All Makeup Skin Hair Nails How-To Beauty Amplified Spoilers IPSY 101 Ingredient Index

Can You Use Retinol & Vitamin C Together? We Break It Down

Brittany Leitner DefaultBrittany Leitner Default
By
Published on Mar 27, 2025 • 4 min read
retinol-and-vitamin-c-together-mobileretinol-and-vitamin-c-together-header

Photo by Anna Efetova / Getty Images

If you have any sort of skincare routine at all, you’re probably heard you should be using both retinol and vitamin C, though have no clue what these ingredients actually do or how you should use them together. Building out an effective skincare routine involves some knowledge, but it’s not as intimidating as you might think, especially when experts put it in terms we can actually understand (thanks in advance!).

Today, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about using retinol and using vitamin C, the important distinctions between the two, and how you can use them both into your routine to maximize results.

Default Middle Subscribe Module Image - MobileDefault Middle Subscribe Module Image - Desktop

It's about glam time you treated yourself.

Join IPSY
MEET THE EXPERT

Tina Alster, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of THE A METHOD.

Retinol vs. Vitamin C 

According to board-certified dermatologist Tina Alster, MD, “Retinol and vitamin C are both powerhouse ingredients in skincare, but they function quite differently.” P.S. If a derm is calling a skincare ingredient a “powerhouse,” that’s your sign to pay attention—you’re likely after ingredients that deliver real results.

“Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, primarily targets skin cell turnover and collagen production, aiding in reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and improving skin texture,” says Dr. Alster. “On the other hand, vitamin C is an antioxidant that brightens the skin, fades hyperpigmentation, and protects against environmental damage like UV rays and pollution,” she says.

You can think of vitamin A as your daily line of defense against environmental stressors and retinol as your own personal esthetician working behind the scenes to target the main signs of aging. “While Retinol works mainly on a cellular level, vitamin C operates on the skin's surface to provide antioxidant protection and promote a more even skin tone,” says Dr. Alster. 

Can You Use Retinol and Vitamin C Together? 

Dr. Alster notes that while you can use retinol and vitamin C together in a daily skincare routine, you should slowly introduce new ingredients to your regimen to ensure you can monitor how your skin reacts to the change. “Start by using them on alternate nights to avoid potential irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin,” explains Dr. Alster. “Both retinol and vitamin C offer complementary benefits, so when used together, they can enhance each other's efficacy, providing comprehensive anti-aging and skin-brightening effects.”

Are There Any Risks When Using Retinol With Vitamin C? 

Although Dr. Alster notes that using retinol and vitamin C together is usually beneficial for her patients, there are a few things you need to be aware of, especially if you have sensitive skin. Make sure you chat with your personal dermatologist, who’s aware of your skin’s concerns, needs, and potential allergies, before adding any new ingredients into your skincare routine. 

“Those with particularly sensitive skin may experience irritation when using both ingredients simultaneously,” explains Dr. Alster. “Additionally, individuals using prescription-strength retinoids or experiencing any adverse reactions should proceed with caution and possibly separate the application of these ingredients to different times of the day.”

Which One Goes on First? 

“Generally, it's recommended to use vitamin C in the morning as part of your daytime skincare routine,” says Dr. Alster. “Its antioxidant properties help protect the skin from free radical damage caused by sun exposure and environmental pollutants throughout the day.”

The rules for retinol, however, are a bit different. “It’s typically used at night because it can make the skin more sensitive to sun damage,” says Dr. Alster. “Therefore [I’d recommend to] apply retinol in the evening, ensuring your skin has time to absorb it properly without any interference from other products or sun exposure.”

Liked this post? Share!

UP NEXT: 5 Skincare Ingredients You Should Mix With Vitamin C & 4 to Absolutely Avoid

Related Stories

Beautiful excited girl in sleeping eye mask lying in bed, Close up face of beautiful sleepy girl wearing eye mask while peepingBeautiful excited girl in sleeping eye mask lying in bed, Close up face of beautiful sleepy girl wearing eye mask while peeping

Skin

Why Sleeping in Your Makeup Is a No-Go (and How to Recover)

Published on Aug 1, 2025 • 4 min read

Skin

AHAs, BHAs, PHAs—Which Acids Does Your Skin Actually Need?

Published on Jul 25, 2025 • 6 min read

An image of a dark-skinned woman playfully hiding one eye with her hand, glancing out from behind her fingers, against a warm, light brown backgroundAn image of a dark-skinned woman playfully hiding one eye with her hand, glancing out from behind her fingers, against a warm, light brown background

Skin

Getting Breakouts Out of Nowhere? Here Are 12 Possible Reasons Why

Published on Jul 25, 2025 • 4 min read

The image shows several clear, round, transparent containers placed on a pink surface, inside some of the containers, there are various cosmetic or skincare products: a pink sponge-like item, a clear gel with bubbles, and a white creamThe image shows several clear, round, transparent containers placed on a pink surface, inside some of the containers, there are various cosmetic or skincare products: a pink sponge-like item, a clear gel with bubbles, and a white cream

Skin

Not All Moisturizer Is Created Equal! What To Know About Gel, Cream, and Lotion Formulas

Published on Jul 23, 2025 • 6 min read

Skin

The Best Face Washes to Try Now (No Matter Your Skin Type)

Published on Jul 17, 2025 • 4 min read

Skin

8 Natural At-Home Remedies for Glowing Skin

Published on Sep 14, 2023 • 4 min read

Skin

Does Oily Skin Really Age Better? Our Skin Expert Weighs In

Published on Sep 14, 2023 • 4 min read

Skin

The Best Acne-Fighting Face Masks for Clearer Skin

Published on Jul 17, 2025 • 4 min read

Default Bottom Subscribe Module Imagebottom_subscribe_module_image_desktop

Beauty Picked Just for You

Get 5 products worth up to $70

Plus exclusive access to epic deals up to 80% off

Starting at just $14/month. Cancel anytime.

Get Started