Retinol vs Hyaluronic Acid: Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid With Retinol?

Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid are two very popular skincare powerhouses, but they ultimately serve very different purposes, as we’ll explore in this comparison of Retinol vs Hyaluronic Acid.

Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by supporting collagen production. It’s commonly used to fade hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and acne scars, while smoothing a rough texture and calming inflammation.

On the other hand, Hyaluronic Acid is all about deep hydration and moisture retention. It helps soothe sensitive, irritated skin and works across all skin types to restore a sense of balance. Here’s a quick comparison chart of Retinol vs Hyaluronic Acid:

Feature	Retinol	Hyaluronic Acid
Main Function	Boosts collagen, speeds cell turnover, smooths texture	Hydrates deeply, plumps skin, improves moisture barrier
Best For	Fine lines, acne scars, pigmentation, rough texture	Dryness, dehydration, sensitivity, dullness
Skin Types	Normal, oily, acne-prone (may cause irritation in sensitive skin)	All skin types, including sensitive and dry
How It Works	Encourages skin regeneration at a cellular level	Attracts and binds water to the skin for deep hydration
When to Use	Nighttime only (can increase sun sensitivity)	Day and night
Common Product Types	Serums, creams, treatment oils	Serums, mists, moisturizers, masks
Potential Side Effects	Dryness, peeling, irritation if overused	Rare; generally well-tolerated

There’s very little overlap in what they do, which begs the question - can you use Hyaluronic Acid with Retinol for the best of both worlds? Definitely! We’ll show you how to combine these two as we compare Hyaluronic Acid vs Retinol below. 

Naturopathica makes it easy to bring both ingredients into your skincare regimen with our expertly crafted remedies, such as our wrinkle repair serum, Peptide serum for face, Retinol wrinkle cream, and more! 

Shop now, or learn more about Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid below.

“I can already tell a difference. The eye serum is light and so gentle for my eye area. I had a facial recently and they used your supplies. Thank you so much!” - Janice

“I can’t live without this cream- my skin is soft and radiant when I consistently use it.” - Kathy

“I was scared to use retinol for the first time but my skin has responded to this with no issues whatsoever. This was recommended by my esthetician and it’s now part of my regular evening routine. It’s gentle, I have no irritation but I’m also seeing smoother skin.” - Sonia

Benefits of Retinol For Skin

Retinol is a long-used, well-researched derivative of Vitamin A. Dermatologists and estheticians alike love it because it works so well on aging, dull, and blemish-prone skin. It’s one of the most effective ingredients for long-term skin renewal. Here’s what it can do for you:

• Stimulates cell turnover to smooth uneven texture and reduce flakiness
• Supports collagen production, helping to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Fades dark spots and acne scars by encouraging skin regeneration
• Reduces breakouts by helping to unclog pores and regulate excess oil
• Improves skin tone by fading pigmentation and sun damage over time
• Calms inflammation and redness with regular, gentle use

As you can see, Retinol’s benefits go far beyond just one skin concern. It’s a versatile ingredient that can target many ailments at the same time, from smoothing out rough texture and reducing the signs of aging, to refining pores and improving tone.

It’s especially helpful for mature or breakout-prone skin, but even those with combination or normal skin types can benefit from using it nightly - it should be buffered with hydrating support, though.

On that note, it’s worth mentioning that Retinol does come with a learning curve. It can cause dryness, flaking, or irritation when first introduced if you’re not careful about how much you apply - or pair it with other strong active ingredients.

That’s why many of our Naturopathica formulas combine Retinol with calming, hydrating ingredients like Aloe, Argan, and botanical oils to help maintain comfort and balance.

You can learn more about Retinol vs Vitamin C or Bakuchiol vs Retinol in our blog - but you came here to learn about Retinol vs Hyaluronic Acid, so let’s introduce the other half of this comparison below. 

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid For Skin

This naturally occurring sugar molecule found in the body is used in skincare because it attracts and retains water. It acts like a sponge when applied topically, drawing moisture into the skin and keeping it there. It can deliver plumper, more hydrated skin instantly. Benefits include:

• Hydrates deeply by holding up to 1,000x its weight in water
• Plumps and softens the skin, making fine lines less noticeable
• Strengthens the moisture barrier, helping reduce transepidermal water loss
• Soothes sensitivity and irritation, especially in dry or reactive skin
• Improves product absorption when used under serums or moisturizers
• Works across all skin types, even oily and acne-prone

What sets Hyaluronic Acid apart from heavier oils or emollients is that it’s really lightweight. It never feels greasy on the skin, yet it still delivers a tangible boost to skin’s suppleness and bounce. 

It can also be layered seamlessly under other treatments (including Retinol) without disrupting the skin barrier. It’s a staple skincare ingredient for anyone dealing with dryness, dehydration, or seasonal sensitivity.

Not all Hyaluronic Acids are the same, though. Molecular weight matters. Some sit on the surface to smooth and soften. Others penetrate deeper to hydrate from within. That’s why our formulas at Naturopathica combine multiple forms of Hyaluronic Acid for a well-rounded, long-lasting effect.

And while Hyaluronic Acid works for everyone, it performs best when sealed in with an oil or cream to prevent water loss. Use it on slightly damp skin, then follow up with a moisturizer to lock in the hydration. More on that later. Let’s take a closer look at Retinol vs Hyaluronic Acid below.

Retinol vs Hyaluronic Acid: Key Differences to Consider

Let’s be clear, you could find a place for both Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid in your skincare regimen. There is very little overlap, other than the fact that each promotes smoother, more resilient skin. They go about it in totally different ways and really target different benefits. 

Here’s what you need to know about Hyaluronic Acid vs Retinol.

Function and Purpose in Skincare

Retinol stimulates cellular turnover and supports collagen production. It’s used to improve signs of aging, reduce hyperpigmentation, fade acne scars, and clear congested pores.

But how does Retinol help with hyperpigmentation? We get asked this question all the time, as it’s one of the most prominent ingredients in our hyperpigmentation products. It essentially speeds up your skin’s natural cell turnover rate to make way for fresh, even skin cells.

On the other hand, Hyaluronic Acid doesn’t directly improve skin tone or texture. It’s all about hydration. Think of it as a moisture magnet. It binds water to the skin and prevents it from evaporating. 

This gives an immediate plumping effect and softens the skin, but without changing its deeper structure. It doesn’t treat discoloration or texture issues, but it makes skin look healthier and feel more comfortable.

Retinol transforms. 

Hyaluronic Acid maintains.

You can benefit from both!

Strength and Potency

Strength is one of the biggest differences between Retinol vs Hyaluronic Acid. 

Retinol is a potent ingredient with measurable results. Its effects build over time, but they’re significant, especially when used consistently in well-formulated products. 

However, that potency can bring some initial sensitivity with it. Some users report dryness, flaking, or mild redness as the skin adjusts. This can be mitigated by starting with smaller amounts and ensuring the formula you use as calming agents included to balance Retinol out.

You won’t have to worry about any sort of adverse reactions from Hyaluronic Acid, though. It’s much gentler. It starts working right away and is well-tolerated by nearly all skin types. That’s because it’s not really changing anything - it’s just bringing in moisture and keeping it there. 

Skin Type Compatibility

Your skin type can dictate which is better for you between Hyaluronic Acid vs Retinol to some extent. 

The former is universally friendly. Whether you’re oily, dry, sensitive, or combination, Hyaluronic Acid hydrates without clogging pores or adding weight. It’s especially helpful for those prone to dehydration or irritation from harsh weather or exfoliants.

In contrast, Retinol is a bit more skin-type specific. Now, it can be used on most skin types - even sensitive. It just needs to be introduced gradually and supported with calming, hydrating ingredients. Otherwise, you could encounter some of that reactivity we mentioned above.

Formulation Considerations

One final difference between Retinol vs Hyaluronic Acid is when each works best.

Retinol is “light sensitive,” meaning it should only be used at night. It breaks down when exposed to UV rays, which can diminish its effectiveness while also leaving your skin more vulnerable to the damaging effects of sunlight.

You can use Hyaluronic Acid day or night, though. It can be layered under virtually any product. It plays well with nearly everything in your routine and actually helps other actives absorb more effectively when applied to damp skin.

Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid WITH Retinol?

As you can see, there’s not much overlap between Retinol vs Hyaluronic Acid - they serve very different purposes. This begs the question, can you use Hyaluronic Acid WITH Retinol? Absolutely! Not only are they compatible, they’re complementary. Benefits of combining include:

• Balancing potency with comfort: Retinol gets deep into the skin to stimulate collagen and fade pigmentation. Hyaluronic Acid helps calm the surface, draw in moisture, and prevent irritation.
• Hydration cushions Retinol’s effects: Applying a hydrating serum (like one with Hyaluronic Acid) before or after Retinol can reduce the chances of peeling or redness, especially if you're new to Retinol or have sensitive skin.
• Supporting long-term skin health: These ingredients deliver faster results when paired together. This dynamic duo helps you maintain a consistent, sustainable skincare routine, slowly but surely improving texture, tone, and elasticity over time.

How should you go about combining Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid for the best results, though? 

Should I Use Retinol or Hyaluronic Acid First?

Should I use Retinol or Hyaluronic Acid first? This is one of the most common questions we get asked, and it all depends on the formulas you’re using. 

Water-based serums (which is usually what you’ll find Hyaluronic Acid in) should go on first so they can penetrate clean skin and start hydrating at the deepest levels. Then, follow up with Retinol - assuming it’s in cream or serum form. This layering helps buffer Retinol's intensity without impacting its performance. 

Now, it’s worth taking a closer look at the formulas in your arsenal. If your Retinol product already contains hydrating ingredients (like many Naturopathica formulas do), you may not need a separate Hyaluronic Acid layer. It won’t hurt to add one if your skin is feeling dry or tight.

But, we encourage you to first explore our expertly crafted formulations at Naturopathica!

Find Formulas With Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol For Your Skincare Regimen at Naturopathica

Our holistic approach to skincare blends time-tested botanicals with proven actives. Whether your routine leans hydrating, rejuvenating, or both, we offer formulas that meet your skin where it is and support its evolving needs. Here are some of our most-loved options:

• Vitamin C15 Wrinkle Remedy Serum: Brighten dull skin and target fine lines with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin E, and Oat Beta-Glucan. Hyaluronic Acid helps lock in hydration and calm irritation for a smoother, more even complexion.
• Argan & Retinol Wrinkle Remedy Night Gel Cream: A nighttime favorite for smoothing and firming. Retinol and peptides work to resurface skin and improve elasticity, while Argan oil adds nourishing moisture. Ideal for normal and mature skin types.
• Caffeine + Peptide Hydrating Face & Neck Serum: This ultra-hydrating serum uses four molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid to plump and smooth skin at every level. Caffeine boosts circulation, while peptides help restore bounce and glow.
• Holy Basil & Bakuchiol Ageless Night Oil: A plant-based alternative to Retinol for sensitive skin. Bakuchiol softens lines and improves tone, while Holy Basil and antioxidant seed oils help reduce visible signs of stress and aging.

Each formula is carefully concocted from clean, cruelty-free ingredients so you can feel good about spoiling your skin. Our team is available to help you choose the right products for your goals, too. Reach out for a personalized recommendation or take our skincare quiz now!

Bringing Our Hyaluronic Acid vs Retinol Comparison to a Close

That concludes our comparison of Retinol vs Hyaluronic Acid. In closing, can you use Hyaluronic Acid with Retinol? Definitely - but you may not need to, depending on what’s in your Retinol formulation.

Retinol smoothes fine lines, fades discoloration, and promotes firmer, more even-toned skin through gentle exfoliation and cellular renewal. Hyaluronic Acid, on the other hand, delivers lasting hydration, reinforces the skin barrier, and calms irritation.

You can learn more about Hyaluronic Acid vs Vitamin C or Jojoba vs Argan Oil for skin in our blog if you want to explore other active ingredients worth adding to your skincare regimen. 

At this point, though, the only thing left to do is upgrade your ritual at Naturopathica. Start building your new and improved skincare routine with gentle retinol formulas featuring built-in hydration support!