Can you use The Ordinary retinol with hyaluronic acid?

What does each product do?

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that targets uneven tone, rough texture, fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it attracts and holds water, helping skin feel softer and look plumper. Despite the name, hyaluronic acid is moisturizing, not exfoliating like glycolic or salicylic acid. Pairing the ingredients adds hydration to a retinol routine, rather than adding another exfoliant.345

How to layer them at night

1. 1Wash with a gentle cleanser and pat your skin dry. Avoid scrubbing.
2. 2Apply a few drops of The Ordinary hyaluronic acid serum. Pat gently and let it dry naturally.
3. 3Apply retinol as directed on your bottle, keeping it away from your eyes, nose and mouth. Follow your prescriber's instructions if you use a prescription skin treatment.
4. 4Finish with a facial moisturizer to help retain hydration.

This sequence is general layering guidance, not a replacement for the directions on your particular retinol bottle. The Ordinary puts hyaluronic acid serums before water free serums. Layering gives each product its own step, without turning your palm into a product development department.4

For The Ordinary hyaluronic acid serum, clean, dry skin is a practical starting point: the brand directs dry skin application and says damp skin does not necessarily improve hydration. Other hyaluronic acid serums can have different directions, including damp skin application. Follow the serum's instructions rather than assuming every hydrating serum needs a wet face.14

A separate serum does not replace the moisturizer step, despite giving the bathroom shelf another job title. Moisturizers containing ingredients such as petrolatum, mineral oil or shea butter help keep water from evaporating. If a light lotion leaves your skin dry in colder weather, a cream can provide more moisture.15

How often should you use them?

Hyaluronic acid can be used daily, morning and evening, including nights without retinol. Retinol needs a slower introduction. Start with the lowest strength you can find and use it every other night, or once every few days if you need a gentler start. Increase gradually as your skin tolerates it. Hydration is not a reason to jump straight to stronger retinol or more frequent application.2346

Keep retinol for nighttime and use sun protection during the day. Apply a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to exposed skin, after moisturizer. Continue sunscreen in winter, and use shade and protective clothing as well.56

When should you notice a difference?

Hyaluronic acid can give an immediate hydration and plumping effect. Retinol takes several weeks to produce visible improvement, and changes in wrinkles usually take several months. Early softness from better hydration is different from retinol's slower effect on texture and lines.24

Who should be careful?

Patch test new products before using them across your face. Retinol can cause dryness, peeling, redness, itching or burning. Existing dryness, skin allergies or substantial redness and inflammation are reasons to discuss alternatives with a dermatologist. Irritation can also trigger dark marks in darker skin. If the hyaluronic acid serum causes irritation, rinse it off, stop using it and consult a physician. Do not use retinoids during pregnancy; ask your healthcare provider before using retinol while breastfeeding.246