How to Combine Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid in Your Skin Care Routine (and Why You Want to)

Retinol and hyaluronic acid are two popular skin care ingredients, and with good reason. They have many proven benefits in the skin, from improved skin elasticity and hydration to smoother, brighter-looking skin. 

But how do they work? And do they work well together?

Read on to learn more about using hyaluronic acid and retinol together in your skin care routine.

What’s the difference between hyaluronic acid and retinol?

Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in your skin. But the amount of hyaluronic acid in your skin decreases as you get older. By age 50, you have about half as much hyaluronic acid as you did in your twenties. This leads to the normal and natural skin changes associated with aging: dry skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. As a result, hyaluronic acid is commonly found in many different skin care creams and serums. 

Retinol is a naturally occurring form of vitamin A that’s used in many over-the-counter (OTC) skin care products. Retinoids are a stronger form of retinol available by prescription. (An exception is Differin, which is available OTC.) Retinoids stimulate skin collagen production and exfoliate the skin. 

Can you use hyaluronic acid with retinol?

Yes. Despite its name, hyaluronic acid doesn’t exfoliate your skin like other acids you may have come across (for example, salicylic acid). This means it’s safe to combine with retinol. In fact, using them together has many benefits (more on this below). 

The best way to use these two ingredients together is to use hyaluronic acid twice a day and retinol at night. 

The reason retinol needs to be applied at night is that some formulations are broken down by ultraviolet (UV) rays in daylight. Hyaluronic acid can safely be used both morning and evening. You can use it more or less frequently, though, depending on how much hydration you need. 

What are the benefits of combining hyaluronic acid and retinol?

Both retinol and hyaluronic acid have many proven skin benefits. But they work in different ways. So, combining them in your skin care routine enhances each ingredient’s individual benefits. 

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Benefits of retinol: From fighting pimples to reversing sun damage, learn about the many proven benefits of using retinol. 

• Confused about which retinol product to use? Learn the key differences between retinol products and which is best for your skin type. 

• Skin care tips for aging skin: Whether you’re in your 40s or beyond, read about essential skin care tips to keep your skin looking and feeling its best.

Benefits of hyaluronic acid 

As we said above, hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in your skin. In fact, its main function is to keep your skin hydrated and supple. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant. That means it attracts water and swells to create volume and support in the skin. 

Hyaluronic acid has many benefits, including:

• Increasing skin hydration

• Improving skin elasticity 

• Minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

• Improving wound healing 

Read more like this

Explore these related articles, suggested for readers like you.

Retinol and Vitamin C: How to Combine These Two Powerful Anti-Aging Ingredients

Retinol vs. Retin-A: Which Will Help Your Acne More?

How Do You Get Rid of the Appearance of Wrinkles?

What’s The Best Way to Apply Retin-A? Plus, 5 More Pharmacist Tips

View more

Hyaluronic acid comes in many different forms, most commonly as a serum or cream. But it can also be used as a dermal filler through an injection under the skin. When used in this way, it immediately creates a fuller and smoother look, by adding volume to deeper wrinkles. Results can last for up to 12 months. 

Benefits of retinol

Retinol (and other retinoids) have many skin benefits. In addition to treating acne, they also reduce natural signs of aging in the following ways:

• Minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles

• Increase collagen production

• Even out skin tone

• Fade dark spots

• Smooth out skin texture

• Exfoliate skin

How to combine hyaluronic acid and retinol?

How you combine hyaluronic acid and retinol depends on the types of products that you choose. Here’s an example of a common skin care routine using both ingredients. 

Remember: You can use hyaluronic acid twice, once in the morning and again at night. But only apply retinol once, at night.

Morning routine

At the start of your day, aim to do the following:

• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.

• While your skin is still damp, apply a few drops of hyaluronic acid serum. 

• Apply a moisturizer. 

• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen. 

Night routine

And before bed, do these four things:

• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.

• Apply your retinol product to dry skin and let it absorb.

• Apply a few drops of hyaluronic acid serum. 

• Apply a moisturizer. 

Choosing the right products

When it comes to choosing the right hyaluronic acid and retinol products, you have many options, at every price. The choices can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you find the best formulation for you. 

How to choose a hyaluronic acid product

Hyaluronic acid is a gentle ingredient that all skin types can tolerate. It’s available in many different types of products, in concentrations from 0.2% to 1%. 

One of the best ways to use hyaluronic acid is as a serum, which is lightweight and easily absorbed. Hyaluronic acid is usually listed under one of the following names: 

• Hyaluronic acid

• Hyaluronan

• Sodium hyaluronate

How to choose a retinol product

If you’ve never used retinol before, it’s best to start low and go slow. A good place to start is with a concentration of 0.2%. 

Retinol is available in many different formulations. But which one is best for you depends on your skin type, as well as the specific skin concerns you’re looking to treat. 

Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Oily skin: Serums and gels

• Dry skin: Cream or emollient

• Combination skin: Lightweight cream or serum

It’s worth knowing that retinol can be listed under different names in OTC products. Here are some to look for: 

• Retinyl esters

• Retinaldehyde

• Retinoid (in Adapalene 0.1%)

Can combining hyaluronic acid and retinol cause side effects?

No. Combining hyaluronic acid and retinol doesn’t usually cause side effects. Hyaluronic acid is a gentle ingredient. And it can actually help prevent some of the dryness and irritation caused by retinol. 

What should you NOT mix with retinol?

Retinol can irritate and dry out your skin, especially at the beginning. Because of this, it’s best to avoid other potentially harsh ingredients when you first start using retinol, including: 

• Salicylic acid

• Benzoyl peroxide

• Facial scrubs 

Once your skin gets used to the retinol, you can slowly add new products or restart others. Start one at a time on alternating days to give your skin time to adjust. 

Frequently asked questions

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. An experienced and dedicated pulmonologist and hospitalist, she spent a decade practicing and teaching clinical medicine at academic hospitals throughout London before transitioning to a career in health education and health technology.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts