Retinol
what it does
An OTC vitamin A precursor that converts to retinoic acid in skin. Less potent but better tolerated than prescription tretinoin, with strong evidence for anti-aging, acne, and texture improvement.
Tretinoin's gentler sibling who still gets shit done. Takes longer to work since your skin has to convert it first, but way fewer crying-from-irritation nights. Good gateway drug to the retinoid life.
targets these concerns
don't combine with
Benzoyl peroxide degrades retinol through oxidation, completely eliminating its anti-ageing efficacy.
💡 Use in strictly separate AM/PM sessions — never in the same layer.
Salicylic acid lowers skin pH, destabilising retinol and increasing irritation. Keep them in separate sessions.
💡 AM: salicylic acid. PM: retinol.
Both promote cell turnover — layering them risks over-exfoliation, redness, and prolonged sensitivity.
💡 Alternate nights. Do not layer in the same session.
Lactic acid is gentler than glycolic, but combining with retinol still elevates irritation risk for sensitive or retinol-naive skin.
💡 Generally fine for experienced users — avoid if your skin reacts easily.