# Adapalene and mandelic acid

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/adapalene-and-mandelic-acid

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Canada.

Keep them apart

Use them on alternate nights because they are both strong and can irritate your skin when used together. Both ingredients speed up skin cell shedding, so mixing them can lead to redness, peeling, and a damaged skin barrier. You can switch to a gentler product strength or wait longer between applications to avoid irritation.

[Retinoids: a journey from the molecular structures and mechanisms of action to clinical uses in dermatology and adverse effects](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28318351/) [Why Topical Retinoids Are Mainstay of Therapy for Acne](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28585191/)

- [All about adapalene](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/adapalene)
- [All about mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/mandelic-acid)

### [Adapalene](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/adapalene) products

- [Differin Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/differin/gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [Galderma Epiduo Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/galderma/epiduo-gel/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-adapalene-gel-0-1-acne-treatment/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit

### [Mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/mandelic-acid) products

- [The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/mandelic-acid-10-ha/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [CA$10.30 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07BGJMNYL?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Nécessaire The Body Retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/necessaire/the-body-retinol/for/dark-spots) — Average fit
- [Good Molecules Mandelic Acid Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/good-molecules/mandelic-acid-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit
- [Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/glamglow/supermud-clearing-treatment/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [CA$75.42 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07DHSKYXR?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Dermalogica PowerBright Dark Spot Peel](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dermalogica/powerbright-dark-spot-peel/for/oily-skin) — Average fit
- [Sofie Pavitt Face Mandelic Clearing Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/sofie-pavitt-face/mandelic-clearing-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cetaphil/gentle-exfoliating-sa-lotion/for/combination-skin) — High fit — [CA$22.79 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0DLLLD2KQ?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [SkinCeuticals Cell Cycle Catalyst](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/skinceuticals/cell-cycle-catalyst/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Average fit
- [DIME TBT Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dime/tbt-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit
- [By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/by-wishtrend/mandelic-acid-5-skin-prep-water/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Triple AHA Gentle Cleansing Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/haruharu-wonder/black-rice-triple-aha-gentle-cleansing-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [CA$24.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CKVL9PGY?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Neutrogena Bright Boost Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/neutrogena/bright-boost-gel-cream/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit

## Questions and answers

### Can you use adapalene and mandelic acid together?

Keep [adapalene](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/adapalene) and [mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/mandelic-acid) apart by using them on alternate evenings or putting mandelic acid in your morning routine to avoid irritation and barrier disruption. Both increase cell turnover, which may cause sensitivity when layered together.

### Which goes first, adapalene or mandelic acid?

Keep adapalene and mandelic acid apart by using them on alternate evenings or using mandelic acid in the morning. Combining them in the same routine step may cause irritation or barrier disruption because both increase cell turnover.

### Are adapalene and mandelic acid good for sensitive skin?

Keep adapalene and mandelic acid apart in your routine, alternating their use to avoid irritation and barrier disruption, especially on sensitive, dry, and reactive skin.

## Research on adapalene and mandelic acid

- [Prevention and Reduction of Atrophic Acne Scars with Adapalene 0.3%/Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel in Subjects with Moderate or Severe Facial Acne: Results of a 6-Month Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled Trial Using Intra-Individual Comparison](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29549588/) Adapalene · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018
- [Efficacy and Safety of a Fixed-Dose Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2%, Benzoyl Peroxide 3.1%, and Adapalene 0.15% Gel for Moderate-to-Severe Acne: A Randomized Phase II Study of the First Triple-Combination Drug](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34674160/) Adapalene · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2022
- [A topical gel of tea tree oil nanoemulsion containing adapalene versus adapalene marketed gel in patients with acne vulgaris: a randomized clinical trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34251536/) Adapalene · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2022
- [Comparative study of efficacy and safety of 45% mandelic acid versus 30% salicylic acid peels in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31553119/) Mandelic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [Clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/adapalene 0.15%/benzoyl peroxide 3.1% gel for moderate-to-severe acne: Efficacy and safety results from two randomized phase 3 trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37656094/) Adapalene · Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2023
- [Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29705755/) Mandelic acid · BMJ Open, 2018

## Other combinations

- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinol-and-mandelic-acid)
- Depends on the strength: [Niacinamide and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/niacinamide-and-mandelic-acid)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and sodium lactate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-sodium-lactate)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and tromethamine](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-tromethamine)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/adapalene-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and bio-placenta peptides](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/adapalene-and-bio-placenta-peptides)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/adapalene-and-collagen-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/adapalene-and-copper-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/adapalene-and-hexapeptide)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/adapalene-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/adapalene-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/adapalene-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/adapalene-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/adapalene-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Depends on the strength: [Adapalene and niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/adapalene-and-niacinamide)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and betaine](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-betaine)
- Work well together: [Glycerin and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/glycerin-and-mandelic-acid)
- Depends on the strength: [Mandelic acid and hyaluronic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-hyaluronic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Bio-placenta peptides and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/bio-placenta-peptides-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Carnosine and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/carnosine-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-collagen-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-copper-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and aha blend glycolic and citric acids](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/adapalene-and-aha-blend-glycolic-and-citric-acids)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/adapalene-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and glycolic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/adapalene-and-glycolic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/adapalene-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and granactive retinoid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-granactive-retinoid)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate)
- Keep them apart: [Pro-retinol and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/pro-retinol-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinal and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinal-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and retinoid blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-retinoid-blend)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/tretinoin-and-mandelic-acid)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and gluconolactone](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-gluconolactone)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and lactobionic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-lactobionic-acid)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-cholesterol)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and lauric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-lauric-acid)
- Work well together: [Linoleic acid and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/linoleic-acid-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-tri-ceramide-complex)
- Work well together: [Arginine and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/arginine-and-mandelic-acid)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and GABA](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-gaba)
- Work well together: [Silk amino acids and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/silk-amino-acids-and-mandelic-acid)
- Work well together: [Taurine and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/taurine-and-mandelic-acid)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and theanine](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-theanine)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/adapalene-and-salicylic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and vitamin C](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/adapalene-and-vitamin-c)
- Work well together: [Ferulic acid and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/ferulic-acid-and-mandelic-acid)
- Work well together: [Vitamin E and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/vitamin-e-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/adapalene-and-benzoyl-peroxide)
- Work well together: [Allantoin and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/allantoin-and-mandelic-acid)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and bisabolol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-bisabolol)
- Work well together: [Panthenol and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/panthenol-and-mandelic-acid)

## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi checks every pairing with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this pairing advice: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/adapalene-and-mandelic-acid
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/adapalene-and-mandelic-acid
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/ingredients/adapalene-and-mandelic-acid
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/adapalene-and-mandelic-acid
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/adapalene-and-mandelic-acid
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/adapalene-and-mandelic-acid
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/adapalene-and-mandelic-acid
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/adapalene-and-mandelic-acid
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/adapalene-and-mandelic-acid (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/adapalene-and-mandelic-acid
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/adapalene-and-mandelic-acid
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/adapalene-and-mandelic-acid
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/adapalene-and-mandelic-acid