# Tretinoin and mandelic acid

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/tretinoin-and-mandelic-acid

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 because combining them too often can cause skin irritation and redness. Both ingredients exfoliate the skin very quickly, which can strip the skin barrier and cause stinging. The shopper can use a lower strength or wait more days 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 tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/tretinoin)
- [All about mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/mandelic-acid)

### [Tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/tretinoin) products

- [Retin-A Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/retin-a/cream/for/oily-skin) — High fit
- [Tri-Luma Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/tri-luma/cream/for/dark-spots) — Average fit
- [Musely The Spot Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/musely/the-spot-cream/for/mature-skin) — High fit
- [Obagi Tretinoin Cream 0.05%](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/obagi/tretinoin-cream-0-05/for/oily-skin) — High fit
- [Taro Tretinoin Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/taro/tretinoin-cream/for/combination-skin) — High fit
- [Mylan Tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/mylan/tretinoin/for/acne-prone-skin) — Average fit
- [Curology Formula](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/curology/formula/for/oily-skin) — High fit
- [Menarini A-Ret Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/oily-skin) — High fit

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

- [The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-ordinary/mandelic-acid-10-ha/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [£5.92 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07BGJMNYL?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Nécessaire The Body Retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/necessaire/the-body-retinol/for/dark-spots) — Average fit
- [Good Molecules Mandelic Acid Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/good-molecules/mandelic-acid-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit
- [Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/glamglow/supermud-clearing-treatment/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [£88.88 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07DHSKYXR?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Dermalogica PowerBright Dark Spot Peel](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/dermalogica/powerbright-dark-spot-peel/for/oily-skin) — Average fit
- [Sofie Pavitt Face Mandelic Clearing Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/sofie-pavitt-face/mandelic-clearing-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cetaphil/gentle-exfoliating-sa-lotion/for/combination-skin) — High fit — [£13.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F43XRN4G?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [SkinCeuticals Cell Cycle Catalyst](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/skinceuticals/cell-cycle-catalyst/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Average fit
- [DIME TBT Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/dime/tbt-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit
- [By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/by-wishtrend/mandelic-acid-5-skin-prep-water/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [£18.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B087B7ZK1D?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Triple AHA Gentle Cleansing Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/haruharu-wonder/black-rice-triple-aha-gentle-cleansing-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [£13.45 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CKVL9PGY?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Neutrogena Bright Boost Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/neutrogena/bright-boost-gel-cream/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit

## Questions and answers

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

Keep [tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/tretinoin) and [mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/mandelic-acid) apart in your routine because combining them may lead to over-exfoliation and skin irritation. Instead, alternate their use by applying mandelic acid in the morning or on separate evenings from your retinoid.

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

Keep tretinoin and mandelic acid apart by using them on alternate evenings or putting mandelic acid in your morning routine. Combining them in the same routine may cause irritation and barrier disruption.

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

No, you should keep tretinoin and mandelic acid apart because using them together may cause irritation or barrier disruption, especially for sensitive skin.

## Research on tretinoin and mandelic acid

- [Restoration of collagen formation in photodamaged human skin by tretinoin (retinoic acid)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/) Tretinoin · The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993
- [Clinical Assessment of New Topical Cream Containing Two Essential Oils Combined with Tretinoin in the Treatment of Acne](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32210603/) Tretinoin · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2020
- [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
- [Efficacy assessments of tretinoin-loaded nano lipid carriers in acne vulgaris: a double blind, split-face randomized clinical study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34146120/) Tretinoin · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2022
- [Topical tretinoin for treating photoaging: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35620028/) Tretinoin · International Journal of Women's Dermatology, 2022
- [Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29705755/) Mandelic acid · BMJ Open, 2018

## Other combinations

- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/retinol-and-mandelic-acid)
- Depends on the strength: [Niacinamide and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/niacinamide-and-mandelic-acid)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and sodium lactate](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-sodium-lactate)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and tromethamine](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-tromethamine)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/tretinoin-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and bio-placenta peptides](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/tretinoin-and-bio-placenta-peptides)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/tretinoin-and-collagen-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/tretinoin-and-copper-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/tretinoin-and-hexapeptide)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/tretinoin-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/tretinoin-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/tretinoin-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/tretinoin-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/tretinoin-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Depends on the strength: [Niacinamide and tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/niacinamide-and-tretinoin)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and betaine](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-betaine)
- Work well together: [Glycerin and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycerin-and-mandelic-acid)
- Depends on the strength: [Mandelic acid and hyaluronic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-hyaluronic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Bio-placenta peptides and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/bio-placenta-peptides-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Carnosine and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/carnosine-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-collagen-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-copper-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Keep them apart: [AHA blend glycolic and citric acids and tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/aha-blend-glycolic-and-citric-acids-and-tretinoin)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/tretinoin-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-tretinoin)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/tretinoin-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/adapalene-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and granactive retinoid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-granactive-retinoid)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate)
- Keep them apart: [Pro-retinol and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/pro-retinol-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinal and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/retinal-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and retinoid blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-retinoid-blend)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and gluconolactone](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-gluconolactone)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and lactobionic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-lactobionic-acid)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-cholesterol)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and lauric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-lauric-acid)
- Work well together: [Linoleic acid and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/linoleic-acid-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-tri-ceramide-complex)
- Work well together: [Arginine and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/arginine-and-mandelic-acid)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and GABA](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-gaba)
- Work well together: [Silk amino acids and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/silk-amino-acids-and-mandelic-acid)
- Work well together: [Taurine and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/taurine-and-mandelic-acid)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and theanine](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-theanine)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-tretinoin)
- Keep them apart: [Vitamin C and tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/vitamin-c-and-tretinoin)
- Work well together: [Ferulic acid and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/ferulic-acid-and-mandelic-acid)
- Work well together: [Vitamin E and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/vitamin-e-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-tretinoin)
- Work well together: [Allantoin and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/allantoin-and-mandelic-acid)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and bisabolol](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-bisabolol)
- Work well together: [Panthenol and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/panthenol-and-mandelic-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/tretinoin-and-mandelic-acid
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/tretinoin-and-mandelic-acid (this page)
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/ingredients/tretinoin-and-mandelic-acid
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/tretinoin-and-mandelic-acid
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/tretinoin-and-mandelic-acid
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/tretinoin-and-mandelic-acid
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/tretinoin-and-mandelic-acid
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/tretinoin-and-mandelic-acid
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/tretinoin-and-mandelic-acid
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/tretinoin-and-mandelic-acid
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/tretinoin-and-mandelic-acid
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/tretinoin-and-mandelic-acid
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/tretinoin-and-mandelic-acid