Impossible Skincare Active Combinations
"Pears with pears, apples with apples"... because some things just aren't meant to be mixed.
It's a nice metaphor. A classic saying. But let's be honest... it's aged about as well as "a relaxing cup of coffee in Plaza Mayor." (If you know, you know.)
And yet that same black-and-white logic is still everywhere in skincare. Don't mix Vitamin C with retinoids. Never combine exfoliating acids with retinol. Do this. Don't do that.
We prefer a fruit salad. So today we're busting a few of those supposedly impossible skincare pairings.
NEVER MIX...
Retinol + Vitamin C
What you'll read:
Vitamin C (the ingredient that gives you that juicy, glowy, biteable-looking skin) and retinol (the gold standard for tackling wrinkles) don't get along because they work at different pH levels and will only irritate your skin if you use them together.
What we know today:
Science moves on.
Modern formulations can happily combine ingredients that work at different pH levels, whether that's through microencapsulation, more stable derivatives or controlled-release delivery systems.
In fact, there's growing evidence that, when properly formulated, Vitamin C and retinol can actually complement each other and boost overall results.
Shameless plug:
You can use our TanTanGo Vitamin C Antioxidant Self-Tanning Serum alongside Wowyoung Retinol Night Serum and let your face enjoy the combined benefits.
Summer is actually a brilliant time to do it.
Exfoliating Acids (AHAs & BHAs) + Retinol
What you'll read:
Retinol thins your skin, exfoliating acids sand it down even further, and using them together is basically asking for irritation.
Better to "skin cycle" and alternate them on different nights.
What we know today:
These ingredients work through completely different biological mechanisms.
They target different cells, different receptors and do different jobs.
Once you've gone through the perfectly normal adjustment period to retinol (called retinisation, which can last one or two months), there's generally no reason you can't use exfoliating acids alongside it.
Not on alternate nights.
At the same time.
Shameless plug:
Already using Wowyoung Retinol Night Serum?
Add Coffee Crush, our physical + chemical exfoliator.
It's ridiculously satisfying and leaves your skin baby-soft.
Niacinamide + Pretty Much Whatever You Fancy
What you'll read:
Don't mix niacinamide with...
...actually, stop right there.
What we know today:
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is one of skincare's most versatile and stable ingredients.
Whatever combination you choose, it'll probably get on just fine.
It's compatible with almost everything and causes very few reactions (although, as with any ingredient, nothing is impossible).
With retinol, it helps smooth the skin and improves tolerance.
With Vitamin C, it helps tackle pigmentation.
With exfoliating acids, it's brilliant for blemishes and oil control.
It's the all-rounder of skincare actives.
Shameless plug:
Our Handsomefyer moisturisers contain 5% niacinamide, so you can apply them after whichever treatment you've chosen.
They won't interfere.
They'll back it up.
The Magic Is in the Mix
Headlines like... "Never mix...", "Absolutely forbidden...", "Biggest skincare mistake ever..."... Are brilliant for getting clicks.
Not so brilliant for giving useful information. Those of us who formulate skincare mix just about everything under the sun.
Because it works. Because it's enjoyable. And because today's science supports it.
Variety is the spice of life. And in skincare, the fun is in the mix.
P.S. This week's blog also coincides with the extension of our Pride Deals. Get 50% OFF your second item and every one after that. Treat yourself to all the skincare you fancy and get your holiday wash bag properly stocked.