# Tretinoin and acetyl hexapeptide-3

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/tretinoin-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3

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 at different times of day by applying [acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3) in the morning and [tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/tretinoin) at night to prevent irritation. Both active ingredients work hard to smooth the skin, so using them at the same time can cause redness and sensitivity. You can easily fix this by spacing out your routine or switching to a gentler peptide cream.

- [All about tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/tretinoin)
- [All about acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3)

### [Tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/tretinoin) products

- [Retin-A Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/retin-a/cream/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [CA$48.75 at Shoppers Drug Mart](https://www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/reversa-retin-a-list-cream/p/BB_067520006547?variantCode=067520006547)
- [Tri-Luma Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/tri-luma/cream/for/dark-spots) — Average fit
- [Musely The Spot Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/musely/the-spot-cream/for/mature-skin) — High fit
- [Obagi Tretinoin Cream 0.05%](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/obagi/tretinoin-cream-0-05/for/oily-skin) — High fit
- [Taro Tretinoin Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/taro/tretinoin-cream/for/combination-skin) — High fit
- [Mylan Tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/mylan/tretinoin/for/acne-prone-skin) — Average fit
- [Curology Formula](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/curology/formula/for/oily-skin) — High fit
- [Menarini A-Ret Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/oily-skin) — High fit

### [Acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3) products

- [The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/multi-peptide-copper-peptides-1-serum/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [CA$39.50 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0C9DXGXZ3?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/multi-peptide-ha-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — [CA$23.50 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BLHW7JZM?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Medik8 Liquid Peptides](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/medik8/liquid-peptides/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Average fit — [CA$133.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0DT1LYVZ6?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [La Mer The Treatment Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-mer/the-treatment-lotion/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — [CA$182.00 at Sephora](https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/la-mer-the-treatment-lotion-P480613?skuId=2533594)
- [Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/rhode/peptide-glazing-fluid/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [CA$30.00 at Sephora](https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/peptide-glazing-fluid-P517531?skuId=2895902)
- [The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10%](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/argireline-solution-10/for/mature-skin) — Average fit — [CA$12.90 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B072JH13CD?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Good Molecules Super Peptide Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/good-molecules/super-peptide-serum/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [CA$26.40 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B091MTKS35?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/clinique/smart-clinical-repair-wrinkle-correcting-serum/for/mature-skin) — Average fit — [CA$145.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09FG8TJDD?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [La Mer The Renewal Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-mer/the-renewal-oil/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [CA$410.02 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0163GAMI4?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Estée Lauder Micro Essence Treatment Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/estee-lauder/micro-essence-treatment-lotion/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [CA$107.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BB44W3QP?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [The INKEY List Collagen Peptide Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-inkey-list/collagen-peptide-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit
- [La Mer The Eye Concentrate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-mer/the-eye-concentrate/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [CA$370.00 at Sephora](https://www.sephora.com/ca/en/product/la-mer-the-eye-concentrate-P455924?skuId=2341600)

## Questions and answers

### Can you use tretinoin and acetyl hexapeptide-3 together?

No, you should keep [tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/tretinoin) and [acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3) apart because combining them may increase irritation since both activate dermal remodeling pathways. Instead, alternate your usage by applying the retinoid in the evening and peptides in the morning.

### Which goes first, tretinoin or acetyl hexapeptide-3?

Keep tretinoin and acetyl hexapeptide-3 apart in your routine by using tretinoin in the PM and acetyl hexapeptide-3 in the AM, because combining them may increase skin irritation.

### Are tretinoin and acetyl hexapeptide-3 good for sensitive skin?

Tretinoin and acetyl hexapeptide-3 should be kept apart in your routine because combined stimulation may increase irritation, especially for sensitive skin. You can alternate their usage by applying your retinoid in the evening and peptides in the morning.

## Research on tretinoin and acetyl hexapeptide-3

- [Restoration of collagen formation in photodamaged human skin by tretinoin (retinoic acid)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/) Tretinoin · The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993
- [Clinical Assessment of New Topical Cream Containing Two Essential Oils Combined with Tretinoin in the Treatment of Acne](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32210603/) Tretinoin · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2020
- [The anti-wrinkle efficacy of argireline, a synthetic hexapeptide, in Chinese subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23417317/) Acetyl hexapeptide-3 · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2013
- [Efficacy assessments of tretinoin-loaded nano lipid carriers in acne vulgaris: a double blind, split-face randomized clinical study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34146120/) Tretinoin · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2022
- [Topical tretinoin for treating photoaging: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35620028/) Tretinoin · International Journal of Women's Dermatology, 2022
- [Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy of Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid-Based Microneedle Patch with Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Epidermal Growth Factor on Korean Skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33911590/) Acetyl hexapeptide-3 · Annals of Dermatology, 2019
- [The efficacy study of the combination of tripeptide-10-citrulline and acetyl hexapeptide-3. A prospective, randomized controlled study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28150423/) Acetyl hexapeptide-3 · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2017
- [The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23607739/) Acetyl hexapeptide-3 · Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2013

## Other combinations

- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/adapalene-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Keep them apart: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and granactive retinoid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-granactive-retinoid)
- Keep them apart: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate)
- Keep them apart: [Pro-retinol and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/pro-retinol-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Keep them apart: [Retinal and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinal-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Keep them apart: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and retinoid blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-retinoid-blend)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinol-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Keep them apart: [Vitamin A and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/vitamin-a-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and bio-placenta peptides](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/tretinoin-and-bio-placenta-peptides)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/tretinoin-and-collagen-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/tretinoin-and-copper-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/tretinoin-and-hexapeptide)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/tretinoin-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/tretinoin-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/tretinoin-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/tretinoin-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/tretinoin-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Work well together: [Liposome and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/liposome-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Work well together: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and microcapsule](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-microcapsule)
- Depends on the strength: [Vitamin C and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/vitamin-c-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Depends on the strength: [Niacinamide and tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/niacinamide-and-tretinoin)
- Work well together: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and betaine](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-betaine)
- Work well together: [Glycerin and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/glycerin-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Work well together: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and hyaluronic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-hyaluronic-acid)
- Depends on the strength: [Niacinamide and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/niacinamide-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Work well together: [Panthenol and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/panthenol-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Work well together: [Bakuchiol and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/bakuchiol-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Work well together: [Arginine and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/arginine-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Work well together: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and GABA](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-gaba)
- Work well together: [Silk amino acids and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/silk-amino-acids-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Work well together: [Taurine and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/taurine-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Work well together: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and theanine](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-theanine)
- Keep them apart: [AHA blend glycolic and citric acids and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/aha-blend-glycolic-and-citric-acids-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Keep them apart: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Keep them apart: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-mandelic-acid)
- Work well together: [Coenzyme Q10 and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/coenzyme-q10-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Work well together: [Green tea and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/green-tea-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Work well together: [Vitamin E and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/vitamin-e-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Keep them apart: [AHA blend glycolic and citric acids and tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/aha-blend-glycolic-and-citric-acids-and-tretinoin)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/tretinoin-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-tretinoin)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/tretinoin-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/tretinoin-and-mandelic-acid)
- Work well together: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and beta-sitosterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-beta-sitosterol)
- Work well together: [Ceramide-building complex and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/ceramide-building-complex-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Work well together: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-cholesterol)
- Work well together: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and phytosphingosine](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-phytosphingosine)
- Work well together: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and phytosterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-phytosterol)
- Work well together: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and squalene](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-squalene)
- Work well together: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-tri-ceramide-complex)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-tretinoin)
- Keep them apart: [Vitamin C and tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/vitamin-c-and-tretinoin)
- Keep them apart: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and baking soda](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-baking-soda)
- Keep them apart: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and bleach](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-bleach)
- Keep them apart: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and potassium hydroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-potassium-hydroxide)
- Keep them apart: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and behenyl alcohol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-behenyl-alcohol)
- Keep them apart: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and isopropyl alcohol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-isopropyl-alcohol)
- Keep them apart: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and polyvinyl alcohol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-polyvinyl-alcohol)
- Keep them apart: [Copper and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/copper-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-tretinoin)
- Keep them apart: [Magnesium and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/magnesium-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Keep them apart: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and zinc](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-zinc)
- Keep them apart: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and zinc sulfate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-zinc-sulfate)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Keep them apart: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and protease](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-protease)
- Keep them apart: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and superoxide dismutase](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-superoxide-dismutase)

## 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/tretinoin-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/tretinoin-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/ingredients/tretinoin-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/tretinoin-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/tretinoin-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/tretinoin-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/tretinoin-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/tretinoin-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/tretinoin-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3 (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/tretinoin-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/tretinoin-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/tretinoin-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/tretinoin-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3