Your Face is Not a Science Experiment – Avoid These Skincare Fails (and What to Use Instead)
The name’s Salty, and I’m here to drag your bathroom shelf. If your skincare lineup looks like a chemistry lab run by a raccoon, it’s time for an intervention. Mixing every trending ingredient isn’t brave—it’s dumb. Let me break down the worst skincare combos and the Amazon-approved products you should be using instead.
Because your face isn’t a test subject, and I’m not here to clean up the fallout.
🚫 Skincare Combos You Need to Stop Right Now
1. Retinol + Vitamin C in the Same Routine
Why It’s a Fail:
Too much irritation, potential for product instability, and a one-way ticket to redness city.
What to Do Instead:
Use Vitamin C in the morning for glow, and retinol at night for skin renewal. Keep them separated—like rival cats.
✅ Try This AM Serum:
TruSkin Vitamin C Serum
Price: $19.99 (1 oz)
✅ Try This PM Retinol:
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Price: $17.99 (1 oz)
2. Salicylic Acid + Glycolic Acid in the Same Step
Why It’s a Fail:
Double exfoliation = double the damage. Dryness, peeling, and “why is my skin screaming?” vibes.
What to Do Instead:
Alternate nights, or pick just one depending on your skin goals.
✅ Try This Gentle BHA:
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid
Price: $34.00 (4 oz)
✅ Or This AHA Alternative:
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Price: $13.90 (8 oz)
3. Physical Scrubs + Chemical Exfoliants Together
Why It’s a Fail:
Overkill. Your skin barrier is weeping. And no, your face should not feel “squeaky.”
What to Do Instead:
Pick one exfoliation method at a time. Chemical is usually more effective and gentler.
✅ Use This Instead of Walnut Death Paste:
e.l.f. Gentle Peeling Exfoliant
Price: $9.00 (3.4 oz)
4. Fragrance-Bombed Everything
Why It’s a Fail:
If your skincare smells like a fruit basket, you’re probably irritating your face without realizing it.
What to Do Instead:
Opt for fragrance-free, especially if you’re breakout- or sensitivity-prone.
✅ Fragrance-Free Favorite:
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Price: $10.42 (8 oz)
5. Layering 7 Serums Like You’re Marinating Chicken
Why It’s a Fail:
Conflicts between ingredients, clogged pores, and wasted money. Simplicity = results.
What to Do Instead:
Focus on 2–3 targeted products max.
✅ A Solid 3-in-1 Option:
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Price: $20.49 (1 oz)
🧴 Salty’s Final Word on Skincare Fails
You don’t need a 10-step routine or to follow skincare trends like a lost puppy. Stick to the basics, avoid dumb combos, and use products that work with your skin, not against it.
Everything listed here is:
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Amazon-available
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Under $35
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Non-irritating
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Salty-approved
Stop playing chemist. Start seeing results.
📋 Quick Fix Chart
| Mistake | What to Stop | What to Try Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Retinol + Vit C | Using together | Use AM/PM split |
| Double acids | Using BHA & AHA together | Alternate nights |
| Scrubs + peels | Harsh combo | Use a gentle exfoliant |
| Fragrance overload | Smelly everything | Go fragrance-free |
| Serum hoarding | 6+ products | Max 2–3 active ingredients |