Can you use vitamin C with AHAs or BHA?
Yes, with care
You can, but layering them increases the chance of stinging. Most people do better with vitamin C in the morning and exfoliating acids at night.
Why
A common claim is that acids 'deactivate' vitamin C. In fact, pure vitamin C serums are already very acidic, because L-ascorbic acid is absorbed best below about pH 3.5 (Pinnell 2001). The real issue is irritation: two acidic products in a row can leave skin red and tight.
Exfoliating acids also raise sun sensitivity, so daily sunscreen matters whichever way you use them.
How to use them
- Morning: vitamin C, then moisturiser and SPF. Evening: AHA or BHA a few times a week.
- With sensitive skin, choose a gentler vitamin C derivative and a milder acid such as lactic or mandelic acid.
- Stop and give your skin a break if it feels hot, tight or looks shiny and red.
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Other combinations
- Can you use retinol and vitamin C together? — use at different times
- Can you use retinol and AHAs together? — use at different times
- Can you use vitamin C and niacinamide together? — works well together
- Can you use vitamin C and benzoyl peroxide together? — use at different times
- Can you use niacinamide and AHAs together? — works well together
- Can you use AHAs and BHA together? — yes, with care
- Can you use vitamin C and copper peptides together? — use at different times
- Can you use vitamin C with vitamin E and ferulic acid? — works well together
Sources
Last reviewed 20 Oct 2026.
This is educational information, not medical advice. Introduce one new active at a time and patch test. If you use prescription skincare, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your GP, pharmacist or dermatologist first.