# Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and citric acid Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-citric-acid The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Germany. Keep them apart Use them on alternate nights because combining them can cause skin irritation. Both ingredients speed up skin renewal, so using them together can dry or irritate skin. The shopper can use a gentler strength or leave more time between applications. [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 hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) - [All about citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/citric-acid) ### [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) products - [The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [€12.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B071HHSMTT?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [IOPE Retinol Super Bounce Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/iope/retinol-super-bounce-serum/for/dark-spots) — Average fit — [€74.30 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0CKGSMMSB?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [BYOMA Sensitive Retinol Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/byoma/sensitive-retinol-oil/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [€30.96 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0CSDWY381?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [Medicube Deep Vita A Retinol Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/medicube/deep-vita-a-retinol-serum/for/acne-prone-skin) — Average fit — [€18.89 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0H7JHK95G?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/sunday-riley/a-high-dose-retinoid-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit ### [Citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/citric-acid) products - [The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/the-ordinary/salicylic-acid-2-solution/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [€7.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0C3PCJ6SD?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap (Baby Unscented)](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/dr-bronner-s/pure-castile-liquid-soap-baby-unscented/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit - [Thayers Hydrating Milky Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/thayers/hydrating-milky-toner/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [€23.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0BQCRH6D8?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/seven-minerals/organic-aloe-vera-gel/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit - [SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/skinceuticals/blemish-age-defense/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [€96.89 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07HCGKJ76?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/naturie/hatomugi-skin-conditioner/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit - [E45 Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/e45/cream/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [€6.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0CQ8S7FNL?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [NATURIUM BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2%](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/naturium/bha-liquid-exfoliant-2/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit - [Dr. Sam's Flawless Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/dr-sam-s/flawless-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — High fit - [Kiehl's Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/kiehl-s/calendula-deep-cleansing-foaming-face-wash/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [€25.45 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B00O19W9UA?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [Neutrogena Hydro Boost Micellar Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-micellar-water/for/dark-spots) — Average fit — [€4.95 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07JMXSSYN?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [Garnier SkinActive Blackhead Eliminating Scrub](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/garnier-skinactive/blackhead-eliminating-scrub/for/oily-skin) — Low fit ## Questions and answers ### Can you use hydroxypinacolone retinoate and citric acid together? Keep [hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) and [citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/citric-acid) apart because combining them in the same routine step may cause skin irritation or barrier disruption. You can alternate their use by applying citric acid in the morning or on alternate nights and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on other evenings. ### Which goes first, hydroxypinacolone retinoate or citric acid? Keep hydroxypinacolone retinoate and citric acid apart by using them in separate routine steps, such as applying citric acid in the morning and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on alternate evenings. Combining them in the same routine step is not recommended because both increase cell turnover and may cause irritation or barrier disruption. ### Are hydroxypinacolone retinoate and citric acid good for sensitive skin? Keep hydroxypinacolone retinoate and citric acid apart in your routine because combining them may cause irritation and barrier disruption. ## Research on hydroxypinacolone retinoate and citric acid - [Characterization of Acne-Prone Skin with Reflectance Confocal Microscopy and Optical Coherence Tomography and Modifications Induced by Topical Treatment and Probiotic Supplementation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37510902/) Hydroxypinacolone retinoate · Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2023 - [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 - [The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36762391/) Hydroxypinacolone retinoate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023 - [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 - [Efficacy of Topical Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate-Peptide Product Versus Fractional CO2 Laser in Facial Aging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39394831/) Hydroxypinacolone retinoate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025 ## Other combinations - Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Retinol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/retinol-and-citric-acid) - Depends on the strength: [Niacinamide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/niacinamide-and-citric-acid) - Work well together: [Sodium lactate and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/sodium-lactate-and-citric-acid) - Work well together: [Citric acid and tromethamine](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/citric-acid-and-tromethamine) - Keep them apart: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) - Keep them apart: [Bio-placenta peptides and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/bio-placenta-peptides-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) - Keep them apart: [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-collagen-peptide) - Keep them apart: [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-copper-peptide) - Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) - Keep them apart: [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-hexapeptide-9) - Keep them apart: [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4) - Keep them apart: [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1) - Keep them apart: [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-peptide-rich-plasma) - Keep them apart: [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-triple-peptide-blend) - Depends on the strength: [Niacinamide and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/niacinamide-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) - Work well together: [Betaine and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/betaine-and-citric-acid) - Work well together: [Glycerin and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/glycerin-and-citric-acid) - Depends on the strength: [Hyaluronic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/hyaluronic-acid-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Bio-placenta peptides and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/bio-placenta-peptides-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Carnosine and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/carnosine-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Collagen peptide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/collagen-peptide-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Copper peptide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/copper-peptide-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Citric acid and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/citric-acid-and-hexapeptide-9) - Keep them apart: [Citric acid and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/citric-acid-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4) - Keep them apart: [Citric acid and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/citric-acid-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1) - Keep them apart: [Citric acid and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/citric-acid-and-peptide-rich-plasma) - Keep them apart: [Citric acid and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/citric-acid-and-triple-peptide-blend) - Keep them apart: [AHA blend glycolic and citric acids and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/aha-blend-glycolic-and-citric-acids-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) - Keep them apart: [Adapalene and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/adapalene-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Granactive retinoid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/granactive-retinoid-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Pro-retinol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/pro-retinol-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Retinal and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/retinal-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Retinoid blend and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/retinoid-blend-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/tretinoin-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) - Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) - Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) - Work well together: [Gluconolactone and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/gluconolactone-and-citric-acid) - Work well together: [Lactobionic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/lactobionic-acid-and-citric-acid) - Work well together: [Cholesterol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/cholesterol-and-citric-acid) - Work well together: [Citric acid and lauric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/citric-acid-and-lauric-acid) - Work well together: [Linoleic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/linoleic-acid-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Citric acid and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/citric-acid-and-tri-ceramide-complex) - Work well together: [Arginine and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/arginine-and-citric-acid) - Work well together: [Citric acid and GABA](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/citric-acid-and-gaba) - Work well together: [Silk amino acids and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/silk-amino-acids-and-citric-acid) - Work well together: [Taurine and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/taurine-and-citric-acid) - Work well together: [Citric acid and theanine](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/citric-acid-and-theanine) - Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) - Keep them apart: [Vitamin C and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/vitamin-c-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) - Work well together: [Ferulic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/ferulic-acid-and-citric-acid) - Work well together: [Vitamin E and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/vitamin-e-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) - Work well together: [Allantoin and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/allantoin-and-citric-acid) - Work well together: [Citric acid and bisabolol](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/citric-acid-and-bisabolol) - Work well together: [Panthenol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/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/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-citric-acid - United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-citric-acid - Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-citric-acid - Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-citric-acid (this page) - France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-citric-acid - Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-citric-acid - Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-citric-acid - Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-citric-acid - Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-citric-acid - Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-citric-acid - Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-citric-acid - Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-citric-acid - United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-citric-acid