# Hexapeptide and citric acid

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

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

Keep them apart

Use them at different times of day, applying the acid first and the peptide later, because mixing them makes the peptide lose its power. The acid is too sour for the peptide and breaks its helpful bonds, which means you might not see the firming results you want. You can fix this by using them in separate routines, such as one in the morning and one at night.

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

### [Hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide) products

- [SkinCeuticals P-TOX](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/skinceuticals/p-tox/for/mature-skin) — High fit

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

- [The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-ordinary/salicylic-acid-2-solution/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [$6.70 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C3PCJ6SD?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap (Baby Unscented)](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/dr-bronner-s/pure-castile-liquid-soap-baby-unscented/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit
- [Thayers Hydrating Milky Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/thayers/hydrating-milky-toner/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [$13.25 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BQCRH6D8?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/seven-minerals/organic-aloe-vera-gel/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit
- [SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/skinceuticals/blemish-age-defense/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit
- [Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/naturie/hatomugi-skin-conditioner/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit
- [E45 Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/e45/cream/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [$9.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DDMDOYK?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [NATURIUM BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2%](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/naturium/bha-liquid-exfoliant-2/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [$18.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08881VH6J?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Dr. Sam's Flawless Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/dr-sam-s/flawless-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — High fit
- [Kiehl's Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/kiehl-s/calendula-deep-cleansing-foaming-face-wash/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [$39.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O19W9UA?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Neutrogena Hydro Boost Micellar Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-micellar-water/for/dark-spots) — Average fit — [$11.91 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLSZX63K?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Garnier SkinActive Blackhead Eliminating Scrub](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/garnier-skinactive/blackhead-eliminating-scrub/for/oily-skin) — Low fit — [$8.69 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IWNPTD0?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

## Questions and answers

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

Keep [hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide) and [citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/citric-acid) apart by using them in separate steps or routines, such as alternating between morning and night. The low-pH environment of citric acid may destabilize peptide bonds and reduce their bioactivity when combined directly.

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

Keep hexapeptide and citric acid apart by using them in separate steps or routines, such as applying one in the morning and the other at night. The acidic environment of citric acid can destabilize hexapeptide bonds and reduce its effectiveness when combined in the same routine.

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

Keep hexapeptide and citric acid apart in your routine because the low pH of citric acid can destabilize hexapeptide and reduce its effectiveness. For sensitive skin, it is best to use these ingredients in separate steps or routines, such as using one in the morning and the other at night.

## Research on hexapeptide and citric acid

- [The anti-wrinkle efficacy of argireline, a synthetic hexapeptide, in Chinese subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23417317/) Hexapeptide · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2013
- [A randomized, single-blinded trial of a tripeptide/hexapeptide healing regimen following laser resurfacing of the face](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28371204/) Hexapeptide · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2017
- [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/) Hexapeptide · Annals of Dermatology, 2019
- [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/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/retinol-and-citric-acid)
- Depends on the strength: [Niacinamide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/niacinamide-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Sodium lactate and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/sodium-lactate-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Citric acid and tromethamine](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/citric-acid-and-tromethamine)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/adapalene-and-hexapeptide)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and granactive retinoid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-granactive-retinoid)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and pro-retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-pro-retinol)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and retinal](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-retinal)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and retinoid blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-retinoid-blend)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/retinol-and-hexapeptide)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/tretinoin-and-hexapeptide)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and vitamin A](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-vitamin-a)
- Work well together: [Hexapeptide and liposome](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-liposome)
- Work well together: [Hexapeptide and microcapsule](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-microcapsule)
- Depends on the strength: [Vitamin C and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/vitamin-c-and-hexapeptide)
- Work well together: [Hexapeptide and betaine](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-betaine)
- Work well together: [Glycerin and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycerin-and-hexapeptide)
- Work well together: [Hexapeptide and hyaluronic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-hyaluronic-acid)
- Work well together: [Betaine and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/betaine-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Glycerin and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycerin-and-citric-acid)
- Depends on the strength: [Hyaluronic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hyaluronic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Depends on the strength: [Niacinamide and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/niacinamide-and-hexapeptide)
- Work well together: [Panthenol and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/panthenol-and-hexapeptide)
- Work well together: [Bakuchiol and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/bakuchiol-and-hexapeptide)
- Work well together: [Hexapeptide and arginine](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-arginine)
- Work well together: [Hexapeptide and GABA](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-gaba)
- Work well together: [Hexapeptide and silk amino acids](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-silk-amino-acids)
- Work well together: [Hexapeptide and taurine](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-taurine)
- Work well together: [Hexapeptide and theanine](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-theanine)
- Keep them apart: [AHA blend glycolic and citric acids and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/aha-blend-glycolic-and-citric-acids-and-hexapeptide)
- Keep them apart: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Bio-placenta peptides and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/bio-placenta-peptides-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Carnosine and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/carnosine-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Collagen peptide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/collagen-peptide-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Copper peptide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/copper-peptide-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Citric acid and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/citric-acid-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Citric acid and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/citric-acid-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Keep them apart: [Citric acid and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/citric-acid-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Keep them apart: [Citric acid and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/citric-acid-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Keep them apart: [Citric acid and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/citric-acid-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-hexapeptide)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-mandelic-acid)
- Work well together: [Coenzyme Q10 and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/coenzyme-q10-and-hexapeptide)
- Work well together: [Green tea and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/green-tea-and-hexapeptide)
- Work well together: [Vitamin E and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/vitamin-e-and-hexapeptide)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/adapalene-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Granactive retinoid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/granactive-retinoid-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Pro-retinol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/pro-retinol-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinal and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/retinal-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinoid blend and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/retinoid-blend-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/tretinoin-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Hexapeptide and beta-sitosterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-beta-sitosterol)
- Work well together: [Ceramide-building complex and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/ceramide-building-complex-and-hexapeptide)
- Work well together: [Hexapeptide and cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-cholesterol)
- Work well together: [Hexapeptide and phytosphingosine](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-phytosphingosine)
- Work well together: [Hexapeptide and phytosterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-phytosterol)
- Work well together: [Hexapeptide and squalene](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-squalene)
- Work well together: [Hexapeptide and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-tri-ceramide-complex)
- Work well together: [Gluconolactone and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/gluconolactone-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Lactobionic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/lactobionic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-hexapeptide)
- Work well together: [Cholesterol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/cholesterol-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Citric acid and lauric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/citric-acid-and-lauric-acid)
- Work well together: [Linoleic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/linoleic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Citric acid and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/citric-acid-and-tri-ceramide-complex)
- Work well together: [Arginine and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/arginine-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Citric acid and GABA](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/citric-acid-and-gaba)
- Work well together: [Silk amino acids and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/silk-amino-acids-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Taurine and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/taurine-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Citric acid and theanine](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/citric-acid-and-theanine)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and baking soda](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-baking-soda)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and bleach](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-bleach)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and potassium hydroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-potassium-hydroxide)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and behenyl alcohol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-behenyl-alcohol)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and isopropyl alcohol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-isopropyl-alcohol)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and polyvinyl alcohol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-polyvinyl-alcohol)
- Work well together: [Ferulic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/ferulic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Vitamin E and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/vitamin-e-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and copper](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-copper)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Allantoin and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/allantoin-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Citric acid and bisabolol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/citric-acid-and-bisabolol)
- Work well together: [Panthenol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/panthenol-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and magnesium](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-magnesium)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and zinc](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-zinc)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and zinc sulfate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-zinc-sulfate)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-hexapeptide)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-hexapeptide)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and protease](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-protease)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and superoxide dismutase](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-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/hexapeptide-and-citric-acid (this page)
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-citric-acid
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-citric-acid
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-citric-acid
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-citric-acid
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-citric-acid
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-citric-acid
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-citric-acid
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-citric-acid
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-citric-acid
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-citric-acid
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-citric-acid
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-citric-acid