# Retinol and lactic acid

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinol-and-lactic-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 too strong to use together. Using both at the same time can dry, peel, and irritate your skin. You can try a lower strength or wait a night between using them.

[Photocarcinogenesis study of glycolic acid and salicylic acid (CAS Nos. 79-14-1 and 69-72-7) in SKH-1 mice (simulated solar light and topical application study)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21921960/) [Novel retinoid ester in combination with salicylic acid for the treatment of acne](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26516077/)

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

### [Retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinol) products

- [CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/resurfacing-retinol-serum/for/dark-spots) — High fit — [CA$25.98 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09NM9TFF2?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/roc/retinol-correxion-deep-wrinkle-night-cream/for/dark-spots) — High fit — [CA$42.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0FH5M1M1S?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/1-retinol-treatment/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — [CA$70.50 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CKWP1Z9J?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/roc/retinol-correxion-line-smoothing-eye-cream/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [CA$39.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0FH5KNQQJ?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/good-molecules/gentle-retinol-cream/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [CA$14.49 at Shoppers Drug Mart](https://www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/good-molecules-gentle-retinol-cream/p/BB_810019610875?variantCode=810019610875)
- [La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/retinol-b3-serum/for/dark-spots) — Average fit — [CA$72.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07Z9Y4M3C?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [DRMTLGY Retinol Body Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/drmtlgy/retinol-body-lotion/for/mature-skin) — Average fit
- [RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/roc/retinol-correxion-deep-wrinkle-serum/for/oily-skin) — Average fit — [CA$47.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0FSSBJZT8?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/skin-renewing-retinol-serum/for/dark-spots) — Average fit — [CA$37.96 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CDLV5RKP?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/olay/regenerist-retinol-24-night-moisturizer/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — [CA$35.98 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08147WH37?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [cocokind Retinol Body Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cocokind/retinol-body-cream/for/mature-skin) — Average fit
- [Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/neutrogena/rapid-wrinkle-repair-regenerating-cream/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [CA$30.59 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07998PL5R?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

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

- [Medicube Zero Pore Pad](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/medicube/zero-pore-pad/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [CA$33.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CVRCR6VF?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/first-aid-beauty/kp-bump-eraser-body-scrub/for/dark-spots) — Average fit — [CA$46.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0GSX4BHQ2?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/eltamd/uv-clear-broad-spectrum-spf-46/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit
- [First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/first-aid-beauty/facial-radiance-pads/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — [CA$33.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0G2Z2VYW2?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/sa-lotion-for-rough-and-bumpy-skin/for/oily-skin) — Average fit — [CA$21.26 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08PR6N8HB?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [CeraVe Renewing SA Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/renewing-sa-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/alpha-arbutin-2-ha/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — [CA$14.90 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B06XCZFCFZ?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/retinal-0-2-emulsion/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [CA$22.70 at Sephora](https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/the-ordinary-retinal-0-2-emulsion-serum-P510514?skuId=2735157)
- [Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/kate-somerville/exfolikate-intensive-exfoliating-treatment/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — [CA$38.00 at Sephora](https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/exfolikate-intensive-exfoliating-treatment-P232915?skuId=1201748)
- [The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/lactic-acid-5-ha/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — [CA$10.70 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01NA0F3FB?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/good-molecules/overnight-exfoliating-treatment/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit
- [Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/sunday-riley/good-genes-all-in-one-lactic-acid-treatment/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [CA$115.00 at Sephora](https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/good-genes-all-in-one-lactic-acid-treatment-P422670?skuId=1929231)

## Questions and answers

### Can you use retinol and lactic acid together?

Keep [retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinol) and [lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/lactic-acid) apart by alternating evenings or buffering with a moisturizer to avoid over-exfoliation and irritation.

### Which goes first, retinol or lactic acid?

Keep retinol and lactic acid apart by alternating evenings or buffering with moisturizer to help prevent over-exfoliation and irritation.

### Are retinol and lactic acid good for sensitive skin?

Retinol and lactic acid should be kept apart in your routine because combining them may cause over-exfoliation and irritation, especially on sensitive, dry, or reactive skin. Instead, you can alternate evenings or buffer with a moisturizer between uses to protect your skin barrier.

## Research on retinol and lactic acid

- [Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27261203/) Retinol · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017
- [Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/) Retinol · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019
- [Lactate triggers KAT8-mediated LTBP1 lactylation at lysine 752 to promote skin rejuvenation by inducing collagen synthesis in fibroblasts](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39102921/) Lactic acid · International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2024
- [Encapsulation and controlled release of retinol from silicone particles for topical delivery](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29604311/) Retinol · Journal of Controlled Release, 2018
- [Poly-L-Lactic acid increases collagen gene expression and synthesis in cultured dermal fibroblast (Hs68) through the TGF-β/Smad pathway](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36575891/) Lactic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023
- [A randomized, controlled comparative study of the wrinkle reduction benefits of a cosmetic niacinamide/peptide/retinyl propionate product regimen vs. a prescription 0.02% tretinoin product regimen](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20374604/) Retinol · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2010
- [Do urea/ammonium lactate combinations achieve better skin protection and hydration than either component alone?](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11803256/) Lactic acid · Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, 2002
- [Topical application of retinyl propionate, 4 hexyl resorcinol, and niacinamide reverses molecular and clinical features of ageing](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38685700/) Retinol · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024

## Other combinations

- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinol-and-niacinamide)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and isopropyl alcohol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinol-and-isopropyl-alcohol)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and sodium lauryl sulfate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinol-and-sodium-lauryl-sulfate)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and aha blend glycolic and citric acids](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinol-and-aha-blend-glycolic-and-citric-acids)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinol-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-retinol)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinol-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinol-and-salicylic-acid)
- Depends on the strength: [Niacinamide and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/niacinamide-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Vitamin C and retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/vitamin-c-and-retinol)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and sodium lactate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-sodium-lactate)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and tromethamine](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-tromethamine)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinol-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and bio-placenta peptides](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinol-and-bio-placenta-peptides)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinol-and-collagen-peptide)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinol-and-copper-peptide)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinol-and-hexapeptide)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinol-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinol-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinol-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinol-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinol-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and betaine](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-betaine)
- Work well together: [Glycerin and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/glycerin-and-lactic-acid)
- Depends on the strength: [Lactic acid and hyaluronic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-hyaluronic-acid)
- Work well together: [Retinol and bakuchiol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinol-and-bakuchiol)
- Work well together: [Retinol and coenzyme q10](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinol-and-coenzyme-q10)
- Work well together: [Retinol and green tea](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinol-and-green-tea)
- Work well together: [Retinol and vitamin E](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinol-and-vitamin-e)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Keep them apart: [Bio-placenta peptides and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/bio-placenta-peptides-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Carnosine and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/carnosine-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-collagen-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-copper-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/adapalene-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and granactive retinoid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-granactive-retinoid)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate)
- Keep them apart: [Pro-retinol and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/pro-retinol-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinal and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinal-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and retinoid blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-retinoid-blend)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/tretinoin-and-lactic-acid)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and gluconolactone](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-gluconolactone)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and lactobionic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-lactobionic-acid)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-cholesterol)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and lauric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-lauric-acid)
- Work well together: [Linoleic acid and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/linoleic-acid-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-tri-ceramide-complex)
- Work well together: [Arginine and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/arginine-and-lactic-acid)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and GABA](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-gaba)
- Work well together: [Silk amino acids and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/silk-amino-acids-and-lactic-acid)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and taurine](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-taurine)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and theanine](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-theanine)
- Work well together: [Ferulic acid and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/ferulic-acid-and-lactic-acid)
- Work well together: [Vitamin E and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/vitamin-e-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-retinol)
- Work well together: [Allantoin and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/allantoin-and-lactic-acid)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and bisabolol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-bisabolol)
- Work well together: [Panthenol and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/panthenol-and-lactic-acid)
- Work well together: [Retinol and ceramide-building complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinol-and-ceramide-building-complex)
- Work well together: [Retinol and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinol-and-tri-ceramide-complex)

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