# Salicylic acid and hydroxypinacolone retinoate Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate 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 on alternate nights because they can cause too much dryness when layered together. Both ingredients speed up skin renewal, so using them together can lead to redness and peeling. The shopper can alternate nights or switch to a gentler formula. [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 salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid) - [All about hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) ### [Salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid) products - [Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/skin-perfecting-2-bha-liquid-exfoliant/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [$37.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00949CTQQ?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [Medicube Zero Pore Pad](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/medicube/zero-pore-pad/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [$18.90 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09V7Z4TJG?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/renewing-sa-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [$12.37 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U1YCRD8?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/dermalogica/daily-microfoliant/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [$69.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071ZBJPH7?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [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) - [Mario Badescu Drying Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/mario-badescu/drying-lotion/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [$18.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017SWIU4?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-medicated-gel-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [$18.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LO1DNXU?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-ordinary/aha-30-bha-2-peeling-solution/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [$9.50 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071D4D5DT?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/10-azelaic-acid-booster/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [$42.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V4PNAI4?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/sa-lotion-for-rough-and-bumpy-skin/for/oily-skin) — Average fit — [$47.19 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GHC9HJJB?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/bha-blackhead-power-liquid/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [$18.94 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OZEJ8R8?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/hero-cosmetics/mighty-patch/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [$20.12 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B4KQVK6?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) ### [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) products - [The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [$12.10 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071HHSMTT?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [IOPE Retinol Super Bounce Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/iope/retinol-super-bounce-serum/for/dark-spots) — Average fit — [$49.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GNTW9PPM?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [BYOMA Sensitive Retinol Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/byoma/sensitive-retinol-oil/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [$17.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSDWY381?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [Medicube Deep Vita A Retinol Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/medicube/deep-vita-a-retinol-serum/for/acne-prone-skin) — Average fit - [Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/sunday-riley/a-high-dose-retinoid-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [$50.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B7JT39KP?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) ## Questions and answers ### Can you use salicylic acid and hydroxypinacolone retinoate together? You should avoid combining [salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid) and [hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) in the same routine because both enhance cell turnover and layering them may cause irritation or peeling. Instead, alternate them by day, using salicylic acid in the morning or every other night and the retinoid on alternate evenings. ### Which goes first, salicylic acid or hydroxypinacolone retinoate? Keep salicylic acid and hydroxypinacolone retinoate apart by alternating them by day, using salicylic acid in the morning or every other night and the retinoid on alternate evenings, to help avoid irritation or peeling. ### Are salicylic acid and hydroxypinacolone retinoate good for sensitive skin? Salicylic acid and hydroxypinacolone retinoate should be kept apart in your routine because combining them may cause irritation or peeling, especially for sensitive skin. You can alternate them by day, using salicylic acid in the morning or every other night and applying your retinoid on alternate evenings. ## Research on salicylic acid and hydroxypinacolone retinoate - [A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled Study of the Efficacy of Moisturizer Containing Licochalcone A, Decanediol, L-Carnitine, and Salicylic Acid for Prevention of Acne Relapse in Asian Population](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/) Salicylic acid · BioMed Research International, 2020 - [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 - [Efficacy of a multitargeted, salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic cream compared to benzoyl peroxide 5% in Acne vulgaris: Results from a randomized study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024 - [A Salicylic Acid-Based Dermocosmetic is Effective as an Adjunct to Benzoyl Peroxide for Mild to Moderate Acne and as Monotherapy in Maintenance Post Benzoyl Peroxide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 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/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021 - [Clinical tolerance and efficacy of capryloyl salicylic acid peel compared to a glycolic acid peel in subjects with fine lines/wrinkles and hyperpigmented skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19146601/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2008 - [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/) Salicylic 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 - Work well together: [Salicylic acid and glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-glycerin) - Work well together: [Panthenol and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/panthenol-and-salicylic-acid) - Keep them apart: [Vitamin C and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/vitamin-c-and-salicylic-acid) - Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-salicylic-acid) - Keep them apart: [Retinol and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/retinol-and-salicylic-acid) - Depends on the strength: [Niacinamide and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/niacinamide-and-salicylic-acid) - Keep them apart: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) - Keep them apart: [Bio-placenta peptides and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/bio-placenta-peptides-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) - Keep them apart: [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-collagen-peptide) - Keep them apart: [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-copper-peptide) - Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) - Keep them apart: [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-hexapeptide-9) - Keep them apart: [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4) - Keep them apart: [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1) - Keep them apart: [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-peptide-rich-plasma) - Keep them apart: [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-triple-peptide-blend) - Work well together: [Salicylic acid and lauric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-lauric-acid) - Work well together: [Salicylic acid and linoleic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-linoleic-acid) - Depends on the strength: [Niacinamide and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/niacinamide-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) - Depends on the strength: [Salicylic acid and zinc](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-zinc) - Work well together: [Salicylic acid and zinc gluconate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-zinc-gluconate) - Work well together: [Salicylic acid and zinc oxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-zinc-oxide) - Work well together: [Salicylic acid and zinc sulfate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-zinc-sulfate) - Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-hyaluronic-acid) - Keep them apart: [AHA blend glycolic and citric acids and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/aha-blend-glycolic-and-citric-acids-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) - Keep them apart: [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) - Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) - Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) - Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3) - Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and bio-placenta peptides](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-bio-placenta-peptides) - Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-collagen-peptide) - Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-copper-peptide) - Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-hexapeptide) - Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-hexapeptide-9) - Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4) - Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1) - Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-peptide-rich-plasma) - Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-triple-peptide-blend) - Work well together: [Salicylic acid and allantoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-allantoin) - Work well together: [Salicylic acid and bisabolol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-bisabolol) - Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-tri-ceramide-complex) - Keep them apart: [Adapalene and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/adapalene-and-salicylic-acid) - Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and granactive retinoid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-granactive-retinoid) - Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and pro-retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-pro-retinol) - Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and retinal](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-retinal) - Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and retinoid blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-retinoid-blend) - Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-tretinoin) - Keep them apart: [Vitamin C and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/vitamin-c-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) - Work well together: [Salicylic acid and gluconolactone](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-gluconolactone) - Work well together: [Salicylic acid and lactobionic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-lactobionic-acid) - Keep them apart: [AHA blend glycolic and citric acids and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/aha-blend-glycolic-and-citric-acids-and-salicylic-acid) - Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-salicylic-acid) - Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-lactic-acid) - Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-mandelic-acid) - Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-salicylic-acid) - Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) - Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and titanium dioxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-titanium-dioxide) - Work well together: [Green tea and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/green-tea-and-salicylic-acid) - Work well together: [Salicylic acid and resveratrol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-resveratrol) - Work well together: [Salicylic acid and vitamin E](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-vitamin-e) ## 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/salicylic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate (this page) - United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate - Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate - Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate - France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate - Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate - Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate - Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate - Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate - Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate - Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate - Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate - United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate