Retinol and exfoliating acids can both have a place in a skincare routine. You don’t necessarily have to choose between them. But that doesn't mean every retinol and exfoliating acid product should automatically be layered together.

The right approach depends on the specific formulas, their directions, your skin, and how well you tolerate them.

What’s the difference between retinol and exfoliating acids?

Retinol is a form of vitamin A commonly found in skincare products to improve the appearance of visible signs of aging, including reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles and improving uneven texture over time with continued use. 

Exfoliating acids help remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. Alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs, include ingredients such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid. These acids can help improve the appearance of concerns such as dullness and uneven-looking tone and texture. Beta hydroxy acids, or BHAs, such as salicylic acid, are another type of exfoliating acid that can help remove dead skin cells and minimize the appearance of clogged pores.

Retinol and exfoliating acids work differently, which is why both can have a role in a well-rounded skincare routine.

Can you use exfoliating acids if you already use retinol?

Yes, depending on the specific products and how your skin tolerates them. The bigger question is how you use them. 

Retinol and exfoliating acids can both potentially cause irritation, particularly when first introduced. Rather than assuming two products should be layered together, always look at the directions for each formula.

If you’re new to either, I generally recommend introducing one new active product at a time. This gives your skin an opportunity to adjust and makes it easier to understand which product may be causing irritation if it occurs.

Do retinol and exfoliating acids need to be used on the same night?

Not necessarily.

Depending on the specific products and their directions, you can use retinol and exfoliating acids at different times in your routine. For example, some people may choose to alternate nights, using a retinol product one night and a glycolic acid-based product on another night, depending on how their skin tolerates each formula. 

This is a good example of why it’s important to look beyond individual ingredients. Skincare products are complete formulas, and how and when they should be used depends on how those formulas were designed and tested.

Some products are formulated to pair the ingredients together in a tolerable way, like the RoC Retinol Correxion 2-Step Line Smoothing Peel Pads.

How can you tell if you're overdoing exfoliation?

Your skin will often give you clues. Persistent redness, excessive dryness, stinging, or discomfort may be signs that your routine is too irritating for your skin.

If that happens, pause any potentially irritating products and focus on a simple, gentle routine while your skin recovers. If issues persist, speak with your dermatologist.

And remember: more exfoliation doesn't necessarily mean better or faster results.

Why does sunscreen matter when using retinol and exfoliating acids?

Daily sun protection is an important part of any skincare routine, particularly when you're using retinol or exfoliating acids.

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher in the morning. 

What’s the dermatologist takeaway?

Retinol and exfoliating acids don't have to be an either/or decision. Both might have a place in your skincare routine, but how you use them matters.

Introduce targeted ingredients thoughtfully, follow the directions for your specific formulas, and pay attention to how your skin responds. A routine you can tolerate and use consistently is more useful than an aggressive routine you can't maintain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are examples of exfoliating acids?

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid. 

Can I use exfoliating acids and retinol in the same routine?

It depends on the specific formulas and their directions. Because both can potentially cause irritation, don’t assume they should always be layered together.

Some products are specifically designed to incorporate both. For example, the RoC Retinol Correxion 2-Step Line Smoothing Peel Pads use a two-step system: the first step contains exfoliating acids, while the second helps balance the skin’s pH and features retinol. Because the two steps were formulated to be used together, you can incorporate both exfoliating acids and retinol as part of one system.

Should beginners start retinol and exfoliating acids at the same time?

I generally recommend introducing new active products one at a time so you can see how your skin responds before adding another.

Do I need sunscreen when using exfoliating acids or retinol?

Yes. Daily sun protection is always important. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher in the morning, especially when using exfoliating acids or retinol.

*A physician giving advice on a brand site should carry an "educational" purpose and is not medical advise