What Should You Not Mix Vitamin C With?

You’ve no doubt heard about vitamin C and have a full understanding of why you should be introducing this into your skincare routine. There is however a lot of confusion when it comes to understanding what exactly what should not be mixed with vitamin C. So, stick around so you can find out more, and don’t forget if you have any questions, you can come and follow us on Instagram.

What can you not mix with vitamin C?

Vitamin C has gained a reputation for being slightly unstable with a more acidic pH level results in it being notoriously difficult to team with other potent and active levels of skin ingredients. Here are three of the main ingredients that should be avoided when using vitamin C.

Vitamin C and Retinol

As one of the most potent skincare ingredients, retinol is a highly effective anti-ageing powerhouse, with plenty of benefits, it can help boost collagen production whilst increasing the speed at which skin cells are renewed. Many skin types find this to become too potent, so introducing retinol into your routine should be a slow process to avoid any severe irritation. If you opt to team any form of retinoid with vitamin C you will find this will become too harsh on the skin, no matter how much tolerance you have built towards retinol. To avoid this, apply vitamin C in your evening routine, this will ensure the skin is protected from exposure to UV rays and other free radical damage. You will find that retinol performs best when used in the evening as its potency evaporates when encountered with sunlight.

Vitamin C and Niacinamide?

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3 is found in a vast amount of different skincare products. With its humectant traits it can hydrate the complexion as well as regulating the sebum production of the skin. This is something quite unique and ensures niacinamide keeps the skin plumped and improves any signs of breakouts and acne flare-ups. The problem with both niacinamide and vitamin C is the fact they both perform similar benefits for the skin, so when applied together will counteract each other, rendering them both useless. If you are wanting to use both in your routine, then leave at least 10 minutes in between applications or alternate the days you use them to get optimal results.

Vitamin C and AHAs/BHAs

It’s best to completely avoid using vitamin C and AHAs/BHAs, such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid. Due to the chemical exfoliation these acids deliver teaming it with vitamin C can be too much for the skin and cause a great deal of irritation, reactions, and severe dryness. You must also consider how the pH levels of all these ingredients are on the lower side of the scale and can cause a great deal of imbalance resulting in your skincare routine becoming completely useless.

What can vitamin C be mixed with?

With the benefits the potent antioxidant fuelled benefits of vitamin C you’ll find your skin is left rejuvenated, repaired with a brighter complexion with signs of free radical damage notably reduced. Although vitamin C can deliver impressive results single handily, you’ll find there are some ingredients that can be effectively paired with the potent powerhouse. 

Best ingredients to mix with vitamin C

• Vitamin E
• Ferulic Acid
• Vitamin B
• Hyaluronic Acid

To ensure your skin remains happy and healthy, I would always suggest consulting with a doctor or dermatologist about finding the best combination of ingredients without the worry of unwanted reactions.

Can you mix vitamin C and niacinamide?

No, it is considered best not to mix vitamin C and niacinamide as each ingredient counteracts each other making them completely useless. As I have already mentioned previously in this blog post, you can still use niacinamide and vitamin C in your routine. What you need to remember is ensuring you leave enough time between applications of at least 10 -15 minutes. Another way of using both ingredients is by alternating the time of day, or even days you apply them onto your skin.

If you are wanting to know more about how to use niacinamide and vitamin C, you can check out our dedicated blog post about it over on The Beauty Insiders.

Can vitamin C be used with hyaluronic acid?

Yes, you can! In fact, your skin would very much appreciate it. This is because vitamin C has a reputation for causing some mild irritation and flushing to the skin, especially for those who suffer from dryness and are prone to sensitivity. By following this with a hydrating ingredient such as hyaluronic acid, you are able to tackle any potential dryness and irritation with an added boost of hydration. Therefore, you are left with a plumped, glowing, and nourished complexion that is protected from free radical damage and left rejuvenated.

Does vitamin C cancel out retinol?

The short answer is yes, the more detailed answer has a lot to do with pH levels in the various formulations of the products containing vitamin C and retinol. Something you need to keep in mind is how potent both of these ingredients and with high potency often comes unstable tracts. With both having a low pH level, if mixed or layered on top of one another can cause negative reactions which can lead to skin dryness, irritation, redness and itching.

To avoid any of these concerns and unwanted side effects I would suggest applying your vitamin C serum at the end of your morning routine before a daily SPF of 30 and above. You can then follow this in the evening with your retinol enriched product.

What comes first vitamin C or hyaluronic acid?

When applying vitamin C and hyaluronic acid in separate products I would suggest starting off with vitamin C. This is because the formulation of the serum containing vitamin C will have a thinner and lighter consistency compared to the hyaluronic acid. When applying your skincare routine, the general rule of thumb is start with the thinnest and end with the thickest. By following your vitamin C product with a serum enriched in hyaluronic acid, you’ll find you help to strengthen the skin’s barrier and lock moisture into the outer surface leaving the skin plumped, hydrated and at its healthiest state.

Can vitamin C clog pores?

Yes, it can, but only if you are using an unstable form of vitamin C as ascorbic acid (another name for vitamin C) can become oxidised when exposed to light and air which can lead to blackheads developing and appearing worse on the skin. To avoid this, just ensure you are using the best form of vitamin C and if you have any concerns, stop using the product and seek the help from your doctor or dermatologist.

There you have a little more information about what should you not mix vitamin C with. Hopefully now you have a better understanding of the dos and don’ts you can introduce this impressive powerhouse into your everyday routine.