Ingredient pairing

Can you mix Retinol and Salicylic acid (BHA)?

Q: Can you mix Retinol and Salicylic acid (BHA)?

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.

Retinol Salicylic acid (BHA)

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

RetinolSalicylic acid (BHA)

Use on alternate nights, not the same evening.

RetinolWorth paying for

Efficacy9

Anti-aging9

Brightening4

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

Not in pregnancy

Salicylic acid (BHA)Worth paying for

Acne10

Efficacy9

Anti-aging5

Skip if: very sensitive, compromised barrier, pregnancy high

Ask your doctor in pregnancy

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