Can You Use Retinol & Vitamin C Together? We Break It Down

Retinol vs. Vitamin C 

According to board-certified dermatologist Tina Alster, MD, “Retinol and vitamin C are both powerhouse ingredients in skincare, but they function quite differently.” P.S. If a derm is calling a skincare ingredient a “powerhouse,” that’s your sign to pay attention—you’re likely after ingredients that deliver real results.

“Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, primarily targets skin cell turnover and collagen production, aiding in reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and improving skin texture,” says Dr. Alster. “On the other hand, vitamin C is an antioxidant that brightens the skin, fades hyperpigmentation, and protects against environmental damage like UV rays and pollution,” she says.

You can think of vitamin A as your daily line of defense against environmental stressors and retinol as your own personal esthetician working behind the scenes to target the main signs of aging. “While Retinol works mainly on a cellular level, vitamin C operates on the skin's surface to provide antioxidant protection and promote a more even skin tone,” says Dr. Alster. 

Can You Use Retinol and Vitamin C Together? 

Dr. Alster notes that while you can use retinol and vitamin C together in a daily skincare routine, you should slowly introduce new ingredients to your regimen to ensure you can monitor how your skin reacts to the change. “Start by using them on alternate nights to avoid potential irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin,” explains Dr. Alster. “Both retinol and vitamin C offer complementary benefits, so when used together, they can enhance each other's efficacy, providing comprehensive anti-aging and skin-brightening effects.”

Are There Any Risks When Using Retinol With Vitamin C? 

Although Dr. Alster notes that using retinol and vitamin C together is usually beneficial for her patients, there are a few things you need to be aware of, especially if you have sensitive skin. Make sure you chat with your personal dermatologist, who’s aware of your skin’s concerns, needs, and potential allergies, before adding any new ingredients into your skincare routine. 

“Those with particularly sensitive skin may experience irritation when using both ingredients simultaneously,” explains Dr. Alster. “Additionally, individuals using prescription-strength retinoids or experiencing any adverse reactions should proceed with caution and possibly separate the application of these ingredients to different times of the day.”

Which One Goes on First? 

“Generally, it's recommended to use vitamin C in the morning as part of your daytime skincare routine,” says Dr. Alster. “Its antioxidant properties help protect the skin from free radical damage caused by sun exposure and environmental pollutants throughout the day.”

The rules for retinol, however, are a bit different. “It’s typically used at night because it can make the skin more sensitive to sun damage,” says Dr. Alster. “Therefore [I’d recommend to] apply retinol in the evening, ensuring your skin has time to absorb it properly without any interference from other products or sun exposure.”