# Glycolic acid and retinol Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-retinol The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United Kingdom. Keep them apart Use them on alternate nights to avoid skin irritation from layering strong ingredients. Both ingredients speed up skin peeling, which can cause redness and stinging if you use them together. Try using a lower strength or giving your skin more time between applications. [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 glycolic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid) - [All about retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/retinol) ### [Glycolic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid) products - [The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-ordinary/glycolic-acid-7-toning-solution/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — [£9.52 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B071914GGL?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/first-aid-beauty/kp-bump-eraser-body-scrub/for/dark-spots) — Average fit — [£24.95 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GSX4BHQ2?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/first-aid-beauty/facial-radiance-pads/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — [£20.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G2Z2VYW2?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/murad/rapid-dark-spot-correcting-serum/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [£62.25 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08KR79NBR?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/skinbetter-science/alpharet-overnight-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit - [St. Ives Apricot Scrub](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/st-ives/apricot-scrub/for/dry-skin) — Average fit - [COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cosrx/aha-bha-clarifying-treatment-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [£12.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B073P6BPF5?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [Pixi Glow Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/pixi/glow-tonic/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [£9.20 at Notino](https://www.notino.co.uk/pixi/glow-tonic-soothing-facial-toner-with-glycolic-acid/p-16299386/) - [Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/good-molecules/overnight-exfoliating-treatment/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [£9.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08TMDRF1L?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [CeraVe Skin Renewing Nightly Exfoliating Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cerave/skin-renewing-nightly-exfoliating-treatment/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit - [SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/skinceuticals/lha-cleanser-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit - [SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/skinceuticals/blemish-age-defense/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [£114.00 at Lookfantastic](https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/skinceuticals-blemish-and-age-defense-corrective-serum-30ml/11705708/) ### [Retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/retinol) products - [CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cerave/resurfacing-retinol-serum/for/dark-spots) — High fit — [£15.64 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B913JC2W?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/paula-s-choice/1-retinol-treatment/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — [£39.97 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00L5O31VK?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/roc/retinol-correxion-line-smoothing-eye-cream/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [£17.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08GGD7NRN?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/good-molecules/gentle-retinol-cream/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [£12.03 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09BST7MMP?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/la-roche-posay/retinol-b3-serum/for/dark-spots) — Average fit — [£38.39 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Z9Y4M3C?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [DRMTLGY Retinol Body Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/drmtlgy/retinol-body-lotion/for/mature-skin) — Average fit - [RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/roc/retinol-correxion-deep-wrinkle-serum/for/oily-skin) — Average fit — [£18.49 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GQZ5J61H?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cerave/skin-renewing-retinol-serum/for/dark-spots) — Average fit — [£19.29 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FM8S8JZY?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/olay/regenerist-retinol-24-night-moisturizer/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — [£19.73 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0852NRDYN?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [cocokind Retinol Body Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cocokind/retinol-body-cream/for/mature-skin) — Average fit - [Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/neutrogena/rapid-wrinkle-repair-regenerating-cream/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [£36.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01HOHBS6G?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [£8.80 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B071HHSMTT?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) ## Questions and answers ### Can you use glycolic acid and retinol together? Keep [glycolic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid) and [retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/retinol) apart because layering them may cause over-exfoliation and irritation. Instead, alternate your evenings or buffer with a moisturizer between uses. ### Which goes first, glycolic acid or retinol? Keep glycolic acid and retinol apart by not combining them in the same routine, as layering both may cause over-exfoliation and irritation. Instead, alternate evenings or use glycolic acid in the morning and retinol at night. ### Are glycolic acid and retinol good for sensitive skin? Glycolic acid and retinol are not recommended together for sensitive skin because layering them may cause over-exfoliation and irritation. Instead, alternate your evenings or use products on different nights. ## Research on glycolic acid and retinol - [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 - [Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30548170/) Glycolic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019 - [The efficacy of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene vs adapalene monotherapy in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: a double-blinded within-person comparative study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30858720/) Glycolic acid · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019 - [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/uk/ingredients/retinol-and-niacinamide) - Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-benzoyl-peroxide) - Keep them apart: [Retinol and isopropyl alcohol](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/retinol-and-isopropyl-alcohol) - Keep them apart: [Retinol and sodium lauryl sulfate](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/retinol-and-sodium-lauryl-sulfate) - Keep them apart: [Retinol and aha blend glycolic and citric acids](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/retinol-and-aha-blend-glycolic-and-citric-acids) - Keep them apart: [Retinol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/retinol-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Retinol and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/retinol-and-lactic-acid) - Keep them apart: [Retinol and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/retinol-and-mandelic-acid) - Keep them apart: [Retinol and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/retinol-and-salicylic-acid) - Depends on the strength: [Glycolic acid and niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-niacinamide) - Keep them apart: [Vitamin C and retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/vitamin-c-and-retinol) - Work well together: [Glycolic acid and sodium lactate](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-sodium-lactate) - Work well together: [Glycolic acid and tromethamine](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-tromethamine) - Depends on the strength: [Retinol and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/retinol-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3) - Depends on the strength: [Retinol and bio-placenta peptides](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/retinol-and-bio-placenta-peptides) - Depends on the strength: [Retinol and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/retinol-and-collagen-peptide) - Depends on the strength: [Retinol and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/retinol-and-copper-peptide) - Depends on the strength: [Retinol and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/retinol-and-hexapeptide) - Depends on the strength: [Retinol and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/retinol-and-hexapeptide-9) - Depends on the strength: [Retinol and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/retinol-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4) - Depends on the strength: [Retinol and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/retinol-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1) - Depends on the strength: [Retinol and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/retinol-and-peptide-rich-plasma) - Depends on the strength: [Retinol and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/retinol-and-triple-peptide-blend) - Work well together: [Glycolic acid and betaine](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-betaine) - Work well together: [Glycolic acid and glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-glycerin) - Depends on the strength: [Glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-hyaluronic-acid) - Work well together: [Retinol and bakuchiol](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/retinol-and-bakuchiol) - Work well together: [Retinol and coenzyme q10](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/retinol-and-coenzyme-q10) - Work well together: [Retinol and green tea](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/retinol-and-green-tea) - Work well together: [Retinol and vitamin E](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/retinol-and-vitamin-e) - Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3) - Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and bio-placenta peptides](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-bio-placenta-peptides) - Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and carnosine](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-carnosine) - Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-collagen-peptide) - Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-copper-peptide) - Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-hexapeptide) - Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-hexapeptide-9) - Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4) - Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1) - Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-peptide-rich-plasma) - Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-triple-peptide-blend) - Keep them apart: [Adapalene and glycolic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/adapalene-and-glycolic-acid) - Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and granactive retinoid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-granactive-retinoid) - Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) - Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and pro-retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-pro-retinol) - Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and retinal](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-retinal) - Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and retinoid blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-retinoid-blend) - Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-tretinoin) - Work well together: [Glycolic acid and gluconolactone](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-gluconolactone) - Work well together: [Glycolic acid and lactobionic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-lactobionic-acid) - Work well together: [Glycolic acid and cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-cholesterol) - Work well together: [Glycolic acid and lauric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-lauric-acid) - Work well together: [Glycolic acid and linoleic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-linoleic-acid) - Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-tri-ceramide-complex) - Work well together: [Glycolic acid and arginine](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-arginine) - Work well together: [Glycolic acid and GABA](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-gaba) - Work well together: [Glycolic acid and silk amino acids](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-silk-amino-acids) - Work well together: [Glycolic acid and taurine](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-taurine) - Work well together: [Glycolic acid and theanine](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-theanine) - Work well together: [Glycolic acid and ferulic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-ferulic-acid) - Work well together: [Glycolic acid and vitamin E](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-vitamin-e) - Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and azelaic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-azelaic-acid) - Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-salicylic-acid) - Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-retinol) - Work well together: [Glycolic acid and allantoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-allantoin) - Work well together: [Glycolic acid and bisabolol](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-bisabolol) - Work well together: [Glycolic acid and panthenol](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-panthenol) - Work well together: [Retinol and ceramide-building complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/retinol-and-ceramide-building-complex) - Work well together: [Retinol and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/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/glycolic-acid-and-retinol - United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-retinol (this page) - Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-retinol - Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-retinol - France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-retinol - Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-retinol - Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-retinol - Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-retinol - Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-retinol - Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-retinol - Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-retinol - Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-retinol - United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-retinol