Can You Use Vitamin C and Glycolic acid Together?

Yes, but use them at different times of day

Yes, at different times. Both are acidic, and layering them can sting. Use vitamin C in the morning under sunscreen and glycolic acid at night.

How to use vitamin c and glycolic acid in one routine

Morning

Cleanser, vitamin C, moisturizer, sunscreen

Night

Cleanser, glycolic acid (a few nights a week), moisturizer

There is no dangerous reaction between them. Two low-pH products in a row simply raise the odds of stinging and redness.

Glycolic acid is an exfoliant, so it belongs at night, a few times a week. Vitamin C suits the morning, when it sits under sunscreen.

If you also use a retinoid, glycolic acid should go on nights you skip the retinoid.

The checker below starts with this pair selected. Tap anything else you use to see every pairing and a routine that keeps them apart.

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Vitamin C + Glycolic / lactic acid (AHA)
Split AM / PM
Two acidic products in a row can sting. Vitamin C in the morning, the acid at night. Read more

A routine that keeps them apart

Morning

Cleanser → Vitamin C → moisturizer → sunscreen

Night

Cleanser → Glycolic / lactic acid (AHA) → moisturizer

On a prescription? Ask your prescriber before adding other actives. Want this checked against your actual products? Acnera scans your whole routine.

Yes, at different times. Both are acidic, and layering them can sting. Use vitamin C in the morning under sunscreen and glycolic acid at night.

It often stings. Moving them to different times of day avoids the problem.

A few nights a week is a common starting point, especially if you use other actives.

Sources: AAD: acne skin care tips; FDA: AHA sunburn alert labeling. General information, not medical advice. If you use a prescription treatment, ask your prescriber before adding actives.