The Truth About Retinol, Peptides, and Acids
Intro: Let’s Take the Fear Out of “Actives”
If you’ve ever looked at the back of a serum bottle and thought,
“What even is this? Will it break me out? Am I supposed to use this at night? What’s an acid doing in my skincare anyway?” — this post is for you.
Before I started really learning about skincare, I avoided anything that sounded “clinical.”
Retinol? Too scary.
Acids? Too strong.
Peptides? I didn’t even know what they were.
Now? These are some of the most effective, glow-boosting ingredients in my skincare cabinet—and I want to help you feel confident using them too.
🧪 What Are Actives in Skincare?
“Actives” are the powerhouse ingredients in your skincare—these are the ones that actually create change in your skin, like:
Smoothing texture
Reducing acne
Fading dark spots
Boosting collagen
Strengthening your skin barrier
They're strong, but when used correctly, they’re your best friends.
Today we’re focusing on three of the most powerful (and misunderstood) actives:
Retinol
Peptides
Acids (like AHAs and BHAs)
Let’s break each one down and make them feel a whole lot more approachable.
Retinol: Your Skin’s Best Kept Anti-Aging Secret
What it is:
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that increases cell turnover, smooths fine lines, fades hyperpigmentation, and helps prevent breakouts.
Who it’s for:
Aging concerns (wrinkles, loss of firmness)
Acne-prone skin
Uneven skin tone or texture
How to use it:
PM only (Retinol breaks down in sunlight)
Start 2x a week and slowly increase
Always follow with moisturizer
Use SPF daily while on retinol—your skin is more sun-sensitive
💡 Cultish Tip: Pair your retinol nights with a soothing product like a ceramide-rich moisturizer. Your skin will thank you.
Products to Try:
The Inkey List Retinol
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Paula’s Choice 0.3% Retinol + Bakuchiol
💧 Peptides: Your Skin Barrier’s Ride-Or-Die
What they are:
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that signal your skin to produce more collagen, elastin, and hydration. They’re like little repair messengers for your skin.
Who they’re for:
Everyone—especially if you want bouncy, plump, calm skin
Sensitive skin types
Skin recovering from active treatments or dryness
How to use it:
AM or PM
Safe to use daily
Layer before your moisturizer or find them in creams/serums
💡 Cultish Tip: If you’ve been over-exfoliating or using retinol, peptides are your healing reset.
Products to Try:
The Ordinary “Buffet”
Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer
The INKEY List Peptide Moisturizer
Acids: The Secret to Smooth, Glowy Skin (Yes, Even for Beginners)
What they are:
Acids in skincare are exfoliants that remove dead skin cells from the surface (or inside pores) to reveal fresher, brighter, clearer skin.
The two most common:
AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) – Work on the surface (glow, tone, texture)
BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) – Work deep in pores (oil control, acne)
AHA Examples:
Glycolic acid (strongest, best for glow & dark spots)
Lactic acid (gentler, hydrating)
Mandelic acid (great for sensitive skin)
BHA Example:
Salicylic acid (best for breakouts, blackheads, large pores)
How to use them:
Start 2–3x/week at night
Use after cleansing and before serum
Always wear SPF during the day (acids increase sun sensitivity)
💡 Cultish Tip: Don’t use an AHA or BHA on the same night as retinol. Your skin will get overwhelmed. Alternate them.
Products to Try:
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner
Naturium Mandelic Topical Acid 12%
❗ What You Shouldn’t Mix
Avoid pairing:
Retinol + AHAs/BHAs on the same night
Vitamin C + AHA (can cause irritation for beginners)
Too many actives at once if you’re new
💡 The best approach? Keep it simple. Let your actives work one at a time.
Sample Weekly Active Routine (Beginner-Friendly)
| Day | Active | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | AHA Exfoliant (Glycolic) | Smooth texture + glow |
| Tuesday | Rest + Hydration | Focus on peptides or ceramides |
| Wednesday | Retinol | Cell turnover + repair |
| Thursday | Rest or BHA | Calms pores + reduces oil |
| Friday | AHA or Rest | Gentle exfoliation |
| Saturday | Peptides + Hydration | Barrier reset |
| Sunday | Optional Mask Night | Hydrating or calming mask |
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to fear powerful ingredients—you just need to understand them.
Retinol, peptides, and acids aren’t just for advanced skincare lovers. They’re for you, the beginner, the glow-up girl, the soft life seeker who wants to love her skin without guessing or overdoing it.
Start slow. Keep it simple. Build with love.
That’s the Cultish Beauty way.
📥 Want help choosing your perfect actives?
Grab our Beginner’s Actives Cheat Sheet—a free printable guide that shows you what to use, when to use it, and how to combine it safely.
✨ [Download Now]