Ingredient pairing

Can you mix Papain and Retinol?

Q: Can you mix Papain and Retinol?

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.

Papain Retinol

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

PapainRetinol

Use on alternate nights, not the same evening.

PapainPromising, not proven

Efficacy6

Acne4

Anti-aging4

Skip if: very sensitive, rosacea, compromised barrier, papaya allergy

Ask your doctor in pregnancy

RetinolWorth paying for

Efficacy9

Anti-aging9

Brightening4

Skip if: pregnancy, breastfeeding, very sensitive, compromised barrier

Not in pregnancy

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