These Ingredients Can Help Your Retinol Work Better

Dermaplaning before makeup ensures a more flawless finish. Antioxidants enhance the protective effects of sunscreen. AHA dissolves dead skin cells, allowing vitamin C to penetrate the skin more effectively and fade discoloration. 

While they are effective individually, many skin care ingredients and tools work better together. "For best results, use a variety of ingredients with different mechanisms of action," says New Jersey board-certified dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal. 

Retinol, the holy grail for treating aging skin, dull skin, acne, and uneven skin texture, is no exception. But due to its fragile nature (retinol can sometimes cause skin sensitivity, dryness, and irritation), many skin types are reluctant to mix it with other ingredients. 

Please read below the introduction of Dr. Lal explains which ingredients can help your retinol work better and which ones you should avoid. 

Best Ingredients for Retinol. Nicotinamide. "Nicotinamide is a great ingredient that fights free radicals, reduces hyperpigmentation, and also moisturizes the skin," explains Dr. Lal. 

But since it also increases the production of keratin, an essential protein that keeps skin strong and healthy, it can also help combat the aforementioned side effects of retinol. "Nicotinamide, combined with retinol, can reduce irritation that first-time users may experience while helping to moisturize skin." 

If you're particularly concerned about dullness and/or dark spots, use a Brightening Serum or Apply Dark Spot Applying a gel (both containing niacinamide and other brightening ingredients) before retinol will stimulate cell turnover and ensure a more even skin tone. Even skin tone. 

For dark circles and tired eye areas, use our Advanced Retinol Eye Ointment at night, followed by our Niacinamide-enriched Brightening Eye Gel in the morning. 

Moisture Cream. Humectants—such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and sodium hyaluronate—attract moisture, moisturize, and soften the skin. 

"These are powerful skin moisturizers that keep skin moisturized," explains Dr. Lal. Due to its soothing properties, they can also "make retinol easier to tolerate and reduce the risk of irritation." 

We've formulated a gentle retinol serum with humectants (specifically sodium hyaluronate and glycerin) as well as other anti-inflammatory and antioxidants like chlorophyll to prevent skin irritation and dryness. For an extra boost of hydration, you can also add a few drops of our Hyaluronic Acid Serum Booster before use. 

For sensitive skin types, some experts even recommend the "sandwich method" of using retinol. Start by applying a thin layer of moisturizer, such as Dew Point Moisturizer. Then apply retinol. Finally, apply a second, thicker layer of the same moisturizer to seal everything in. 

Amino acids. Skin-strengthening amino acids "help repair and regenerate skin and stimulate collagen production," says Dr. Lal. 

Since collagen is what keeps skin elastic, firm, and plump, it's no wonder that amino acids are especially beneficial when combined with anti-aging skin ingredients like retinol. That's why our Retinol Body Lotion includes goat triglycerides (a mixture of amino acids and glycerin) in its ingredient list. 


Before applying retinol to your face, cleanse your skin with an antioxidant cleanser. Its superfruit complex, along with barrier-strengthening provitamin B5, gently hydrates and prepares skin for retinol. 

Sun protection. Retinol can make skin more sensitive to the sun, so adequate daily protection is crucial. We recommend keeping retinol in your afternoon routine. However, if you apply it during the day, be sure to follow up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen like Guards Up and reapply every two hours. 

This ensures that all the hard work of retinol to tighten, brighten and repair the skin is retained. Avoid ingredients that form a retinol layer Keep in mind: While retinol is popular, it may irritate some skin types, especially sensitive skin. To avoid possible side effects, Dr. Lar avoid mixing retinol with these. 

Exfoliating acids (AHAS and BHAS) "Many active acids not only break down retinol but also increase the resulting irritation; it is best to avoid active alpha or beta hydroxy acids when using retinol." These acids include glycolic acid, lactic acid, kojic acid, lemon acid, mandelic acid and salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide While retinol can help heal breakouts, you should be careful when using other acne medications. "Benzoyl peroxide can break down retinol. So don't use it before or immediately after using retinol." Use Just Breathe instead.

 Formulated with niacinamide and zinc, it's safe to use with retinol. Vitamin C* "Vitamin C products often have a lower pH, which can break down products containing retinol. However, some studies show that retinol retains its effectiveness when combined with vitamin C." Lal. "I personally think vitamin C is safe to use with retinol, but not for people who are new to retinol as it can cause irritation." If you are sensitive to retinol or are new to retinol alcohol, it is best to avoid this combination unless the two ingredients have been formulated together. 

 Note from Derm: "Just because you can't use some of these ingredients at the same time, doesn't mean they can't be used on the same day!" If you want to use any of the ingredients listed above, just apply them at different times . "If retinol is used before bed, acid, vitamin C, and benzoyl peroxide are safe to use in the morning," he adds.