Are Your Skincare Products Working In Harmony?

This is a question we hear a lot. Many people wonder if they can mix and match skincare products from different ranges or even from different brands. The short answer is yes. In fact, because each person’s individual complexion is nuanced, using products from different collections can be a great way to fulfil your skin’s needs.

However, it’s also vital to know what’s in each product so you can avoid any unwanted interactions. We’ll look into this more, but first, let’s explore how to know if your current skincare combinations could do with a change-up.

If you’ve ever refreshed your skincare routine for a new season or to simply try a new product, you’ll know that it can take time to see steady results. But how do you know if your complexion is just getting used to the new formula or if there’s a product clash?

Here are some signs to look out for:

As mentioned, it often takes time for a new skincare product (or set of products) to deliver ongoing results. However, if you're consistently using skincare products but aren't seeing the benefits they promise, it could be due to conflicting ingredients.

Similarly, when you start a new skincare routine, you might initially notice positive changes in your skin, such as a smoother texture, more even skin tone, or reduced blemishes. However, if after some time your skin stops improving or seems to plateau, it could be a sign that the ingredients in your products aren't working well together, leading to a diminished overall effect.

Have you been using radiance-boosting products for a glowing complexion but seeing lacklustre results? Perhaps you’ve been looking to promote a smoother, more even skin tone. If your complexion remains dull or uneven despite regular use of brightening or smoothing products, certain combinations might be to blame.

If your skin feels dry or dehydrated despite using moisturising products, the issue might lie in the layering of your products. It’s particularly common when using high-alcohol toners with hydrating products containing hyaluronic acid — the alcohol in the toner can evaporate the moisture that the hyaluronic acid is trying to retain. If you’re using products with hyaluronic acid, we recommend sticking with alcohol-free toners for a more gentle and effective skincare routine that locks in moisture. Our Soothing Apricot Toner and Balancing Lavender Toner each help sweep away last traces of makeup while helping maintain your skin’s natural pH level — without alcohol.

If your skincare products seem to sit on the surface of your skin without absorbing, it could indicate a formula mismatch. However, this isn’t always to do with the ingredients, themselves — it could be down to the order of your product layering. To get the most from a skincare product, it needs to be absorbed into your skin. But layering heavy balms before lightweight active serums could prevent your serum from working properly, limiting the effects you’ll see from it.

When you’re curating your skincare routine, the wealth of options can make it challenging to know which combinations are worth trying. Often, it will be a case of trying complementary pairings out and seeing how they work. Having said this, there are some ingredient combinations that experts recommend avoiding.

So, which skincare products should not be used together?

Vitamin C is an antioxidant powerhouse. This brightening ingredient can help reduce the appearance of dark circles, creating a more vibrant, even complexion. It’s a key ingredient in our Dynamic Resurfacing Super-C Serum, helping reduce visible signs of pigmentation in as little as 5 days*.

Retinol is a powerful and popular anti-ageing ingredient. A form of Vitamin A, it helps speed up cell turnover and support collagen production.

Together, these ingredients sound like the perfect pair, leading to a brighter, smoother, and more youthful-looking complexion. However, because both are potent active ingredients, combining them can overwhelm sensitive skin types. You may also find that using these ingredients together in the same routine can lead each to be ineffective. This is because they both have different pH requirements to work their magic. But don’t worry — you can still reap the benefits of Vitamin C and retinol by alternating them. Try including Vitamin C in your morning routine, and retinol at night.

Another option is to look at retinol alternatives. Our natural alternative to retinol combines stevia extract and galactomannans from alfalfa. Together, these ingredients deliver retinol-like benefits, including reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and enhancing skin firmness. Gentle enough for daily use, our retinol alternative is a central part of our Pro-Collagen Renewal Serum and is perfect for those who want the anti-ageing effects of retinol without worrying about product combinations.

*Independent clinical trial 2021. Results based on 90 (30 per group) healthy female and male volunteers over 28 days.

If you have blemish-prone skin, you may have looked at using salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide (also known as benzoic acid) — either on their own or together. Both ingredients help create a smoother, clearer complexion. However, we generally recommend not using salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide on the same area of skin or you may find your complexion feels sensitive.

Tend to be essential for skin repair and rejuvenation, but when acids like Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) are in the mix, they can have less impact . This is because the acids can alter the peptide's structure, making them less effective in supporting collagen production and improving skin texture.

Now you know a little more about mixing skincare products with certain active ingredients, you can start building a unique beauty routine tailored to your complexion. We recommend that you start from the top. First, recognise your skin type. However you see your skin, it's important to identify those traits before you start experimenting. You can also try our Virtual Skin Analysis tool to gain insight into what your complexion needs and the most suitable formulas. 

Next, pick out products that work for your skin type. This can seem intimidating at first, but a lot can be intuitive, and ingredient or product combinations can be spotted quickly. Start by looking for the best facial cleanser for your skin type and go from there. 

We offer a range of harmonic skincare treatment combinations suitable for all sorts of skin types. No matter your skincare goals, we can help you find the ideal product pairings to help you get a complexion that looks and feels radiant. Explore our collection of luxury skincare products across our key ranges. From our anti-ageing heroes in the Pro-Collagen collection to our nourishing Superfood line for a glowing skin, find your ideal skincare products with ELEMIS.