Can I Use Lactic Acid with Rosehip Oil? Everything You Need to Know
Both lactic acid and rosehip oil have earned praise for their skin-transforming abilities. They’re often found in the routines of skincare enthusiasts for good reason.
But can you use them together, or should they be kept apart?
Let’s find out in this deep dive into their benefits, how they interact, and the best way to include them in your routine.
What Is Rosehip Oil?
Rosehip oil comes from the fruit and seeds of the wild rose bush. It’s been used for centuries and is rich in nutrients.
Here’s what makes rosehip oil special:
Packed with essential fatty acids, including linoleic, linolenic, oleic, and palmitic acids.
Contains vitamin A, a natural retinoid that can help smooth the skin and fade dark spots.
Naturally rich in vitamin C, which brightens skin and supports collagen production.
Helps to improve texture and minimize scars or stretch marks.
Offers antioxidant protection against environmental stressors like pollution and UV damage.
Can calm redness and reduce the severity of breakouts in acne-prone skin.
This oil is suitable for most skin types, including dry, combination, and sensitive. It’s also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores.
What Is Lactic Acid?
Lactic acid is a gentle alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the surface of the skin without penetrating too deeply.
It’s derived from fermented milk, sugars, and certain fruits. Despite its scientific name, it’s naturally occurring.
Here’s what makes lactic acid beneficial:
Gently removes dead skin cells that can clog pores and dull the complexion.
Stimulates collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Hydrates the skin due to its humectant properties—it draws water into the skin.
Improves skin tone and smooths texture, making it ideal for treating pigmentation.
Minimizes the look of enlarged pores and supports cell turnover.
Unlike glycolic acid, lactic acid has a larger molecular structure, so it stays near the skin’s surface. This makes it less irritating for those with sensitive skin.
Can You Use Lactic Acid and Rosehip Oil Together?
Yes, you can.
Lactic acid and rosehip oil work well together when applied in the correct order.
They perform different functions—lactic acid exfoliates, while rosehip oil nourishes—so they don’t interfere with each other.
Here’s how to layer them:
Apply lactic acid first (usually as a toner or serum).
Wait a few minutes to let the product absorb and your skin’s pH normalize.
Follow with rosehip oil as a final moisturizing step.
Rosehip oil will help lock in hydration and support the skin barrier after exfoliating. This combo can leave your skin smoother, softer, and more radiant over time.
Should You Apply Oil After Lactic Acid?
Absolutely.
In skincare, the general rule is to apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency.
Since oils are thicker than serums or toners, they should be one of the last steps in your routine—before or after moisturizer, depending on your skin type.
Here’s a typical evening routine using both ingredients:
Cleanser
Lactic acid serum or toner
Hydrating serum (like hyaluronic acid)
Rosehip oil
Moisturizer (optional for very dry skin)
Letting the lactic acid absorb fully before applying the oil ensures better results and reduces the risk of irritation.
Can You Use Rosehip Oil Every Day?
Yes, rosehip oil can be used daily, even twice a day, if your skin tolerates it.
For best results:
Apply it in the morning to protect the skin barrier.
Use it again in the evening to replenish the skin overnight.
It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave a greasy residue. This makes it suitable even for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
Just be sure to patch test it first—especially if you’re prone to breakouts or rosacea.
Can You Use AHA with Rosehip Oil?
Yes, but with caution.
Remember, rosehip oil contains vitamin A, which has a mild retinoid-like effect on the skin.
Pairing strong AHAs like glycolic or lactic acid with vitamin A can increase sensitivity, especially if used together too often.
Here’s how to use them without overloading your skin:
Alternate days: Use lactic acid one night and rosehip oil the next.
Separate by time: Apply lactic acid in the evening and rosehip oil in the morning.
Buffer with hydrating ingredients: Use niacinamide or hyaluronic acid between them to reduce irritation.
If you have sensitive or reactive skin, start with once or twice weekly use and build up gradually.
When Should You Use Rosehip Oil in a Routine?
Rosehip oil is best used as one of the final steps in your routine.
This helps seal in moisture and protect the skin from external stressors.
Here’s when to use it:
Morning: After cleansing, serums, and before sunscreen.
Evening: After active treatments like lactic acid or niacinamide.
It pairs beautifully with hydrating ingredients like:
Hyaluronic acid, Glycerin, Panthenol, Ceramides
These combinations support the skin barrier and reduce the risk of dryness or peeling that can sometimes occur with acids.
Can I Use Lactic Acid Every Day?
Yes, but only if your skin can tolerate it.
For beginners or sensitive skin, start with 2–3 times per week. Once your skin adjusts, you can use it more often.
Avoid using lactic acid every day if you’re also using:
Other exfoliants (glycolic, mandelic, or salicylic acid)
Retinoids or retinol
Vitamin C serums
Too much exfoliation can lead to redness, dry patches, flakiness, and increased sensitivity.
Always wear SPF 30 or higher during the day when using any exfoliating acid.
Can Lactic Acid Cause Breakouts?
Yes, lactic acid can trigger purging, especially if your skin is new to exfoliants.
This happens as cell turnover increases and impurities rise to the surface.
Purging usually clears up within 2–3 weeks. If breakouts persist longer, your skin might not be reacting well to the product.
You can minimize purging by:
Starting with low concentrations (5% or less)
Using it only once or twice a week
Avoiding harsh scrubs or other exfoliants
Pairing lactic acid with rosehip oil can actually help soothe the skin and reduce inflammation during this phase.
Final Thoughts: Lactic Acid + Rosehip Oil = Skincare Power Duo
Using lactic acid with rosehip oil is not only safe—it’s highly effective when done properly.
Lactic acid works to clear and renew the skin, while rosehip oil helps nourish, calm, and hydrate it.
To sum it all up:
Apply lactic acid first, wait for it to absorb, then apply rosehip oil
Use them on alternate days if you have sensitive skin
Always follow with SPF during the day
Introduce both slowly and patch test first
With patience and proper layering, you’ll be rewarded with smoother, brighter, healthier skin.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
