# Tretinoin and citric acid

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/tretinoin-and-citric-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 both increase cell turnover and can cause irritation when layered together. Using [tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/tretinoin) and [citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/citric-acid) at the same time causes too much shedding and makes the skin red, dry, and irritated. You can switch to using them on different nights or use a gentler strength.

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

### [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

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

- [The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/salicylic-acid-2-solution/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [CA$8.69 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CJ6M78DP?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap (Baby Unscented)](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dr-bronner-s/pure-castile-liquid-soap-baby-unscented/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit
- [Thayers Hydrating Milky Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/thayers/hydrating-milky-toner/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [CA$17.98 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BQCRH6D8?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/seven-minerals/organic-aloe-vera-gel/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit
- [SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/skinceuticals/blemish-age-defense/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit
- [Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/naturie/hatomugi-skin-conditioner/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit
- [E45 Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/e45/cream/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [CA$33.35 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B014DD9CSA?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [NATURIUM BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2%](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/naturium/bha-liquid-exfoliant-2/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [CA$25.65 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B011U9M3MW?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Dr. Sam's Flawless Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dr-sam-s/flawless-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — High fit
- [Kiehl's Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/kiehl-s/calendula-deep-cleansing-foaming-face-wash/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [CA$53.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00O19W9UA?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Neutrogena Hydro Boost Micellar Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-micellar-water/for/dark-spots) — Average fit — [CA$27.36 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07N7HFJ59?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Garnier SkinActive Blackhead Eliminating Scrub](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/garnier-skinactive/blackhead-eliminating-scrub/for/oily-skin) — Low fit — [CA$21.52 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00IWNPTD0?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

## Questions and answers

### Can you use tretinoin and citric acid together?

No, you should keep [tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/tretinoin) and [citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/citric-acid) apart in your routine. Combining them may cause over-exfoliation, irritation, or skin barrier disruption.

### Which goes first, tretinoin or citric acid?

Keep tretinoin and citric acid apart in your routine because combining them may lead to irritation or barrier disruption. Alternate their use by applying citric acid in the morning or on separate nights and tretinoin on alternate evenings.

### Are tretinoin and citric acid good for sensitive skin?

Tretinoin and citric acid should be kept apart to avoid irritation and barrier disruption, particularly for sensitive, dry, and reactive skin. Instead, you can alternate their use by applying citric acid in the morning or on alternate nights, and using tretinoin on separate evenings.

## Research on tretinoin and citric acid

- [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
- [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
- [Clinical evaluation of the efficacy of a facial serum containing dioic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, LHA, citric acid, and HEPES in treating post-inflammatory hyperchromia and controlling oily skin in patients with acne vulgaris](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33617668/) Citric acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
- [Comparison of clindamycin 1% and benzoyl peroxide 5% gel to a novel composition containing salicylic acid, capryloyl salicylic acid, HEPES, glycolic acid, citric acid, and dioic acid in the treatment of acne vulgaris](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23545907/) Citric acid · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2013

## Other combinations

- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinol-and-citric-acid)
- Depends on the strength: [Niacinamide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/niacinamide-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Sodium lactate and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/sodium-lactate-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Citric acid and tromethamine](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/citric-acid-and-tromethamine)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/tretinoin-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)
- Depends on the strength: [Niacinamide and tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/niacinamide-and-tretinoin)
- Work well together: [Betaine and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/betaine-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Glycerin and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/glycerin-and-citric-acid)
- Depends on the strength: [Hyaluronic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/hyaluronic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Bio-placenta peptides and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/bio-placenta-peptides-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Carnosine and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/carnosine-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Collagen peptide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/collagen-peptide-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Copper peptide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/copper-peptide-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Citric acid and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/citric-acid-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Citric acid and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/citric-acid-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Keep them apart: [Citric acid and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/citric-acid-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Keep them apart: [Citric acid and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/citric-acid-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Keep them apart: [Citric acid and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/citric-acid-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- 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: [Adapalene and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/adapalene-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Granactive retinoid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/granactive-retinoid-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Pro-retinol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/pro-retinol-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinal and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinal-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinoid blend and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinoid-blend-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: [Gluconolactone and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/gluconolactone-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Lactobionic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/lactobionic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Cholesterol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/cholesterol-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Citric acid and lauric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/citric-acid-and-lauric-acid)
- Work well together: [Linoleic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/linoleic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Citric acid and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/citric-acid-and-tri-ceramide-complex)
- Work well together: [Arginine and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/arginine-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Citric acid and GABA](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/citric-acid-and-gaba)
- Work well together: [Silk amino acids and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/silk-amino-acids-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Taurine and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/taurine-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Citric acid and theanine](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/citric-acid-and-theanine)
- 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)
- Work well together: [Ferulic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/ferulic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Vitamin E and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/vitamin-e-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-tretinoin)
- Work well together: [Allantoin and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/allantoin-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Citric acid and bisabolol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/citric-acid-and-bisabolol)
- Work well together: [Panthenol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/panthenol-and-citric-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/tretinoin-and-citric-acid
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/tretinoin-and-citric-acid
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/ingredients/tretinoin-and-citric-acid
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/tretinoin-and-citric-acid
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/tretinoin-and-citric-acid
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/tretinoin-and-citric-acid
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/tretinoin-and-citric-acid
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/tretinoin-and-citric-acid
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/tretinoin-and-citric-acid (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/tretinoin-and-citric-acid
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/tretinoin-and-citric-acid
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/tretinoin-and-citric-acid
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/tretinoin-and-citric-acid