Can I use hyaluronic acid with retinol?

What each ingredient does

Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that attracts and binds water, a straightforward job hiding behind a name that sounds like a postgraduate degree. It helps skin retain moisture. Retinol is a type of retinoid, or vitamin A based ingredient, used to improve uneven skin tone, pigmentation and texture. Retinoids can also help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.123

How to use both in one routine

1. 1After cleansing, apply hyaluronic acid serum while your skin is still damp.
2. 2If you use both in one routine, put the hyaluronic acid serum before retinol.
3. 3Use retinol at night, then apply moisturizer as the thicker step.
4. 4Use sun protection during the day because retinoids can increase sun sensitivity.

How often and when should you use them?

Hyaluronic acid serum can be used in the morning and evening, after cleansing and while your skin is damp. Start retinol every other night and build up gradually rather than starting with nightly use. Choose the least intense retinol formula you can find. Follow the product directions for how much to apply.12

What should you expect?

Hyaluronic acid mainly adds moisture, which can soften the look of fine lines and improve dry skin. Harvard Health says mild softening, a little more fullness and less dryness may be noticeable after a week. Serums with multiple molecular weights can improve dryness, roughness, fine lines and wrinkles within one to two weeks. Retinol targets uneven tone, pigmentation and texture, so it does a different job from a hydrating serum.12

What should you look for in the products?

For a hyaluronic acid serum, look for a blend of high and low molecular weights. Higher weight molecules hold water but stay on the skin's top layer; lower weight molecules can penetrate a little deeper but bind less water. Check the packaging or manufacturer's website for molecular weight details. A moisturizer with an occlusive ingredient, such as petrolatum or mineral oil, helps keep moisture from evaporating. Retinol labels can omit the percentage, so the aisle sometimes asks you to choose a formula without giving you a number to compare.12

Who should be careful with retinol?

Do not use retinol during pregnancy. People with skin allergies or existing dryness may not be good candidates for retinoids. If your skin is already red or inflamed, avoid retinoids and ask a dermatologist about other options. On darker skin, irritation can trigger dark marks, so start slowly and use moisturizer while watching for irritation.2

When should you get medical advice?

Retinol can dry skin, and hyaluronic acid paired with moisturizer can help counter that dryness. If facial dryness persists or itching interferes with daily life, contact a healthcare professional.4