Can You Use Salicylic Acid with Retinol?

Whether you can use salicylic acid with retinol is a common question among skincare enthusiasts. And it makes sense, both are powerhouse ingredients that excel at what they do, so the idea of combining them for faster results is tempting. But before we dive in, let’s start with the basics.

What does salicylic acid do?

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that goes beyond basic exfoliation. Since it’s oil-soluble, it penetrates deep into the pores to clear out excess oil and buildup. You will commonly find it in cleansers, toners, serums, and spot treatments.

It also helps treat certain types of acne, including whiteheads, blackheads, and pustules. While the general perception is that salicylic acid reduces acne by clearing out all the gunk (which is true, since clogged pores lead to breakouts), it also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

This means it doesn’t just prevent future acne, it actively works on existing breakouts by drying them out. That’s why you will find plenty of salicylic acid spot treatments on the market.

When applied topically, salicylic acid exfoliates and dries out pimples, making it a go-to spot treatment for inflamed acne. But if you have dry skin, proceed with caution. However, salicylic acid may cause side effects such as mild burning, dryness, and peeling skin.

What does retinol do?

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and belongs to the retinoid family, which also includes tretinoin, retinaldehyde, and tazarotene. While you can read a detailed guide on how to use retinol, for the sake of this explanation, retinol is primarily known for its anti-aging benefits. It increases cell turnover, promotes the shedding of dead skin cells, and boosts collagen production, helping to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and improve skin texture.

Like salicylic acid, retinol can also cause irritation, dryness, and peeling, especially for beginners. You will find retinol in various forms, most commonly in under-eye creams and night creams. It is available over the counter, while stronger prescription retinoids, such as adapalene and tretinoin will offer higher potency and more targeted treatment. But higher potency means more irritation and side effects that come with it.

Bottom line is, salicylic acid primarily functions as an exfoliator that penetrates deep into the pores to remove excess oil and buildup, while retinol focuses more on anti-aging by increasing cell turnover and boosting collagen production. Both have acne-fighting benefits but can also cause side effects such as irritation, dryness, and a burning sensation, especially for beginners or when used too much.

Can you use retinol and salicylic acid together?

Retinol and salicylic acid, when combined, can be too harsh, both for beginners and even for mature skin. As I discussed earlier, both ingredients offer transformative benefits and work at a cellular level. However, using them in the same routine increases the risk of irritation, dryness, and barrier damage.

Retinol and salicylic acid cleanser together

If you are using salicylic acid in your skincare routine in the form of a cleanser, probably because you have oily skin and can’t go a day without it, I would recommend using salicylic acid in the morning and retinol at night. For your night routine, opt for a cleanser that suits your current skin condition but doesn’t have actives in it. Besides, personally, I think using a salicylic acid cleanser twice a day is a bit too much.

Retinol and salicylic acid toner together

Some salicylic acid toners are formulated for daily use. (especially the Korean ones) If that’s the case for you, I would recommend skipping it on nights when you are using retinol and opting for alternate nights instead. Using both in the same routine can lead to side effects and may damage your skin barrier, so it’s best to avoid layering them together.

Oily skin people tend to gravitate more towards using salicylic acid on a daily basis, either in the form of cleansers, toners, or toner pads, because they want to keep their oil balance in control. If you are using it daily, use it in the morning and retinol at night. You can always go with using them on alternate nights.

Applying a salicylic acid in the morning is a bit of a no-go for me. Here’s why, it exfoliates your skin, which can leave it more sensitive and prone to dryness. Then, when you go in with SPF and makeup, it can sometimes cling to dry patches or make your base look uneven. Instead of a smooth finish, I end up with cakey or patchy makeup. That’s why I prefer using salicylic acid at alternate nights, so my skin gets all the benefits without the daytime layering struggle

Why you shouldn’t use salicylic acid and retinol together

The reason is their conflicting pH levels and potential irritation. Salicylic acid is more acidic (low pH), while retinol works best in a more alkaline environment (high pH). When applied together, this pH mismatch can lead to skin irritation and compromise their effectiveness.

Bottom line

If your skin is oily, you can use a salicylic acid cleanser in the morning and retinol at night. But if you are using salicylic acid in the form of a toner or toner pads, I would recommend the same, using salicylic acid in the morning (if your makeup sits fine afterward, otherwise use it on alternate nights) and retinol at night.

People with dry skin still need exfoliation and for them, using salicylic acid twice a week is more than enough. Again, do not use it in the same routine, either use salicylic acid in the morning and retinol in the evening or follow the alternate-night rule. And since you are only using it twice a week, you can easily skip retinol on those nights.

Skincare should not be rushed. It’s all about having patience and treating skin concerns with a strategic approach. Too much of anything is destructive. Both salicylic acid and retinol pack a punch and even at low doses, they can leave your skin irritated, burning, and damage your skin barrier. Moreover, since they function at different pH levels, using them together in the same skincare routine is likely to compromise their efficacy while increasing the risk of irritation and barrier damage.