How to use collagen, hyaluronic acid and retinol in your skincare routine

Hyaluronic acid, retinol, collagen. They’re the superhero squad of skincare, so why not use them all and stack the benefits? But it can be tricky to know which products work well together – you want to make sure you’re not wasting your money. Fortunately, this trio can be used safely together and may even help each other out. It just comes down to understanding their individual benefits and how to use them in your routine. Let’s dive in...

Don’t let 'acid' scare you: hyaluronic acid is celebrated for its skin hydrating properties.¹ You can get hyaluronic acid in supplements, but here we’re talking about its more popular topical form (in like serums and lotions). It's naturally present in our skin, connective tissue and eyes, but our levels decrease as we get older and make skin more prone to wrinkling and thinning.² Adding hyaluronic acid, whether that's in a serum or face cream, into your skincare routine can help replenish the moisture levels in our skin. There's some evidence to suggest that, over time, it may help improve overall skin appearance too.^3,4

Retinol is a form of vitamin A, used in topical skincare for its potential in improving skin texture and evening out skin tone.^5,6 That could be ideal if you’re looking to help smooth out rough skin and fine lines or make pigmented patches less noticeable. It’s pretty potent and should be used sparingly, so always follow the instructions on the packaging. It’s also important to use SPF daily, as retinol can make your skin more sensitive to UV – even on cloudy days.

Collagen is a protein found in almost every part of our body and its job is to provide structural support to your tissues, skin, hair and nails.⁷ In our skin, this means helping to maintain firmness and elasticity.⁸ Collagen’s most popularly found in supplements such as powders, capsules or gummies.

Using hyaluronic acid, retinol and collagen together is considered safe and shouldn’t cause any adverse side effects. These skincare ingredients are commonly used together and are generally considered compatible. In fact, many skincare products already combine them in the same formulation, as they may complement each other in different ways.

Hyaluronic acid can be used alongside retinol to help maintain hydration, while collagen can be included as part of your wider routine. Ready to start your new trio? Here’s how...

As long as you’re using all three products as they’re intended (and with proper sun protection), retinol, hyaluronic acid and collagen can work well as a skincare trio. Together, they may support firmer and smoother skin – what's not to love? If you're still chasing the ultimate glow, discover our top retinol creams or learn whether diet can really play a role in skin health...

Disclaimer – This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Working with experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.