Can I use retinol and vitamin C together?

Yes - but timing helps. Vitamin C works brilliantly in your morning routine to brighten and protect, while retinol is best saved for the evening. Using them at different times of day lets each ingredient do its best work and keeps sensitive skin comfortable. If you're new to both, introduce them one at a time. Learn more about mixing retinol and vitamin C in our guide

Can I use niacinamide and vitamin C together?

Absolutely. Despite an old myth, niacinamide and vitamin C are a well-tolerated pair and can be layered in the same routine. Together they support a brighter, more even-looking complexion. Apply your thinnest (most watery) formula first. Learn more about mixing niacinamide & vitamin C together

Can I use retinol and niacinamide together?

Yes, and they're a great match. Niacinamide helps support the skin barrier, which can make retinol easier to tolerate — especially when you're building up frequency. Apply niacinamide first, then your retinol. Learn more about using retinol and niacinamide together

What order should I apply my skincare?

A simple rule: cleanse, then apply from thinnest to thickest texture. That's usually cleanser → water-based serums (like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide) → treatments → moisturiser → SPF in the morning. This helps each layer absorb properly. Learn more about how to layer skincare in our guide

Which skincare ingredients shouldn't be mixed?

Most ingredients play well together. The main thing to watch is using multiple strong actives at once - for example layering several exfoliating acids, or combining high-strength retinol with strong acids in the same routine - which can lead to irritation. When in doubt, alternate them across days or times of day, and always patch test. Learn more about what ingredients you shouldn't mix together here

How long do skincare ingredients take to work?

It depends on the ingredient and your concern. Hydration can look and feel better almost immediately, while actives like retinol and vitamin C typically show visible results over 4–12 weeks of consistent use. Consistency matters more than speed - give any new ingredient at least 6–8 weeks.

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Ingredients Explained

Understanding your skincare starts with understanding your ingredients. Explore dermatologist-backed actives, learn what they do, who they’re for, and how to use them in your routine with confidence.

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Retinol

A derivative of Vitamin A, the most clinically validated anti-ageing active in skincare

A derivative of Vitamin A, the most clinically validated anti-ageing active in skincare
Azelaic Acid

A naturally occurring acid that tackles redness, uneven skin tone, blemishes and rosacea-prone skin

A naturally occurring acid that tackles redness, uneven skin tone, blemishes and rosacea-prone skin
Tranexamic Acid

Works at the source of pigmentation to help fade dark spots, reduce hyperpigmentation & even skin tone

Works at the source of pigmentation to help fade dark spots, reduce hyperpigmentation & even skin tone
Hyaluronic Acid

A powerful moisture-binding ingredient that hydrates, plumps skin & reduces fine lines

A powerful moisture-binding ingredient that hydrates, plumps skin & reduces fine lines
Peptides

Short chains of amino acids that signal your skin to build collagen, retain moisture and firm up

Short chains of amino acids that signal your skin to build collagen, retain moisture and firm up
Niacinamide

Controls excess oil and shine, visibly reduces blemishes, minimises the appearance of pores, evens skin tone, and strengthens the skin barrier

Controls excess oil and shine, visibly reduces blemishes, minimises the appearance of pores, evens skin tone, and strengthens the skin barrier
Vitamin C

Brightens skin, fades dark spots, evens skin tone, provides antioxidant protection against UV and pollution damage

Brightens skin, fades dark spots, evens skin tone, provides antioxidant protection against UV and pollution damage
Salicylic Acid

Exfoliates inside pores, reduces breakouts and blemishes, controls excess oil, clears blackheads

Exfoliates inside pores, reduces breakouts and blemishes, controls excess oil, clears blackheads
Glycolic Acid

Penetrates effectively to remove dead skin cells, boost cell renewal, and reveal brighter, smoother, more even skin on the face and body.

Penetrates effectively to remove dead skin cells, boost cell renewal, and reveal brighter, smoother, more even skin on the face and body.
Exosomes

Supports your skin’s natural renewal processes for visibly rejuvenated, more radiant skin

Supports your skin’s natural renewal processes for visibly rejuvenated, more radiant skin
Ceramides

Repairs and strengthens the skin barrier, locks in moisture, visibly reduces fine lines and signs of ageing

Repairs and strengthens the skin barrier, locks in moisture, visibly reduces fine lines and signs of ageing
PDRN

Promotes skin cell renewal, boosts collagen & hyaluronic acid levels, delivers instant glass skin glow

Promotes skin cell renewal, boosts collagen & hyaluronic acid levels, delivers instant glass skin glow
Ectoin

Hydrates, strengthens, and repairs the skin barrier; protects against environmental stressors

Hydrates, strengthens, and repairs the skin barrier; protects against environmental stressors
PHA

Gently exfoliates, improves skin texture and tone, hydrates as it works

Gently exfoliates, improves skin texture and tone, hydrates as it works
Bakuchiol

A plant-derived, gentle alternative to retinol - ideal for sensitive skin and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding

A plant-derived, gentle alternative to retinol - ideal for sensitive skin and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding
Glycerin

Draws moisture into the skin and holds it in place. Supports the skin’s natural barrier.

Draws moisture into the skin and holds it in place. Supports the skin’s natural barrier.

How ingredients work together

Skincare works best when ingredients work together. Understanding layering, compatibility, and ingredient timing can help you get more from your routine while reducing irritation.

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Skincare Guides

How to build your skincare routine

Learning how to build a skincare routine that actually works comes down to mastering five essential steps: cleanse, hydrate, treat, moisturise & SPF.

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Skincare Guides

What's your skin type?

Understanding your skin type is the foundation of an effective routine, helping you choose products and ingredients that work with your skin, not against it.

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No question is too big or small

Frequently asked questions

Yes - but timing helps. Vitamin C works brilliantly in your morning routine to brighten and protect, while retinol is best saved for the evening. Using them at different times of day lets each ingredient do its best work and keeps sensitive skin comfortable. If you're new to both, introduce them one at a time. Learn more about mixing retinol and vitamin C in our guide
Absolutely. Despite an old myth, niacinamide and vitamin C are a well-tolerated pair and can be layered in the same routine. Together they support a brighter, more even-looking complexion. Apply your thinnest (most watery) formula first. Learn more about mixing niacinamide & vitamin C together
Yes, and they're a great match. Niacinamide helps support the skin barrier, which can make retinol easier to tolerate — especially when you're building up frequency. Apply niacinamide first, then your retinol. Learn more about using retinol and niacinamide together
A simple rule: cleanse, then apply from thinnest to thickest texture. That's usually cleanser → water-based serums (like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide) → treatments → moisturiser → SPF in the morning. This helps each layer absorb properly. Learn more about how to layer skincare in our guide
Most ingredients play well together. The main thing to watch is using multiple strong actives at once - for example layering several exfoliating acids, or combining high-strength retinol with strong acids in the same routine - which can lead to irritation. When in doubt, alternate them across days or times of day, and always patch test. Learn more about what ingredients you shouldn't mix together here
It depends on the ingredient and your concern. Hydration can look and feel better almost immediately, while actives like retinol and vitamin C typically show visible results over 4–12 weeks of consistent use. Consistency matters more than speed - give any new ingredient at least 6–8 weeks.