all skin types can benefit from using hyaluronic acid, including those with dry skin, combination skin, oily skin, and even sensitive skin (depending on the formulation). According to Dr. Gilbert, it’s a great addition to any skincare regimen, either alone or in addition to a moisturizer for drier skin.
Try It: If you’re looking for an excellent hyaluronic serum for your routine, we recommend the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum. The non-greasy formula delivers intense moisture, immediately hydrating the skin and helping to promote a plumper, firmer appearance with continued use.
So, we return to the question at hand: Can you use retinol and hyaluronic acid together? In most cases, yes. In fact, you’ll often find these two ingredients working in tandem in skincare formulations (including the aforementioned retinol serum). Retinol has many benefits, but it can be drying for some. Adding hyaluronic acid to your regimen may help reduce that dryness and keep your skin feeling hydrated.
To that end, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises using a non-pore-clogging moisturizer with hyaluronic acid to help combat dryness. “Hyaluronic acid is a very neutral and efficient moisturizing component for your skin regimen,” says Dr. Gilbert. “In its pure form, [hyaluronic acid] is rarely formulated with pore-clogging ingredients [so] it is unlikely to cause breakouts, even when layered with other moisturizers,” she notes. Still, it’s a good idea to seek our products designed for your specific skin type—and if you are prone to clogged pores, make sure your chosen moisturizer says “non-comedogenic” on the label.
When (and how) you use retinol and hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine should be dictated by your skin type and concerns, as well as the type of products you’re using. Generally speaking, products should be applied in order of consistency, from thinnest to thickest (that way, everything can absorb as intended).
Things can get a bit trickier when you’re using serums with similar consistencies. Generally, it’s fine to layer hyaluronic acid and retinol however you choose. However, if you’re prone to dryness or sensitivity, we suggest applying the hyaluronic acid serum first, followed by the retinol. And if your skin is really dry, you can “sandwich” your retinol between layers of hyaluronic acid serum for added hydration.
Keep in mind that no matter which application method you choose, it’s important to follow with moisturizer. “Moisturizing over retinoids—or mixing them with a moisturizer—often helps in the first few weeks of use when your skin is getting acclimated to it,” says Dr. Gilbert.
Editor’s note: Hyaluronic acid and retinol are included in many different types of products, including facial moisturizers, serums, and eye creams. Every product comes with its own set of instructions, so it’s important to refer to the product packaging first and foremost. When in doubt, seek the advice of your doctor or dermatologist.
Vitamin C is another ingredient frequently included in anti-aging skincare products. According to Dr. Gilbert, this powerful antioxidant can help brighten and even the skin’s tone. It may also help improve the appearance of fine lines. Pairing retinol with vitamin C is usually doable, but it depends on your skin’s needs and your chosen products. Ultimately, Dr. Gilbert says, trial and error may be the best approach when combining these ingredients, and it’s important to pay attention to your skin along the way. If you do find that your skin’s more sensitive, you may want to try using vitamin C in the morning and retinol in the evening (versus mixing vitamin C and retinol together at the same time). Always stick to the product label’s instructions when in doubt, and consult your dermatologist if you have any questions regarding your skincare routine.
Try It: We love the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum. This serum is formulated in air-tight packaging to boost stability and it serves as a great solution to address the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone, and dullness with continued use.
If you’re interested in incorporating retinol, hyaluronic acid, and/or vitamin C into your skincare routine but aren’t quite sure where to start, keep reading. We’re breaking down some of our top tips ahead.
If you’re not sure how to go about layering retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C, keep things simple by using a product that’s formulated with all three ingredients. For morning routines, we love the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Day Anti-Aging Moisturizer. This moisturizing cream with vitamin C, Pro-Retinol, and hyaluronic acid visibly reduces the appearance of wrinkles and helps firm and brighten the skin. Plus, it’s suitable for all skin types, making it a great pick for those new to retinol.
In the evening, try the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Anti-Aging Overnight Mask This anti-aging overnight mask contains the same vitamin C, pro-retinol, and hyaluronic acid formulation, but is designed for your nighttime routine. It has the consistency of a lightweight moisturizer with a non-greasy finish that makes it ideal for dry skin and mature skin.
Editor’s Tip: Sensitive skin types can opt for the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer Fragrance-Free, which offers the same benefits and ingredients as the daytime moisturizer in a fragrance-free formula.
If you want a simplified skincare routine or have sensitive skin, consider using vitamin C and retinol on alternating days. This might look like applying vitamin C and hyaluronic acid in the morning on one day, and then the following day using retinol and hyaluronic acid together. This ensures you’re using all three ingredients, but lessens the load on your skin since usage is more spread out.
It’s important to note that retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s rays, per the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). When using retinol (even if you’re only applying it at night), the AAD recommends being extra diligent about using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily and taking safe sun-protective measures when spending time outdoors. These measures include wearing a wide-brim hat, seeking shade during the sun’s peak hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), and reapplying SPF at least every two hours when spending time outside.
Next Up: When Can You Start Using Retinol?
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