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Ingredient pairing

Can you mix Pro-vitamin B5 and Retinol?

Written by Maya FaourHow we score →

Fine togetherThey're fine together.

Pro-vitamin B5Retinol

These two actually work well together, and are often formulated side by side.

Routine: You can use these together, morning or night.

Pro-vitamin B5Worth paying for
Efficacy8
Hydration8
Barrier8
RetinolWorth paying for
Efficacy9
Anti-aging9
Brightening4

Skip if: pregnancy, breastfeeding, very sensitive, compromised barrier

Not in pregnancy

Which one goes first?

Apply Retinol first

  1. 1Cleanse
  2. 2Retinol
  3. 3Pro-vitamin B5
  4. 4Moisturize

On freshly cleansed skin, Retinol goes on first, then Pro-vitamin B5 over it. The rule of thumb is thinner and lower-pH first, richer last.

Adding Pro-vitamin B5 and Retinol to your routine

  1. Good news first: these two get along, so there is no special order or waiting period to manage.
  2. Still add them one at a time, a week or two apart, so if your skin does react you know which one to look at.

For your skin type If your skin is sensitive or reactive, take this pair slowly: Retinol is the higher-irritation ingredient here, and using actives close together magnifies that. On the upside, Pro-vitamin B5 leans hydrating or soothing, which helps buffer the rest.

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Pro-vitamin B5 and Retinol, answered

Can you mix Pro-vitamin B5 and Retinol?

They're fine together. These two actually work well together, and are often formulated side by side.

Should you use Pro-vitamin B5 and Retinol in the morning or at night?

Either. Pro-vitamin B5 and Retinol are fine to use together, morning or night.

How should you introduce Pro-vitamin B5 and Retinol?

Good news first: these two get along, so there is no special order or waiting period to manage. Still add them one at a time, a week or two apart, so if your skin does react you know which one to look at.

What else should you not mix with Pro-vitamin B5?

Nothing else clashes badly with Pro-vitamin B5. It fits into most routines, though it is always wise to introduce one new product at a time.

Sources

Plus how we reach every verdict: how we score →

General guidance, not medical advice. When in doubt, introduce one product at a time.