# Cholesterol and citric acid

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/cholesterol-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.

Work well together

Use them together in the same routine, applying the exfoliating acid first followed by the rich lipid cream. The acid removes dead surface skin cells, and the [cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/cholesterol) helps rebuild and protect your skin barrier. If your skin feels sensitive, use a gentler strength or apply them on alternate nights.

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

### [Cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/cholesterol) products

- [CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — [S$25.06 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sg/dp/B07RL88DD2?tag=lovi-care-web-product0e-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cerave/daily-moisturizing-lotion/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — [S$28.56 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sg/dp/B00D7BZOX2?tag=lovi-care-web-product0e-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/illiyoon/ceramide-ato-concentrate-cream/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [S$32.14 at YesStyle](https://www.yesstyle.com/en/illiyoon-ceramide-ato-concentrate-cream-230ml/info.html/pid.1134045493?curr=SGD&rco=SG)
- [SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/skinceuticals/triple-lipid-restore-2-4-2/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit
- [Cetaphil Ceramide Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cetaphil/ceramide-serum/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [S$26.29 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sg/dp/B0CZD72G5W?tag=lovi-care-web-product0e-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Curél Deep Moisture Spray](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/curel/deep-moisture-spray/for/dry-skin) — High fit
- [CeraVe Comforting Eye Makeup Remover](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cerave/comforting-eye-makeup-remover/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit
- [Thayers Barrier Bestie Ultra Whip Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/thayers/barrier-bestie-ultra-whip-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit
- [Ceradan Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/ceradan/cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit
- [Ceradan Skin Barrier Repair Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/ceradan/skin-barrier-repair-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit
- [Neostrata Resurface Lotion Plus](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/neostrata/resurface-lotion-plus/for/combination-skin) — Average fit
- [Aestura Ato Barrier 365 Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/aestura/ato-barrier-365-lotion/for/sensitive-skin) — Average fit — [S$49.30 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sg/dp/B07S5K16W7?tag=lovi-care-web-product0e-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

### [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 cholesterol and citric acid together?

Yes, you can use [cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/cholesterol) and [citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/citric-acid) together to help reinforce your skin barrier and restore lipid balance after exfoliation. It is especially beneficial for dry or barrier-compromised skin.

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

Citric acid goes first because it is an exfoliant that should be applied to bare skin. Cholesterol follows to reinforce your skin barrier and restore lipid balance.

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

Cholesterol and citric acid work well together because cholesterol helps reinforce the skin barrier and restore lipid balance after exfoliation. You may combine them in post-exfoliation creams or [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/serum) to support dry, mature, or barrier-compromised skin.

## Research on cholesterol and citric acid

- [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)
- Work well together: [Niacinamide and cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/niacinamide-and-cholesterol)
- 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 citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/adapalene-and-citric-acid)
- 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)
- Work well together: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-cholesterol)
- Work well together: [Bio-placenta peptides and cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/bio-placenta-peptides-and-cholesterol)
- Work well together: [Cholesterol and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/cholesterol-and-collagen-peptide)
- Work well together: [Cholesterol and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/cholesterol-and-copper-peptide)
- Work well together: [Hexapeptide and cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-cholesterol)
- Work well together: [Cholesterol and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/cholesterol-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Work well together: [Cholesterol and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/cholesterol-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Work well together: [Cholesterol and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/cholesterol-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Work well together: [Cholesterol and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/cholesterol-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Work well together: [Cholesterol and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/cholesterol-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- 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: [Hyaluronic acid and cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/hyaluronic-acid-and-cholesterol)
- Work well together: [AHA blend glycolic and citric acids and cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/aha-blend-glycolic-and-citric-acids-and-cholesterol)
- 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)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-cholesterol)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-cholesterol)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-cholesterol)
- 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)
- 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)
- Work well together: [Cholesterol and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/cholesterol-and-tri-ceramide-complex)
- 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/cholesterol-and-citric-acid
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/cholesterol-and-citric-acid
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/ingredients/cholesterol-and-citric-acid
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/cholesterol-and-citric-acid
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/cholesterol-and-citric-acid
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/cholesterol-and-citric-acid
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/cholesterol-and-citric-acid
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/cholesterol-and-citric-acid
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/cholesterol-and-citric-acid
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/cholesterol-and-citric-acid
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/cholesterol-and-citric-acid (this page)
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/cholesterol-and-citric-acid
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/cholesterol-and-citric-acid