The Right Way To Use Retinol And Moisturizer Together

Key Takeaways:

• Optimized Skincare Routine: Using retinol and moisturizer together enhances retinol’s skin renewal ability to fight wrinkles and hyperpigmentation while reducing irritation for a more effective regimen.
• The Sandwich Method: Layering moisturizer before and after retinol helps reduce irritation, especially for beginners or sensitive skin.
• Beginner-Friendly Approach: First-time retinol users should start with a gentle concentration, apply sunscreen daily, and introduce retinol gradually to maximize benefits while minimizing side effects.

 

Retinol is skincare’s beloved overachiever and, let’s be honest, a bit of a diva. It’s one of the most well-studied ingredients for tackling fine lines, uneven skin tone, and breakouts, but it also comes with a bit of baggage. Namely, redness, flakiness, and an attitude if you don’t introduce it properly. Enter moisturizer, the trusty sidekick that can help keep irritation at bay while letting retinol do its thing.

But here’s the million-dollar question: Do you apply retinol before or after moisturizer? Does layering actually matter, or is this just another overcomplicated skincare debate? The short answer is yes, it definitely matters. And the best approach depends on your skin type, goals, and retinol experience level. Let’s break down the right way to use retinol and moisturizer together — without sending your skin into a full-blown tantrum.

 

 

Breaking Down Retinol And Its Benefits

Retinol is a star ingredient that’s made its way into countless skincare routines and remained in the dermatology hall of fame for decades. It’s most often praised for its ability to smooth wrinkles, even out skin tone, and keep pores in check. But before we get too excited, let’s get into the deets. What exactly is this magical elixir, and why should you consider adding it to your skincare cocktail?

 

Here’s Why So Many People Love Retinol

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that’s acclaimed for its impressive ability to speed cell turnover and boost collagen production. This means it helps slough off those pesky dead skin cells, revealing the plump, smooth skin underneath. But it doesn’t stop there. After skin acclimates to retinol, long-term use (~4-8 weeks), it can help:

• Reduce Fine Lines & Wrinkles: By stimulating collagen production, it keeps skin bouncy and firm over time.
• Fade Hyperpigmentation & Dark Spots: By cranking up skin cell turnover, it helps clear out stubborn discoloration (yes, even that one spot you swear wasn’t there last year).
• Keep Breakouts At Bay: Retinol regulates oil production and unclogs pores, making it a great addition to acne-fighting routines.

Sounds great, right? Well, here’s the catch: Retinol is also known for its spicy side effects like dryness, redness, and peeling (especially if you go in too fast, too soon). That’s why pairing it with a solid moisturizer is key to keeping your skin happy, hydrated, and irritation-free. Now that we’ve covered the what and why, let’s talk about how to use retinol and moisturizer together — without turning your face into the Sahara Desert.

 

The Million-Dollar Question: Should You Apply Retinol Before Or After Moisturizer?

Let’s keep this simple: Basically, it depends on your skin and how well you tolerate retinol. We’ve already gone over how retinol is a powerhouse ingredient that helps speed up cell turnover, boost collagen production, and even out skin tone. It’s why we packed our Double Play Retinol Face & Eye Treatment with 0.3% encapsulated retinol — a stabilized form that delivers all the wrinkle-fighting, brightening goodness without throwing your skin into meltdown mode. But where retinol sits in your routine makes a big difference in both efficacy and irritation levels. Here’s how to approach it:

• Retinol AFTER Moisturizer (Buffer Method): Ideal for beginners or sensitive skin. Applying a moisturizer first creates a protective layer, slightly diluting retinol’s strength so your skin can adjust more gently. Think of it as giving your skin a soft cushion before introducing the actives.
• Retinol BEFORE Moisturizer (Maximum Absorption Method): Best for seasoned retinol pros who want full potency. Applying Double Play directly to dry skin allows the retinol to sink in deeper and work at full capacity. Just be sure to follow up with a hydrating moisturizer like Mr. Reliable to keep your skin happy and balanced.

The Chemist Confessions mantra/methodology has always been - personalization leads to true skin success. At the end of the day, the best way to use retinol is, however your skin tolerates it best. Everyone’s skin is unique, so feel free to mix, match, and test to find your sweet spot. Whether you’re a slow and steady buffer fan or a straight-to-business maximalist, the key is consistency. And, of course, using sunscreen during the day is non-negotiable (because baby-fresh retinol skin needs protection).

Make A Retinol Sandwich For Extra Protection

When it comes to retinol and moisturizer, think of them as the dynamic duo in your skincare regimen. The "Sandwich Method" is a clever layering trick that helps reduce irritation, especially for retinol beginners or sensitive skin types. Imagine your moisturizer playing the role of bread while retinol is the flavorful filling. 

Ready to layer up? Here’s how to build the perfect skincare sandwich:

Place The Base

Start by applying a thin layer of moisturizer before your retinol. This initial base creates a protective buffer, helping reduce dryness and irritation while prepping your skin for the active ingredients.

• Aquafix Hydrating Water Gel: If you have oily or dehydrated skin, this is your go-to. This 100% oil-free water gel is packed with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and madecassoside to deeply hydrate without heaviness.
• Mr. Reliable Lightweight Moisturizer: Need more barrier support? Like it says in the name, you CAN rely on this guy. This is a no-fuss, one-and-done hydrator that provides lightweight yet effective moisture, making it great for dry or combo skin types.

Add The Filling

Now that your moisturizer base is set, it’s time for the star of the show: retinol! Apply Double Play, which features 0.3% encapsulated retinol and 2% haloxyl peptide complex to smooth fine lines, fade dark circles, and boost collagen — all without wrecking your skin barrier.

Applying retinol over your moisturizing base helps soften the potential side effects while still letting it do its thing. Think of it as helping your skin slowly ease into retinol instead of throwing it into the deep end.

Finish It Off

Seal the deal with a second layer of moisturizer to lock in hydration and keep retinol’s side effects at bay.

• For Lightweight Hydration: Mr. Reliable helps reinforce your skin barrier while still layering smoothly over actives.
• For Extra Nourishment: A few drops of The Better Oil can further nourish your skin barrier while adding some glow. Win-win!

And just like that, you’ve built the perfect retinol sandwich! The best part? You can customize your sandwich based on your skin’s mood. Feel free to swap in different moisturizers based on your skin's needs or the season. By using this chemist-approved layering technique, you’re nurturing your skin barrier while getting the most out of retinol. 

Best Practices for First-Time Retinol Users

Dipping your toes into the retinol world for the first time? We get it, this ingredient is equal parts legendary and intimidating. But don’t worry, we’re here to make sure your first encounter is less "skin reakout" and more "slow and steady glow-up."

Choose The Right Concentration

When starting out, resist the urge to go full throttle. Stronger doesn’t mean better…It usually just means angrier skin. For absolute beginners, look for retinol concentrations between 0.1 to 0.3%.  That’s why we formulated Double Play with 0.3% encapsulated retinol: a stable, beginner-friendly dose that still packs an anti-aging punch without the unnecessary irritation. 

Slow And Steady Wins The Race

Retinol isn’t the type of ingredient that sweeps you off your feet overnight; it’s more of a slow-burn romance. Start with every other night (or even once a week), using just a small amount, and watch how your skin responds. If things are smooth sailing after a few weeks, you can gradually increase frequency. The goal is to say buh-bye to overall pigmentation, crow’s feet, dark circles, and wrinkles without irritating your skin. Since we always back up our statements with the evidence. We've tested our very own Double Play using a protocol that onboard retinol for the first two weeks, where subjects used this every other day

But if you’re worried that you’re missing out on those retinol benefits because you’re applying it less frequently, worry it not!  In Chemist Confession fashion, we’ve tested our very own Double Play using a protocol that included an onboard period. For the first two weeks, subjects used Double Play for a more realistic onboard, and subjects still saw a significant reduction in hyperpigmentation, crows feet, and dark circles in six weeks

Retinol At Night, Sunscreen In The Morning

Retinol and sunlight are not the best of friends. Because retinol increases skin sensitivity to UV rays, it’s best used at night, followed by a solid moisturizer to buff up your skin barrier. 

Contrary to popular belief, retinol could be used during the day time. While it's true that retinol and sunlight are not the best of friends, there are actually studies showing that retinol use during the daytime doesn't make your skin more photosensitive than using it at night as long as the daytime retinol is followed with sunscreen. That said, we typically would recommend using retinol at night just once daily. This fits into most people's skincare routine naturally, without causing a lot of layering issues.

But what’s non-negotiable? Sunscreen every single morning. No exceptions. No "but it’s cloudy" excuses. A broad-spectrum SPF not only prevents irritation but also ensures all your hard-earned skin gains don’t go to waste.

Listen To Your Skin

At the end of the day, your skin is in charge. If it’s dry, irritated, or feeling a little overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to dial it back or add extra hydration. The key to a successful retinol routine? Patience and a little trial and error.

With these best practices, you’re ready to use retinol like a pro. If you want to dive even deeper into the skincare rabbit hole, check out our Learn Hub! We’ve got a blog, podcast, and even a published book for all you tactile learners. 

 

 

Conclusion

At Chemist Confessions, we’re all about helping you take control of your skincare. And when it comes to retinol and moisturizer, they’re like the ultimate tag team in your skin’s rejuvenation squad: retinol smooths, evens, and refines, while moisturizer keeps everything balanced and nourished. 

Whether you're here to nerd out on the science or just want a no-nonsense guide to better skin, we gotchu. Your skincare should adapt to you, not the other way around. By putting the power of skincare knowledge back in your hands, we hope you feel confident building a routine that really works. Remember, no one knows your skin better than you do! You deserve to know what makes your skin tick, rather than just being told what products to buy. 

Now go forth, retinol wisely, reap the benefits, and don’t forget the sunscreen.

Read also:

• Tretinoin vs. Retinol - Which One Should You Use?
• Can You Use Glycolic Acid With Retinol?
• Dehydrated Skin vs. Dry Skin: What Is The Difference And How To Treat?

Frequently Asked Questions About Using Retinol And Moisturizer Together

Are there any ingredients in moisturizers that should be avoided when using retinol?

While there’s no ingredient you should actively avoid in a moisturizer, it’s important to avoid any skin irritation risk while onboarding retinol. We recommend proceeding with caution combining products that have high levels of chemical exfoliants, other retinoids,  and benzoyl peroxide.

Can I use retinol and moisturizer every day?

Start by using retinol products two to three times a week, then gradually increase frequency as your skin builds tolerance. Once the skin has acclimated, using both retinol and moisturizer every day is perfectly fine and very common. 

Is it necessary to use sunscreen when applying retinol and moisturizer during the day?

Yes, absolutely! Retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it’s crucial to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day to protect your skin and enhance the benefits of retinol. Apply sunscreen as the last step in your routine.

 

Can I use retinol and moisturizer together at night?

Definitely. Nighttime is an ideal time to use retinol and moisturizer together. Applying retinol in the evening allows your skin to absorb and benefit from its effects without the risk of sun exposure, while the moisturizer enhances hydration and helps prevent irritation.

 

Can all skin types use retinol and moisturizer together?

Most skin types can benefit from using retinol and moisturizer together. However, those with sensitive skin should introduce retinol slowly, which may require a more careful approach. Always patch-test new products to ensure compatibility with your skin.

 

How do I know if my skin is reacting badly to retinol or moisturizer?

Signs of a bad reaction include excessive redness, itching, peeling, or stinging. If you experience any of these symptoms, reduce the frequency of application or stop using the product altogether. 

References:

1. Mambwe, B., Mellody, K. T., Kiss, O., O'Connor, C., Bell, M., Watson, R. E., & Langton, A. K. (2025). Cosmetic retinoid use in photoaged skin: A review of the compounds, their use and mechanisms of action. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 47(1), 45-57.
2. Wójcik, A., Bartnicka, E., Namieciński, P., & Rotsztejn, H. (2015). Influence of the complex of retinol-vitamin C on skin surface lipids. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 14(2).
3. Bertin, C., Zunino, H., Lanctin, M., Stamatas, G. N., Camel, E., Robert, C., & Issachar, N. (2008). Combined retinol–lactose–glycolic acid effects on photoaged skin: a double‐blind placebo‐controlled study. International journal of cosmetic science, 30(3), 175-182.
4. Bellemère, G., Stamatas, G. N., Bruère, V., Bertin, C., Issachar, N., & Oddos, T. (2009). Antiaging action of retinol: from molecular to clinical. Skin pharmacology and physiology, 22(4), 200-209.