# Retinol and mandelic acid

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinol-and-mandelic-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 [retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinol) and [mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/mandelic-acid) on alternate nights to prevent skin irritation. Both ingredients speed up skin cell renewal, so combining them can cause redness and peeling. The shopper can use a gentler product strength or leave more days between using each ingredient.

[Photocarcinogenesis study of glycolic acid and salicylic acid (CAS Nos. 79-14-1 and 69-72-7) in SKH-1 mice (simulated solar light and topical application study)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21921960/) [Novel retinoid ester in combination with salicylic acid for the treatment of acne](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26516077/)

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

### [Retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinol) products

- [CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cerave/resurfacing-retinol-serum/for/dark-spots) — High fit — [S$28.62 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sg/dp/B07XJ7XWLW?tag=lovi-care-web-product0e-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/roc/retinol-correxion-deep-wrinkle-night-cream/for/dark-spots) — High fit — [S$35.46 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sg/dp/B00027DMI8?tag=lovi-care-web-product0e-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/paula-s-choice/1-retinol-treatment/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit
- [RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/roc/retinol-correxion-line-smoothing-eye-cream/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [S$29.14 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sg/dp/B0009RFB76?tag=lovi-care-web-product0e-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/good-molecules/gentle-retinol-cream/for/mature-skin) — High fit
- [La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/la-roche-posay/retinol-b3-serum/for/dark-spots) — Average fit — [S$81.74 at YesStyle](https://www.yesstyle.com/en/la-roche-posay-retinol-b3-serum-30ml/info.html/pid.1133246365?curr=SGD&rco=SG)
- [DRMTLGY Retinol Body Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/drmtlgy/retinol-body-lotion/for/mature-skin) — Average fit
- [RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/roc/retinol-correxion-deep-wrinkle-serum/for/oily-skin) — Average fit — [S$37.51 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sg/dp/B00387F42G?tag=lovi-care-web-product0e-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cerave/skin-renewing-retinol-serum/for/dark-spots) — Average fit — [S$28.62 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sg/dp/B07XJ7XWLW?tag=lovi-care-web-product0e-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/olay/regenerist-retinol-24-night-moisturizer/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — [S$44.05 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sg/dp/B07XQBY5QQ?tag=lovi-care-web-product0e-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [cocokind Retinol Body Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cocokind/retinol-body-cream/for/mature-skin) — Average fit
- [Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/neutrogena/rapid-wrinkle-repair-regenerating-cream/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [S$36.58 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sg/dp/B0725JP4TN?tag=lovi-care-web-product0e-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

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

- [The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/the-ordinary/mandelic-acid-10-ha/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit
- [Good Molecules Mandelic Acid Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/good-molecules/mandelic-acid-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit
- [Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/glamglow/supermud-clearing-treatment/for/oily-skin) — High fit
- [Dermalogica PowerBright Dark Spot Peel](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/dermalogica/powerbright-dark-spot-peel/for/oily-skin) — Average fit
- [Sofie Pavitt Face Mandelic Clearing Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/sofie-pavitt-face/mandelic-clearing-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cetaphil/gentle-exfoliating-sa-lotion/for/combination-skin) — High fit — [S$19.91 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sg/dp/B0CZDP1Q9H?tag=lovi-care-web-product0e-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [SkinCeuticals Cell Cycle Catalyst](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/skinceuticals/cell-cycle-catalyst/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Average fit
- [DIME TBT Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/dime/tbt-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit
- [By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/by-wishtrend/mandelic-acid-5-skin-prep-water/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Triple AHA Gentle Cleansing Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/haruharu-wonder/black-rice-triple-aha-gentle-cleansing-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [S$16.18 at YesStyle](https://www.yesstyle.com/en/haruharu-wonder-black-rice-triple-aha-gentle-cleansing-gel-100ml/info.html/pid.1125408032?curr=SGD&rco=SG)
- [Neutrogena Bright Boost Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/neutrogena/bright-boost-gel-cream/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/glow-recipe/strawberry-smooth-bha-aha-salicylic-serum/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit

## Questions and answers

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

Keep [retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinol) and [mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/mandelic-acid) apart in your routine to help avoid over-exfoliation and irritation. Instead, try alternating them on different evenings or buffer them with a moisturizer.

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

Keep retinol and mandelic acid apart in your routine to avoid over-exfoliation and irritation. You can safely use them by alternating evenings or buffering with a moisturizer between uses.

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

Keep retinol and mandelic acid apart to avoid over-exfoliation and irritation on sensitive skin. Instead, alternate them on different evenings or buffer them with a moisturizer.

## Research on retinol and mandelic acid

- [Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27261203/) Retinol · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017
- [Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/) Retinol · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019
- [Encapsulation and controlled release of retinol from silicone particles for topical delivery](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29604311/) Retinol · Journal of Controlled Release, 2018
- [A randomized, controlled comparative study of the wrinkle reduction benefits of a cosmetic niacinamide/peptide/retinyl propionate product regimen vs. a prescription 0.02% tretinoin product regimen](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20374604/) Retinol · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2010
- [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
- [Topical application of retinyl propionate, 4 hexyl resorcinol, and niacinamide reverses molecular and clinical features of ageing](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38685700/) Retinol · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024

## Other combinations

- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinol-and-niacinamide)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and isopropyl alcohol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinol-and-isopropyl-alcohol)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and sodium lauryl sulfate](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinol-and-sodium-lauryl-sulfate)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and aha blend glycolic and citric acids](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinol-and-aha-blend-glycolic-and-citric-acids)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinol-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-retinol)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinol-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinol-and-salicylic-acid)
- Depends on the strength: [Niacinamide and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/niacinamide-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Vitamin C and retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/vitamin-c-and-retinol)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and sodium lactate](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-sodium-lactate)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and tromethamine](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-tromethamine)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinol-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and bio-placenta peptides](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinol-and-bio-placenta-peptides)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinol-and-collagen-peptide)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinol-and-copper-peptide)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinol-and-hexapeptide)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinol-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinol-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinol-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinol-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinol-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and betaine](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-betaine)
- Work well together: [Glycerin and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/glycerin-and-mandelic-acid)
- Depends on the strength: [Mandelic acid and hyaluronic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-hyaluronic-acid)
- Work well together: [Retinol and bakuchiol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinol-and-bakuchiol)
- Work well together: [Retinol and coenzyme q10](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinol-and-coenzyme-q10)
- Work well together: [Retinol and green tea](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinol-and-green-tea)
- Work well together: [Retinol and vitamin E](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinol-and-vitamin-e)
- Keep them apart: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Bio-placenta peptides and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/bio-placenta-peptides-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Carnosine and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/carnosine-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-collagen-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-copper-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/adapalene-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and granactive retinoid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-granactive-retinoid)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate)
- Keep them apart: [Pro-retinol and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/pro-retinol-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinal and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinal-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and retinoid blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-retinoid-blend)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/tretinoin-and-mandelic-acid)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and gluconolactone](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-gluconolactone)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and lactobionic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-lactobionic-acid)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-cholesterol)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and lauric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-lauric-acid)
- Work well together: [Linoleic acid and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/linoleic-acid-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-tri-ceramide-complex)
- Work well together: [Arginine and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/arginine-and-mandelic-acid)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and GABA](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-gaba)
- Work well together: [Silk amino acids and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/silk-amino-acids-and-mandelic-acid)
- Work well together: [Taurine and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/taurine-and-mandelic-acid)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and theanine](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-theanine)
- Work well together: [Ferulic acid and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/ferulic-acid-and-mandelic-acid)
- Work well together: [Vitamin E and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/vitamin-e-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-retinol)
- Work well together: [Allantoin and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/allantoin-and-mandelic-acid)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and bisabolol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-bisabolol)
- Work well together: [Panthenol and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/panthenol-and-mandelic-acid)
- Work well together: [Retinol and ceramide-building complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinol-and-ceramide-building-complex)
- Work well together: [Retinol and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/retinol-and-tri-ceramide-complex)

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