# Retinol and citric acid

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/retinol-and-citric-acid

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

Keep them apart

Use them on alternate nights, applying [citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/citric-acid) first and [retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/retinol) next, to prevent skin irritation and over-exfoliation. Both ingredients increase skin cell turnover and can cause redness, peeling, or a damaged barrier when used together. The shopper can switch to a gentler strength or add more time between applications.

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

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

- [CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/cerave/resurfacing-retinol-serum/for/dark-spots) — High fit — [€16.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0B913JC2W?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/roc/retinol-correxion-deep-wrinkle-night-cream/for/dark-spots) — High fit — [€33.98 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0GXBBV93V?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/paula-s-choice/1-retinol-treatment/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — [€57.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07P6M914G?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/roc/retinol-correxion-line-smoothing-eye-cream/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [€19.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B08GGD7NRN?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/good-molecules/gentle-retinol-cream/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [€25.39 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B09BST7MMP?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/la-roche-posay/retinol-b3-serum/for/dark-spots) — Average fit — [€32.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07Z9Y4M3C?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [DRMTLGY Retinol Body Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/drmtlgy/retinol-body-lotion/for/mature-skin) — Average fit
- [RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/roc/retinol-correxion-deep-wrinkle-serum/for/oily-skin) — Average fit — [€30.97 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0GQZ5J61H?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/cerave/skin-renewing-retinol-serum/for/dark-spots) — Average fit — [€25.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0F1FYZW1V?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/olay/regenerist-retinol-24-night-moisturizer/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — [€24.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0FWD3PPTV?tag=lovi-care-web-product05-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [cocokind Retinol Body Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/cocokind/retinol-body-cream/for/mature-skin) — Average fit
- [Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/neutrogena/rapid-wrinkle-repair-regenerating-cream/for/mature-skin) — High fit

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

- [The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/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/es/p/dr-bronner-s/pure-castile-liquid-soap-baby-unscented/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit
- [Thayers Hydrating Milky Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/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/es/p/seven-minerals/organic-aloe-vera-gel/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit
- [SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/skinceuticals/blemish-age-defense/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [€95.10 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/es/p/naturie/hatomugi-skin-conditioner/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit
- [E45 Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/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/es/p/naturium/bha-liquid-exfoliant-2/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit
- [Dr. Sam's Flawless Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/dr-sam-s/flawless-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — High fit
- [Kiehl's Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/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/es/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-micellar-water/for/dark-spots) — Average fit — [€3.95 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/es/p/garnier-skinactive/blackhead-eliminating-scrub/for/oily-skin) — Low fit

## Questions and answers

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

Keep [retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/retinol) and [citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/citric-acid) apart in your routine to avoid over-exfoliation and irritation. Instead, alternate evenings or use a moisturizer between applications.

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

Keep retinol and citric acid apart by alternating them on different evenings to help prevent over-exfoliation and skin irritation.

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

Keep retinol and citric acid apart because layering them may cause over-exfoliation and irritation. Alternate evenings or buffer with moisturizer between uses to protect sensitive skin.

## Research on retinol and citric 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
- [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
- [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
- [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
- [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/es/ingredients/retinol-and-niacinamide)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and isopropyl alcohol](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/retinol-and-isopropyl-alcohol)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and sodium lauryl sulfate](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/retinol-and-sodium-lauryl-sulfate)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and aha blend glycolic and citric acids](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/retinol-and-aha-blend-glycolic-and-citric-acids)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-retinol)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/retinol-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/retinol-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/retinol-and-salicylic-acid)
- Depends on the strength: [Niacinamide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/niacinamide-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Vitamin C and retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/vitamin-c-and-retinol)
- Work well together: [Sodium lactate and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/sodium-lactate-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Citric acid and tromethamine](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/citric-acid-and-tromethamine)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/retinol-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and bio-placenta peptides](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/retinol-and-bio-placenta-peptides)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/retinol-and-collagen-peptide)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/retinol-and-copper-peptide)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/retinol-and-hexapeptide)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/retinol-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/retinol-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/retinol-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/retinol-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/retinol-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Work well together: [Betaine and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/betaine-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Glycerin and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/glycerin-and-citric-acid)
- Depends on the strength: [Hyaluronic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/hyaluronic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Retinol and bakuchiol](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/retinol-and-bakuchiol)
- Work well together: [Retinol and coenzyme q10](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/retinol-and-coenzyme-q10)
- Work well together: [Retinol and green tea](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/retinol-and-green-tea)
- Work well together: [Retinol and vitamin E](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/retinol-and-vitamin-e)
- Keep them apart: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Bio-placenta peptides and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/bio-placenta-peptides-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Carnosine and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/carnosine-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Collagen peptide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/collagen-peptide-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Copper peptide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/copper-peptide-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Citric acid and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/citric-acid-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Citric acid and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/citric-acid-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Keep them apart: [Citric acid and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/citric-acid-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Keep them apart: [Citric acid and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/citric-acid-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Keep them apart: [Citric acid and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/citric-acid-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/adapalene-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Granactive retinoid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/granactive-retinoid-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Pro-retinol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/pro-retinol-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinal and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/retinal-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinoid blend and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/retinoid-blend-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/tretinoin-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Gluconolactone and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/gluconolactone-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Lactobionic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/lactobionic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Cholesterol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/cholesterol-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Citric acid and lauric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/citric-acid-and-lauric-acid)
- Work well together: [Linoleic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/linoleic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Citric acid and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/citric-acid-and-tri-ceramide-complex)
- Work well together: [Arginine and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/arginine-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Citric acid and GABA](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/citric-acid-and-gaba)
- Work well together: [Silk amino acids and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/silk-amino-acids-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Taurine and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/taurine-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Citric acid and theanine](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/citric-acid-and-theanine)
- Work well together: [Ferulic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/ferulic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Vitamin E and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/vitamin-e-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-retinol)
- Work well together: [Allantoin and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/allantoin-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Citric acid and bisabolol](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/citric-acid-and-bisabolol)
- Work well together: [Panthenol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/panthenol-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Retinol and ceramide-building complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/retinol-and-ceramide-building-complex)
- Work well together: [Retinol and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/es/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-citric-acid
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/retinol-and-citric-acid
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/ingredients/retinol-and-citric-acid
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/retinol-and-citric-acid
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/retinol-and-citric-acid
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/retinol-and-citric-acid
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinol-and-citric-acid
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/retinol-and-citric-acid (this page)
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/retinol-and-citric-acid
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/retinol-and-citric-acid
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinol-and-citric-acid
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/retinol-and-citric-acid
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/retinol-and-citric-acid