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🚫 Skincare Ingredients You Should NEVER Mix

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Not all skincare ingredients play well together! Some combinations can lead to irritation, breakouts, or even cancel each other out. Here’s a quick guide to avoid common mistakes and keep your skin happy.
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❌ Vitamin C + Niacinamide

Why not? This duo can cancel out each other’s benefits when used together in high concentrations, especially in older formulas. Safer alternative: Use Vitamin C in the morning and Niacinamide at night, or layer them with a buffer (like hyaluronic aci...

 
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A budget-friendly favorite that helps minimize pores, regulate sebum, and improve overall skin texture. Great for oily or acne-prone skin.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
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A lightweight, fruity-scented serum that brightens and evens skin tone with five forms of vitamin C, niacinamide, and guava extract. Gentle enough for daily use.
Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Brightening Treatment Serum

❌ Vitamin C + Retinol

Both are potent actives, and when layered together, they may cause irritation and reduce effectiveness due to different pH requirements. Safer alternative: Vitamin C in the AM, Retinol in the PM.

 
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A potent yet soothing brightening serum with pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid), salicylic acid, and neurosensine – ideal for dull, sensitive skin.
La Roche Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum with Hyaluronic Acid & Salicylic Acid, Anti Aging Face Serum for Sensitive Skin - 1oz
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A gentle retinol solution that targets fine lines and uneven skin tone while maintaining hydration and barrier support with vitamin B3 (niacinamide).
La Roche Posay Retinol Face Serum with Vitamin B3 - 1.0 fl oz
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❌ AHA/BHA Acids + Retinol

Combining exfoliating acids with retinol can lead to over-exfoliation, redness, and compromised skin barrier. Safer alternative: Alternate nights or split between AM (AHA/BHA) and PM (Retinol). Products involved:

 
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This weekly exfoliating mask combines glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid to resurface and smooth skin. Use with care—potent but effective.
Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel
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A beginner-friendly retinol serum enriched with bakuchiol and peptides to fight signs of aging while keeping the skin calm and balanced.
Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment
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❌ Benzoyl Peroxide + Retinol

Benzoyl Peroxide can deactivate Retinol and cause irritation when used together. Safer alternative: Use Benzoyl Peroxide in the morning, Retinol at night.

 
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A targeted treatment that unclogs pores, fights breakouts, and fades post-acne marks. Perfect for combination or acne-prone skin.
Effaclar Duo+M Multi-Target Acne Treatment with Salicylic Acid
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Dermatologist-recommended cleanser for acne-prone skin. Effectively kills acne-causing bacteria without over-drying thanks to its creamy formula.
PanOxyl Antimicrobial Acne Creamy Wash 4%
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❌ Hyaluronic Acid + Alcohol-Based Toners

Alcohol can dry out the skin, negating the hydrating effects of Hyaluronic Acid, and can even pull moisture away. Safer alternative: Use an alcohol-free hydrating toner before Hyaluronic Acid.

 
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A hydration staple that draws moisture into the skin, leaving it plump and smooth. Works well layered under other serums or moisturizers.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)
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A soothing, lightweight booster with 89% Vichy volcanic water and hyaluronic acid that strengthens the skin barrier and hydrates deeply.
Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum | Vichy Laboratoires
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✅Skin Repair & Barrier Boosters

When your skin feels irritated, over-exfoliated, or just needs some extra love, these products help restore your skin’s barrier, reduce redness, and deeply nourish. Ideal after active treatments or harsh weather.

 
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A cult-favorite multi-purpose balm that instantly soothes and promotes healing — perfect for dry patches, irritation, or after aggressive treatments.
Cicaplast Balm B5 for Skin Irritations | La Roche-Posay
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Ultra-soothing cream that calms irritation and supports skin regeneration. Great for sensitive and reactive skin.
Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
 
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Rich, fragrance-free cream designed to calm itching and restore the skin’s protective barrier. Infused with Avene Thermal Spring Water to soothe and comfort even the most sensitive skin.
XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream
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Designed to calm redness and inflammation, this K-beauty favorite uses centella asiatica to strengthen and rebalance sensitive skin.
Mini Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment
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A rich, petrolatum-based balm packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and help heal the skin barrier overnight.
Healing Ointment
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Lightweight but effective — helps restore compromised skin with antibacterial copper-zinc and moisturizers.
Bioderma Cicabio Face Body Cream 1.35oz
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