# Retinal and mandelic acid

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/retinal-and-mandelic-acid

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

Keep them apart

Use them on alternate nights because they are both strong and can irritate your skin when mixed together. Using both at the same time causes too much peeling, redness, and irritation. You can easily fix this by applying one on Monday and the other on Tuesday, or by using 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 retinal](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/retinal)
- [All about mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/mandelic-acid)

### [Retinal](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/retinal) products

- [Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/beauty-of-joseon/revive-eye-serum/for/combination-skin) — High fit — [SAR 87.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B0CTC25796?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/the-ordinary/retinal-0-2-emulsion/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [Medik8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 3](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/medik8/crystal-retinal-3/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [SAR 272.46 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B07Y5P314G?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Murad Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/murad/retinal-resculpt-overnight-treatment/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — [SAR 347.76 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B0BWGXDCWJ?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [celimax RETINAL SHOT](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/celimax/retinal-shot/for/acne-prone-skin) — Average fit — [SAR 79.68 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B0FQV2J48Q?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/some-by-mi/retinol-intense-reactivating-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [SAR 65.55 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B0BXGW8DRP?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [NATURIUM Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.05%](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/naturium/retinaldehyde-cream-serum-0-05/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [SAR 81.35 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B0BJL2W71K?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Avène RetrinAL EYES](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/avene/retrinal-eyes/for/dry-skin) — High fit
- [Murad Retinal ReSculpt Body Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/murad/retinal-resculpt-body-treatment/for/mature-skin) — Average fit
- [K-SECRET SEOUl 1988 EYE CREAM](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/k-secret/seoul-1988-eye-cream/for/mature-skin) — Average fit — [SAR 39.90 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B0G61K2B1P?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 5](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/geek-and-gorgeous/a-game-5/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [SAR 116.15 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B08TTP8589?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Peach & Lily Retinal For All Renewing Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/peach-and-lily/retinal-for-all-renewing-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit — [SAR 272.27 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B0CRK6TC5T?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

### [Mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/mandelic-acid) products

- [The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/the-ordinary/mandelic-acid-10-ha/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit
- [Nécessaire The Body Retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/necessaire/the-body-retinol/for/dark-spots) — Average fit
- [Good Molecules Mandelic Acid Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/good-molecules/mandelic-acid-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — [SAR 101.74 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B0D6TWLB6T?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/glamglow/supermud-clearing-treatment/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [SAR 171.41 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B01MT9MPTX?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Dermalogica PowerBright Dark Spot Peel](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/dermalogica/powerbright-dark-spot-peel/for/oily-skin) — Average fit
- [Sofie Pavitt Face Mandelic Clearing Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/sofie-pavitt-face/mandelic-clearing-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cetaphil/gentle-exfoliating-sa-lotion/for/combination-skin) — High fit — [SAR 132.33 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B0CZDMS6G6?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [SkinCeuticals Cell Cycle Catalyst](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/skinceuticals/cell-cycle-catalyst/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Average fit
- [DIME TBT Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/dime/tbt-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit
- [By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/by-wishtrend/mandelic-acid-5-skin-prep-water/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [SAR 126.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B07MC4P4R8?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Triple AHA Gentle Cleansing Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/haruharu-wonder/black-rice-triple-aha-gentle-cleansing-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [SAR 34.21 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B0CKVL9PGY?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Neutrogena Bright Boost Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/neutrogena/bright-boost-gel-cream/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit

## Questions and answers

### Can you use retinal and mandelic acid together?

No, you should avoid using [retinal](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/retinal) and [mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/mandelic-acid) in the same routine step because combining them may cause irritation or barrier disruption. Instead, use mandelic acid in the morning or on alternate nights and apply retinal on alternate evenings.

### Which goes first, retinal or mandelic acid?

Keep retinal and mandelic acid apart by using them in separate steps or alternating nights. Applying both together may cause irritation and disrupt your skin barrier because both increase cell turnover.

### Are retinal and mandelic acid good for sensitive skin?

Sensitive, dry, and reactive skin should avoid direct overlap of retinal and mandelic acid. Lovi rates the fit of this combination as poor because both ingredients increase cell turnover and may cause irritation or barrier disruption when layered.

## Research on retinal and mandelic acid

- [Comparative study of efficacy and safety of 45% mandelic acid versus 30% salicylic acid peels in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31553119/) Mandelic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29705755/) Mandelic acid · BMJ Open, 2018

## Other combinations

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