How to Layer Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, Vitamin C, AHA/BHA, Retinols & More! 

Helloooo amazing people! We hope you enjoyed the video! Just thought we leave a quick note: this is just a very general set of guidelines for anyone wanting to start out with actives in their skincare routine, so we chose active combinations that we feel are best for beginners. 🤩 But this isn’t to say that you should follow the guideline to a T! Everyone’s skin is different and can even react well with ingredient combos that we didn’t mention here! So if you’re already someone who regularly incorporates actives in your routine, we encourage you to continue doing what you do since your skin is reacting super well to it! Hope this helps clear things up a bit! And as always, thank you soo much for your amazing support! 😘

Here are my detailed notes on everything (because I was that bored) *Getting to know the key active ingredients:* Vitamin A (Retinoids/Retinols): - Antioxidants - Increase cell turnover (smooth out fine lines & wrinkles) - Even texture - Kill acne-causing bacteria - Side effect includes drying => Pair well with moisturizer - Not necessary until 25 years of age Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide): - Produced by our body to transform carbohydrates into energy - Help all sorts of skin conditions (dullness & pore size) - Balance sebum production & texture - Less acidic than Vitamin C (4.5 pH level) Vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid): - Brightening effect - Promote elastin & collagen production in the dermis layer - Derivatives: tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, ascorbyl glucoside, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate => Better for sensitive skin Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA): - Fruit/milk-derived chemical exfoliants that are water-soluble - Slough off excess dead skin cells - Unclog pores and even out skin tone (help with black & white heads) - Common AHAs: glycolic acid (most potent), lactic acid (best for sensitive skin), tartaric acid, mandelic, and citric acid Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA): - Chemical exfoliants that are oil-soluble - Control sebum production - Smooth and minimize the look of enlarged pores *Combining active ingredients:* Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C => Extra synergistic boost (brightening & hydrating) => Help with dehydrated skin Azelaic Acid + Vitamin C => Azelaic acid calms inflammation, kills acne-causing bacteria & treats post-acne marks => Paired with Vitamin C for amplified efficacy Vitamin A (retinol) + Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) => Great combo for sensitive skin => Niacinamide helps dilute the potent effects of retinol => Help to stimulate ceramide production in the skin (ceramides are lipids that hold our skin together) Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) + Vitamin C => Help smooth wrinkles and even out dull, pigmented skin (post-acne marks & hyperpigmentation) Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Ferulic Acid => Stabilize & boost the efficacy of vitamin C => Calm down irritation & nourish skin => Create an ironclad shield that protects skin from the environment & UV rays & stimulating collagen *Layering active ingredients:* Method 1 - Texture & Consistency - Watery products include toners and serums - Creamy products are emollients like moisturizers - Emollients trap water inside & soften the skin outside => Apply products from thinnest (watery) to thickest (creamy) Method 2 - pH Levels - pH scale ranges from 0 - 14, from acidic to alkaline - Too acidic products can cause irritated, red, and inflamed skin - Very alkaline products can cause dry, flaky, and dehydrated skin - Ideal pH level for our skin lies between 4.5 - 5.5 - The lower the pH, the better absorption - Products that are lower in the pH level (pH 2.5-4) : AHA, BHA, Vitamin C => Incorporate first or earlier in the skincare routine - Products that are higher in the pH level (pH 4.5-7): Retinols, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Copper Peptides, facial oils (jojoba oil, rosehip oil, etc) => Skin barrier friendly => Apply low pH products before high pH products *Active ingredients for daytime routine: * Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Ferulic Acid (skin protection from UV rays) AHA (for hyperpigmentation, acne marks, overall skin brightening) BHA (for active breakouts) Azelaic Acid Gluconolactone (PHA - a milder form of AHA) Cleansing Vitamin C AHA or BHA or azelaic acid (toner or serum) Moisturizer SPF sunscreen *Active ingredient for nighttime routine:* Retinols (helps with cell regeneration) Retinols shouldn’t be used during the day due to its photosensitivity nature Method 1: Cleansing Retinols Moisturizer Method 2: (preferable for beginners to retinols) Cleansing Hyaluronic/Niacinamide Retinols Moisturizer Tips: Pilling: flaky shits that appear on your skin after you apply products Pilling occurs when your skincare doesn’t absorb into your skin Give your skin an extra 10-30 seconds to allow the product to absorb Applying products on damp skin helps better absorption Personal note: According to dermatologists, ALWAYS apply Retinol on dry, moisturized skin.

How I wish someone would create an app that we could put all of our products and a routine would lol up. I.E. This is better at night. If you use this at night, then use this in the a.m. Etc. Yes, I'm only dreaming...but wow would that be helpful!!!

_TIME STAMP LIST_ *Up vote for everyone to see!* Let's continue the conversation down below and share tips and tricks! _Key Active Ingredients_ Vitamin A/Retinoids/Retinols: 1:30 Vitamin B3/Niacinamide: 2:33 Vitamin C/L-Ascorbic Acid/Sensitive Skin w/Vitamin C: 3:33 AHA's/Alpha Hydroxy Acid/Sensitive Skin: 5:00 BHA'S/Beta Hydroxy Acid/Acne-Prone Skin: 6:10 _Pairing Active Ingredients_ Side Note-> Because Vita. C is a highly reactive ingredient I've put tags on the important sections Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C: 7:10 Azelaic Acid + Vitamin C: 7:45 Vitamin A + Niacinamide/Sensitive Skin: 8:24 Niacinamide + Vitamin C (IMPORTANT!): 9:15 Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Ferulic Acid (IMPORTANT!): 10:12 _Layering Products_ Texture and Consistency (Based on your skincare routine): 11:11 Ph Scale (VERY IMPORTANT WHEN MIXING DIFFERENT INGREDIENTS/PRODUCTS): 12:40 _Active Ingredients + Skincare Routine_ Side Note-> Those with REALLY DRY SKIN should think about washing once a day as to not over dry their skin. Unless needed Daytime Routine Essentials (Basic Skincare Routine): 14:20 Nighttime Routine Essentials (RETINOLS!!!!/BUFFERING THE SKIN!!!): 16:50 _Questions_ 1. Dosage Active Ingredients (REALLY IMPORTANT!/ SKIN IRRITATION!!): 18:20 2. How Many Active Ingredients? (TARGETING SKIN CONCERNS): 19:05 3. Product Pilling (IS YOUR SKINCARE CLUMPING ON YOUR SKIN?): 19:45 OH MY GOD! I never got a notification on this!! Ya'll are welcome and I'm glad it helps!!

I have been using this vitamin C face serum by rice berry littleextra for a few months now, and I'm truly impressed with the outcomes. It's become an essential part of my everyday skincare regimen. Over time, the serum has noticeably reduced the size of my pores and faded dark spots. It's excellent for my sensitive skin. One of its standout features about this serum is its light, non-greasy texture. It absorbs quickly, making my skin feel refreshed without any greasy residue. I definitely recommend it to anyone who wants a brighter, more even complexion, particularly with the benefits of black rice water. This serum is gentle enough even for sensitive skin. After applying the face serum, I follow up with rice berry sunscreen, which contains niacinamide and kojic acid, These have helped me even further reduce dark spots. Also, practicing yoga daily helps maintain my skin's elasticity.

Anyone else here learning to use The Ordinary?

*Notes on ingridient-combinations I took during the video* Hylaronic Acid + Vit C Azelaic Acid + Vit C Vit A + Vit B3 Vit B3 + Vit C Vit C + Vit E + Ferulic Acid

This video is incredibly informative, thank you!

Watch in 1.25x Speed. Thank me later 🙃😉

This is one of the best of layering of skincare ingredients videos I’ve seen. Thanks for breaking it down so well!

*Guide:* *Hyaluronoc acid + Vitamin C* For hydration and skin brightening *Azelaic acid + Vitamin C* For discoloration and skin brightening *Retinol + Niacinamide* For calming sensitive skin to retinol and increase ceramide production *Niacinamide + Vit C* For fine lines, brightening skin, and hyperpigmentation/post acne marks *Vit C + Vit E + Ferulic acid* For calming irritation, nourishing the skin and protecting skin from the environment

If you are using the Ordinary niacinamide + zinc, they instructed not to use it together with a vitamin c serum because the zinc in their formulation would react with vit c. Other niacinamide products are fine I guess.

I feel like I am watching a nicer and softer version of Crash Course, but in a skincare course ;) Edit: Omg, thank you all for the likes, was not expecting to relate to so many people😆💕

I’d love a video from you two on PEPTIDES! What the different peptides do- long term vs very short temporary effects. As always love the informative understandable content! Xoxo

anyway, I LOVE how you go on details about everything. This helps a lot. thank you!

I am 15 and have normal, non sensitive, non prone to sun burns and have no 100% esential oil sensitivity. I have blackheads on my nose, a bit on the forehead and chin tho and my forehead is prone to malassezia folliculitis. What is recommended for my complexion? The cerave hydrating cleanser? Niacinamide? Aha/bha? Aloe vera moisturizer? Sun screen ofc :)

the more i want to know about skin care, i get more confused.. because we need everything but they dont work together.. lolsss. WHAT SHOULD I USE THEN???

This is an eye opener. It couldn't have come at a better time. Was looking for products to try during this quarantine period. Thankyou boss lady. So educative.

11:11 texture/consistency 12:41 pH level 14:20 day time routine 16:50 night time routine

“Don’t worry you don’t have to start using retinals until you’re 25” I turned 25 last week... 😳

Im so excitedd, thank you beauty within for helping me forming a good skincare routine. I learned a lot from your video's!🥰 And the funny thing is that i'm a 14 year old boy🙃😂

Can we have a part 2 where you talk about alpha arbutin, Tranexamic acid, ferulic acid, azelaic acid etc?

Can you pleaseee compare inkey list, Paula’s Choice and the Ordinary Nicinamide, HA, and BHA i would very appreciate it! Like this comment so they can do it please 🙏

Side note on the side note: you definitely CAN start retinol before you're 25. It's also good for acne, not just wrinkles

Yo I just barely realized this channel used to be, “Asian Beauty secrets.” I never connected the two before. I used to watch Mia’s videos religiously. Whatever happened to her? D:

We all know about AHAs and BHA but can anyone talk about Amino Acids and their benefits? It can surely be the next big ingredient. .

its all too much ugh it’s so overwhelming sometimes I just wish none of this extra stuff existed

This is so overwhelming 😭 I just want a simple skincare routine with proud which are available to me, so that I can just watch and copy. And I was even so bad at chemistry. This is too much for me😭😭😭😭😭

Thanks to you guys i am finally mastering my skincare routine and im ALMOST acne free 😭😭😭❤️ ive been struggling with hormonal acne, since HIGHSCHOOL! Im now in my mid 20s and im finally getting the flawless complexion ive dreamed of ❤️❤️❤️❤️ love you guys!

Who else is on the road to recovery 🐞🤧

*The following are notes I took during the video* Ph-layering: - Aha, Bha, Vit C - Hylaronic Acid, Copper Peptides, Vit A, Plant oils Morning: - Vit C serum (defense uva, uvb, free radicals) - Aha, bha, azelaic acid (pha) (Vit c + aha/bha/azelaic acid) Night: -Vit A (fragile while exposed to dun, so night, - Hylaroic Acid/Vit B3 then Vit A

I just wanna second someone else’s comment that we’d love a part 2!! I’m especially interested in learning about layering arbutin! 😊

I need tips! Can I layer Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid in the morning with moisturizer?

This is literally everything 😩!! This video helped me put my skin care routine together. I never had acne until I hit my 20s and I have sensitive skin, plus I get acne scars easily. I really think this will work! I can’t wait to try my new routine! thank you!

So does this mean I can use vitamin c and salicylic in the same routine? I thought vitamin c wasn't supposed to be used with an AHA/BHA?

Love how you explain al these active ingredients. Honestly this breakdown is the easiest way anyone has broken down these skin care active ingredients. Awesome video!

*adds every active ingredient product to ULTA beauty cart* "you really want to only stick to 1 or 2 product" welp

I discovered your chanel yesterday and it's soooooo informative i'm subsribing 👍🏻

I use Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel, it has 7 separate acids including Glycolic, Citric, Lactic, Benzyl, Benzoic and Rentinol. What other products would you suggest I use as vitamin C doesn't sound like a good idea. Hylaronic acid, eye cream and a good night time moisturiser?

Can I mix niacinamide with AHA? Thank you!

This didn’t answer my question for if I can layer niacinamide and BHA / AHA ....

Can you guys start adding where your outfits are from? You guys always so look so lovely 😍

Does this mean after you've gotten rid of all the active breakouts of acne, you have to change from BHA to AHA?

Can we use AHA & Niacinamide with Vitamin C?

I learned a lot from this channel. I want to know more about Bakuchiol. Can you take up it in the next video

Hi, guys. This video format is so amazing and informative. Especially when you separated products on the diagram visually by the groups and Ph levels. Make so much more sense now 🥰

I would love a weekly skincare routine!! I think it would be so helpful to see when to use ahas, retinols and how often during the week.:)

When do we apply these? Before the toner? Before the moisturizer? And how often should we be using these? Sorry, I'm new to skincare and I'm trying to figure out when/how to use Ordinary haha

Can I use Cerave daily moisturizing lotion (with hyaluronic acid), niacinamide, and alpha arbutin altogether? Thank you!

I was literally JUST praying you’d have a video on this. So perfect.

The pixi glow tonic has lots of fragrance in it and can be really irritating for someone with sensitive skin

Hi! Thank you for this video! Can you do a part 2?lol include peptides and vitamins C or peptides with retinol? Arbutiin how to layer these with ingredients for best results or q10? Thanks😊

What about copper peptides ?

Hi! I had a really important questions. Can ceramides layer with acid exfoliants & niacinamide? Thank you!

I’ve actually found that applying toner or essence between serum layers makes all the difference and has stopped pilling for me.

Can you use bha/aha with niacinamide?? Because I have been wondering about that for awhile.

My skin has never looked better! My heart bursts at the seams from how much I love you two, you’re one of my favourite things in the world 🥰 I really want to try the seabuckthorn moisturiser from Purito but it’s 70% vitamin c. I already use retinol and niacinamide I’m scared to venture into vitamin c territory ahh 😦

Love this information thank us

I disagree with the not starting retinols before 25. I had cystic acne that left dark scars, my forehead was deeply textured, my nose was spotted black, you could see into my pores. My doctor put me on trentinoin 0.025%, a retinol, a very potent vitamin A cream at 17 years old. The next 6 months of purge were horrendous and drying, I wish we had masks back then. It was well worth it, I have used my Rx cream daily. I'm 22 now. My skin was hormonal and it was painful to smile, now I'm glowing with a clear, solid complexion. The key is to not over exfoliate and to let your skin grow back with ceramides and keep it full with vitamin C on days you don't use vitamin A. If you need to use retinols before you're 25, do it.

AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO USES MY RETINOIDS AFTER MY MOISTURIZER?! I’ve been doing this for 10 years and now I’m afraid to use it before because it might irritate my skin! I’ve always heard mixed reviews on when to use it!

I'm using the ordinarys: hyaluronic acid 2% +b5, niacinamide 10% + zinc 1% and the granactive retinoid 2% emulsion at night, and found that their was loads of Pilling if I also used either squalene or rose hip oil after. so I stop those 2 but the 3 products are stilling Pilling and I can't figure it out. Also would you recommend all 3? (I struggle with dull, acne prone skin)

I've literally been searching for exactly this for the past few days. Thank you!!!

If I using retinol A+ serum, is that ok follow up with C.E.O glow vitamin C?

The way i was thinking abt this earlier today and it turns out my queen answered the question 3y ago

Me when she’s talking about Retinoids: oh I should get some of that Her: lists the product that my dermatologist gave me 😳

Can y’all please do other alternatives for the brands y’all mentioned in this video, any other cheaper options that are still great? I find those wayyyy out of my budget. #brokecollegestudent

Unsolicited opinion and constructive criticism: the first several minutes of the video is a repetitive 101 on basic ingredients covered thoroughly before in many past videos. Only at about the seven minute mark are combinations discussed. I understand this is helpful for new viewers but if we are clicking on the video to see which actives can be layered in our routine, we all probably have somewhat of an understanding of what the actives already are and what they do for our skin. Sometimes the intros can be very overwhelming and wordy but this is just my point of view and wanted to share some feedback :) all love ❤️

I have a salicylic acid and niacinamide based moisturizer..can i use this moisturizer with tretinoin..plz tell me

Hey you mentioned to not start using retinol before age of 25. I'm 21 I'm I smile a lot and I'm starting to have fine lines in my forehead and around my lips. I was thinking of starting to include retinol in my skin care but with a small dosage and with time level it up should I still consider doing that or wait?

When layering serums, what if the serum with a lower pH has a thicker consistency? For example, Farmacy Honeymoon Glow and hyaluronic acid/niacinimide? Which one should go first? Should these products be layered within the same routine?

do you know anything about scalp/haircare? im losing all my hair atm and its really distressing me. would love some ingredient advice from you guys !

This is the only RU-vid channel where I don’t skip the ads😂 I have learned so much from this channel!😁

If anyone knows can you please reply. Can I layer two different treatments on top of each other? The ordinary salicylic acid 2% solution and The ordinary niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. Please reply if you know btw they both suit my skin but I don't know if I can use bith

Why no body talks about salicylic acid!? 🤥Can I layer salicylic acid with vitamin c.? BHA+ascorbic acid

Start all over again after pilling?? Nah.. I just dust it off and continue ,)

Question to Fel: I have a bunch of The Odinary products but am confused how to layer them or alternate usage to get the best results without irritating my skin. I have niacinamide, buffet, lactic acid 10%, azelaic acid, alpha arbutin, ascorbic acid, granactive retinoid....YES I HAVE A LOT! Lolss! Help pls!

Thank you so much for this video! As a newbie to skincare, I've gone down a rabbit hole of videos telling me I need this and that. I have a list that's insanely long of things I WANT to try, and things I NEED to start using. But with everything out there, I feel paralyzed when I start shopping because I don't know what I can use, when I can use it, what won't work with something else, etc. So thank you thank you for putting everything into layman's terms and helping guide me in the right direction!

Hi dears Can I mix AHA BHA with my body lotion at home Please if you know more reply to me 😊 Thank you so much

Conclusion You can mix Vit A (retinols) and Vit B3(niacinamide) You can mix Vit B3(Niacinamide) and Vit C But You cant mix Vit A (retinol)and Vit C

This channel is the best! So informative but also so entertaining. If you guys were my teachers in school I would have stayed past class time haha

Now I’m even more confused 🤦🏽‍♀️

With a p.m. routine what order would I use the niacinamide vitamin a retinol and hyaluronic acid what order????

Isn't it that for vit c & niacinamide, while the two ingredients are great on their own, combining them creates a two-fold problem?: One, it neutralizes the effectiveness of both ingredients, and two, it might create a substance (nicotinic acid) that leads to skin redness?? "Just confirming...."

Just to clarify, in the AM I can use my AHA toner and then use my Vit C serum? Because you mentioned serum first then toner??

Azeliac acid (from the ordinary) has been my holy Grail after struggling many years with adult acne and comedonal acne. My skin has never looked better and after failed after failed product I can't believe how this one product has completely changed my skin (and my life!)

Beauty within - the best teacher and friend in the world.

Could you pls pls PLEEEAAAAASSE make a vid on how to remove blackheads effectively and prevention of blackheads in the future🥺🥺🥺

For Acne Actives(day time) ☆cleanse ☆vitamin C ☆AHA or BHA ☆moisturizer ☆and SPF

Best video ever! All essential information compressed in 1 video with the how's. I wish this was the very first video I saw when I started with my abc's, Thank you!

"Why am I pilling?" Oh Gosh finally my long-lost question answered! Thank you!

This was wildly informative 😍 Thank you so much you gorgeous soul 🤍✨

I have the product paulas choice bha would I put vitiam C before or after this???

can you use niacimaide and bha?? someone help 🥺🥺

This video is incredible!! Answered so many of my questions 😭🙌💛

Thanks sooooo much for this I feel like i'm studying for a class just trying to clear up my face. Also, that skirt is THE BOMB!

I experienced chemical burns multiple times and I learned that retinols and AHAs shouldn’t be combined so I’m still confused! I had a 70% glycolic acid peel which was used rarely and probably once a week max for a few weeks and then a 8% hydroquinone + 0.25% retinol compound from a dermatologist. I tried to use the cream at night and avoid sun so I don’t know if it was from not wearing enough sunscreen (this was a little while back so it’s not fresh in my memory) but 2 or 3 times I ended up with redness and scabbing that left scars that took longer to fade than what I was originally trying to fix.

Can I use hyaluronic acid and vitamin c in the morning and niacinamide and retinol at night? Is that ok?

How often can I use the Paula’s choice BHA toner? It says daily however I’m afraid to over exfoliate, I did that as a teen and caused permanent skin damage. Granted it was from one of those “daily use” micro beed face washes from Neutrogena, which I am both physically and mentally scared from haha. I just don’t want to cause more damage, and understandably don’t really trust exfoliating product instructions.

who else is struggling with acne? 🙋🏽‍♀️😩

Freakin love the detail! Knowing the exact ingredients and HOW to use them is so helpful!