Can you use vitamin C with salicylic acid (BHA)?
Yes, but it's easier on your skin to use them at different times, such as vitamin C in the morning and salicylic acid at night.
Why
There's no evidence that salicylic acid inactivates vitamin C; the concern is irritation that adds up. L-ascorbic acid serums are formulated at a low pH, and salicylic acid exfoliants can be drying and stinging on their own. The FDA suggests testing BHA products on a small area first, stopping if you get prolonged stinging, and using sun protection.
How to use them
Use vitamin C in the morning and salicylic acid at night. Salicylic acid is an OTC drug ingredient in the US in some products, so if yours has a Drug Facts label, follow its directions first.
BHA is regulated as an OTC drug active in some products in the US. The directions on the product's label come first, and Dermo doesn't recommend specific drug products.
Sources
- 1Ultimate Vitamin C Skincare Guide Part 1: Ascorbic Acid · Lab Muffin Beauty Science (Michelle Wong, PhD), 2021
- 2Beta Hydroxy Acids · U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2022
- 321 CFR 333.310 Acne active ingredients · Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), 2010
General cosmetic information, not medical advice. Written with AI assistance from the sources above; updated October 2026.