Most irritation comes not from the wrong active but from the wrong order and pace. The simple rule: thinnest to thickest, and one new thing at a time. Cleanse, then apply water-light serums before creams before oils.
Vitamin C and niacinamide are fine together despite the old internet myth. Keep strong exfoliating acids and retinal to the evening, and never pile both on the same night when you are starting out. If a step stings for more than a moment, you have gone too fast — buffer it with a plain moisturiser or drop a night.
Give any new active four weeks before you judge it. Skin renews on its own schedule, not yours.