Ingredient pairing

Can you mix Adapalene and Glycolic acid?

Q: Can you mix Adapalene and Glycolic acid?

These clash. Retinoids and exfoliants both speed up cell turnover, so together they tend to stack irritation and can wear down your barrier. Use them on alternate nights rather than the same evening.

ClashThese clash.

Adapalene Glycolic acid

Retinoids and exfoliants both speed up cell turnover, so together they tend to stack irritation and can wear down your barrier.

Do this: Use them on alternate nights rather than the same evening.

☀ Morning

Nothing here

☾ Evening

AdapaleneGlycolic acid

Use on alternate nights, not the same evening.

AdapaleneWorth paying for

Acne10

Efficacy9

Anti-aging7

Skip if: pregnancy, breastfeeding, very sensitive

Not in pregnancy

Glycolic acidWorth paying for

Efficacy9

Anti-aging7

Brightening4

Skip if: sensitive, compromised barrier, rosacea

Ask your doctor in pregnancy

Check another combination →Or decode a whole product label →

General guidance, not medical advice. When in doubt, introduce one product at a time.