# Citric acid and hexapeptide-9

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/citric-acid-and-hexapeptide-9

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 at different times of day with [citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/citric-acid) in the morning and [hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/hexapeptide-9) at night because acid ruins peptide results. Citric acid makes your skin too acidic, which breaks down the hexapeptide-9 and stops it from firming your skin. You can easily fix this by applying them in separate routines, like using the acid in the morning and the peptide at night.

- [All about citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/citric-acid)
- [All about hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/hexapeptide-9)

### [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)

### [Hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/hexapeptide-9) products

- [Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/elemis/pro-collagen-night-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit
- [Murad Cellular Hydration Repair Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/murad/cellular-hydration-repair-serum/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [MARY & MAY 6 Peptide Complex Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/mary-and-may/6-peptide-complex-serum/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [S$11.96 at YesStyle](https://www.yesstyle.com/en/mary-may-6-peptide-complex-serum-30ml/info.html/pid.1100063350?curr=SGD&rco=SG)

## Questions and answers

### Can you use citric acid and hexapeptide-9 together?

No, you should keep [citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/citric-acid) and [hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/hexapeptide-9) apart in your routine because the acidic environment may destabilize the peptide bonds and reduce their effectiveness. Use them in separate steps or routines, such as applying acids and peptides at different times of the day.

### Which goes first, citric acid or hexapeptide-9?

Keep citric acid and hexapeptide-9 apart because the acidic environment may destabilize the peptide bonds and reduce bioactivity. Use them in separate routines or steps, such as applying acids and peptides at different times of day.

### Are citric acid and hexapeptide-9 good for sensitive skin?

Citric acid and hexapeptide-9 should be kept apart in your routine because the low pH of acids may destabilize peptides and reduce their activity, which is especially important to avoid for sensitive skin. You can use them in separate steps or routines, such as applying an acid in the morning and a peptide at night.

## Research on citric acid and hexapeptide-9

- [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
- [Novel Cyclized Hexapeptide-9 Outperforms Retinol Against Skin Aging: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Active- and Vehicle-Controlled Clinical Trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40586182/) Hexapeptide-9 · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025

## 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 hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/adapalene-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Granactive retinoid and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/granactive-retinoid-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Pro-retinol and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/pro-retinol-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Retinal and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinal-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Retinoid blend and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinoid-blend-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinol-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/tretinoin-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Vitamin A and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/vitamin-a-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Work well together: [Liposome and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/liposome-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Work well together: [Microcapsule and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/microcapsule-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Depends on the strength: [Vitamin C and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/vitamin-c-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Work well together: [Betaine and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/betaine-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Work well together: [Glycerin and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/glycerin-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Work well together: [Hyaluronic acid and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/hyaluronic-acid-and-hexapeptide-9)
- 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)
- Depends on the strength: [Niacinamide and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/niacinamide-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Work well together: [Panthenol and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/panthenol-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Work well together: [Bakuchiol and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/bakuchiol-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Work well together: [Arginine and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/arginine-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Work well together: [Hexapeptide-9 and GABA](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/hexapeptide-9-and-gaba)
- Work well together: [Silk amino acids and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/silk-amino-acids-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Work well together: [Taurine and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/taurine-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Work well together: [Hexapeptide-9 and theanine](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/hexapeptide-9-and-theanine)
- Keep them apart: [AHA blend glycolic and citric acids and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/aha-blend-glycolic-and-citric-acids-and-hexapeptide-9)
- 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 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: [Glycolic acid and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Work well together: [Coenzyme Q10 and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/coenzyme-q10-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Work well together: [Green tea and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/green-tea-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Work well together: [Vitamin E and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/vitamin-e-and-hexapeptide-9)
- 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: [Hexapeptide-9 and beta-sitosterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/hexapeptide-9-and-beta-sitosterol)
- Work well together: [Ceramide-building complex and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/ceramide-building-complex-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Work well together: [Cholesterol and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/cholesterol-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Work well together: [Phytosphingosine and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/phytosphingosine-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Work well together: [Phytosterol and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/phytosterol-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Work well together: [Hexapeptide-9 and squalene](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/hexapeptide-9-and-squalene)
- Work well together: [Hexapeptide-9 and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/hexapeptide-9-and-tri-ceramide-complex)
- 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)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-hexapeptide-9)
- 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: [Hexapeptide-9 and baking soda](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/hexapeptide-9-and-baking-soda)
- Keep them apart: [Bleach and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/bleach-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Potassium hydroxide and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/potassium-hydroxide-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide-9 and behenyl alcohol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/hexapeptide-9-and-behenyl-alcohol)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide-9 and isopropyl alcohol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/hexapeptide-9-and-isopropyl-alcohol)
- Keep them apart: [Polyvinyl alcohol and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/polyvinyl-alcohol-and-hexapeptide-9)
- 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: [Copper and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/copper-and-hexapeptide-9)
- 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: [Benzoyl peroxide and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-hexapeptide-9)
- 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)
- Keep them apart: [Magnesium and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/magnesium-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Zinc and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/zinc-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Zinc sulfate and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/zinc-sulfate-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide-9 and protease](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/hexapeptide-9-and-protease)
- Keep them apart: [Superoxide dismutase and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/superoxide-dismutase-and-hexapeptide-9)

## 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/citric-acid-and-hexapeptide-9
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/citric-acid-and-hexapeptide-9
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/ingredients/citric-acid-and-hexapeptide-9
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/citric-acid-and-hexapeptide-9
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/citric-acid-and-hexapeptide-9
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/citric-acid-and-hexapeptide-9
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/citric-acid-and-hexapeptide-9
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/citric-acid-and-hexapeptide-9
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/citric-acid-and-hexapeptide-9
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/citric-acid-and-hexapeptide-9
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/citric-acid-and-hexapeptide-9 (this page)
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/citric-acid-and-hexapeptide-9
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/citric-acid-and-hexapeptide-9