Can You Use Vitamin C And Tranexamic Acid Together? Here's What To Know

With many of us pursuing a healthy glow for our skin, the skincare market is booming. It is predicted to continue on an upward trajectory for the foreseeable future, with Senior Beauty Editor of trend forecasting company WGSN Theresa Yee noting that "the interest in the market isn't slowing down" (via Fashionista). Of course, as the market grows, consumers gravitate toward their favorite products. Some products growing a strong online presence include retinol, serums, lip oils, and creams. Other beauty items also gaining traction in the beauty world include vitamin C serums and products containing tranexamic acid.

If you own both of these products, you may want to know if you can use the two products together. While it is common for people to use two products with active ingredients together, there are also pairings that you need to avoid. So, where does this pair fall on the spectrum? Thankfully, the answer is just what you're hoping for.

If you hope to use these two skincare products together, you're in luck. It turns out that both vitamin C and tranexamic acid can be used together. In fact, such a pairing may even benefit your skin, notes assistant professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Health Mary Stevenson, M.D. (via Healthline). This sentiment is echoed by other experts, with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shari Marchbein explaining to InStyle: "I also layer tranexamic acid containing serums over vitamin C serums and under SPF in the morning and under retinoids at nighttime, so this can safely and effectively be combined with multiple other actives." Therefore, if you're looking to use both of these products together, you can rest assured that they will work in harmony with one another to help improve the overall look of your skin.

However, like with any product, it is better to patch test the combination on your skin before you commit to fully implementing it into your skincare routine. Doing so will allow you to see how your skin reacts and whether you should continue using both products in combination with each other.

While vitamin C serums and tranexamic acid work well together, there are some products that you should avoid mixing with the former. Speaking to Stylecaster, Dr. Deanne Robinson, M.D., F.A.A.D., explains which products you shouldn't be using alongside vitamin C serums: "Benzoyl peroxide may oxidize vitamin C so it's advised to not apply together." 

Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Dendy Engelman, M.D., adds that when vitamin C is "mixed with citric acid and AHAs, these ingredients destabilize each other and can be irritating to the skin." However, this isn't the only combination that you should avoid when it comes to vitamin C serums.

One notable pair to avoid is vitamin C and retinol. While both of these products can work wonders for your skin, you should never pair these together due to their potential to cause irritation. It's always best to do your due diligence regarding what ingredients you can pair together and what to avoid. If you're unsure, then consulting with a professional is always a good option.