# Adapalene and citric acid

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

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

Keep them apart

Use them on alternate nights because combining them can cause skin irritation. Both ingredients work hard to renew your skin, which can lead to dryness, redness, and a damaged skin barrier when used together. You can fix this by using a gentler strength or waiting more nights 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 adapalene](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/adapalene)
- [All about citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/citric-acid)

### [Adapalene](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/adapalene) products

- [Differin Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/differin/gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [Galderma Epiduo Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/galderma/epiduo-gel/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-adapalene-gel-0-1-acne-treatment/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit

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

- [The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/the-ordinary/salicylic-acid-2-solution/for/dry-skin) — Average fit
- [Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap (Baby Unscented)](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/dr-bronner-s/pure-castile-liquid-soap-baby-unscented/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit
- [Thayers Hydrating Milky Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/thayers/hydrating-milky-toner/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [S$11.35 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sg/dp/B0BS1RKKHW?tag=lovi-care-web-product0e-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/seven-minerals/organic-aloe-vera-gel/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit
- [SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/skinceuticals/blemish-age-defense/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit
- [Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/naturie/hatomugi-skin-conditioner/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit
- [E45 Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/e45/cream/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [S$89.33 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sg/dp/B076GTPC43?tag=lovi-care-web-product0e-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [NATURIUM BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2%](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/naturium/bha-liquid-exfoliant-2/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [S$31.03 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sg/dp/B08881VH6J?tag=lovi-care-web-product0e-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Dr. Sam's Flawless Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/dr-sam-s/flawless-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — High fit
- [Kiehl's Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/kiehl-s/calendula-deep-cleansing-foaming-face-wash/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [S$57.34 at YesStyle](https://www.yesstyle.com/en/kiehls-calendula-deep-cleansing-foaming-face-wash-230ml-230ml/info.html/pid.1117135920?curr=SGD&rco=SG)
- [Neutrogena Hydro Boost Micellar Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-micellar-water/for/dark-spots) — Average fit — [S$16.37 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sg/dp/B0CLSZX63K?tag=lovi-care-web-product0e-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Garnier SkinActive Blackhead Eliminating Scrub](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/garnier-skinactive/blackhead-eliminating-scrub/for/oily-skin) — Low fit — [S$50.01 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sg/dp/B00NVQC4YA?tag=lovi-care-web-product0e-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

## Questions and answers

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

Keep [adapalene](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/adapalene) and [citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/citric-acid) apart by using them in separate routines, such as applying citric acid in the morning and adapalene on alternate evenings. Combining them in the same step may cause irritation or barrier disruption because both increase cell turnover.

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

Keep adapalene and citric acid apart by using them in separate routine steps, such as applying citric acid in the morning and adapalene on alternate evenings. Combining them in the same routine may increase irritation or barrier disruption because both ingredients increase cell turnover.

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

Keep adapalene and citric acid apart in your routine because combining them may cause irritation or barrier disruption. Sensitive, dry, and reactive skin should avoid direct overlap by using them on alternate evenings.

## Research on adapalene and citric acid

- [Prevention and Reduction of Atrophic Acne Scars with Adapalene 0.3%/Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel in Subjects with Moderate or Severe Facial Acne: Results of a 6-Month Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled Trial Using Intra-Individual Comparison](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29549588/) Adapalene · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018
- [Efficacy and Safety of a Fixed-Dose Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2%, Benzoyl Peroxide 3.1%, and Adapalene 0.15% Gel for Moderate-to-Severe Acne: A Randomized Phase II Study of the First Triple-Combination Drug](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34674160/) Adapalene · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2022
- [A topical gel of tea tree oil nanoemulsion containing adapalene versus adapalene marketed gel in patients with acne vulgaris: a randomized clinical trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34251536/) Adapalene · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2022
- [Clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/adapalene 0.15%/benzoyl peroxide 3.1% gel for moderate-to-severe acne: Efficacy and safety results from two randomized phase 3 trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37656094/) Adapalene · Journal of the American Academy of 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/) 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/sg/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinol-and-citric-acid)
- Depends on the strength: [Niacinamide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/niacinamide-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Sodium lactate and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/sodium-lactate-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Citric acid and tromethamine](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/citric-acid-and-tromethamine)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/adapalene-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and bio-placenta peptides](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/adapalene-and-bio-placenta-peptides)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/adapalene-and-collagen-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/adapalene-and-copper-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/adapalene-and-hexapeptide)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/adapalene-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/adapalene-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/adapalene-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/adapalene-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/adapalene-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Depends on the strength: [Adapalene and niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/adapalene-and-niacinamide)
- Work well together: [Betaine and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/betaine-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Glycerin and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/glycerin-and-citric-acid)
- Depends on the strength: [Hyaluronic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/hyaluronic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Bio-placenta peptides and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/bio-placenta-peptides-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Carnosine and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/carnosine-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Collagen peptide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/collagen-peptide-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Copper peptide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/copper-peptide-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Citric acid and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/citric-acid-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Citric acid and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/citric-acid-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Keep them apart: [Citric acid and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/citric-acid-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Keep them apart: [Citric acid and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/citric-acid-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Keep them apart: [Citric acid and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/citric-acid-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and aha blend glycolic and citric acids](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/adapalene-and-aha-blend-glycolic-and-citric-acids)
- Keep them apart: [Granactive retinoid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/granactive-retinoid-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Pro-retinol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/pro-retinol-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinal and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinal-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinoid blend and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinoid-blend-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/tretinoin-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and glycolic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/adapalene-and-glycolic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/adapalene-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/adapalene-and-mandelic-acid)
- Work well together: [Gluconolactone and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/gluconolactone-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Lactobionic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/lactobionic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Cholesterol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/cholesterol-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Citric acid and lauric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/citric-acid-and-lauric-acid)
- Work well together: [Linoleic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/linoleic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Citric acid and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/citric-acid-and-tri-ceramide-complex)
- Work well together: [Arginine and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/arginine-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Citric acid and GABA](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/citric-acid-and-gaba)
- Work well together: [Silk amino acids and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/silk-amino-acids-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Taurine and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/taurine-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Citric acid and theanine](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/citric-acid-and-theanine)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/adapalene-and-salicylic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and vitamin C](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/adapalene-and-vitamin-c)
- Work well together: [Ferulic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/ferulic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Vitamin E and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/vitamin-e-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/adapalene-and-benzoyl-peroxide)
- Work well together: [Allantoin and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/allantoin-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Citric acid and bisabolol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/citric-acid-and-bisabolol)
- Work well together: [Panthenol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/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/adapalene-and-citric-acid
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/adapalene-and-citric-acid
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/ingredients/adapalene-and-citric-acid
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/adapalene-and-citric-acid
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/adapalene-and-citric-acid
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/adapalene-and-citric-acid
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/adapalene-and-citric-acid
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/adapalene-and-citric-acid
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/adapalene-and-citric-acid
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/adapalene-and-citric-acid
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/adapalene-and-citric-acid (this page)
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/adapalene-and-citric-acid
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/adapalene-and-citric-acid