Ingredient pairing

Can you mix Adapalene and Citric Acid?

Q: Can you mix Adapalene and Citric Acid?

These clash. Retinoids and exfoliants both speed up cell turnover, so together they tend to stack irritation and can wear down your barrier. Use them on alternate nights rather than the same evening.

ClashThese clash.

Adapalene Citric Acid

Retinoids and exfoliants both speed up cell turnover, so together they tend to stack irritation and can wear down your barrier.

Do this: Use them on alternate nights rather than the same evening.

☀ Morning

Nothing here

☾ Evening

AdapaleneCitric Acid

Use on alternate nights, not the same evening.

AdapaleneWorth paying for

Acne10

Efficacy9

Anti-aging7

Skip if: pregnancy, breastfeeding, very sensitive

Not in pregnancy

Citric AcidDecent support

Efficacy6

Brightening3

Anti-aging2

Skip if: very sensitive, compromised barrier

Ask your doctor in pregnancy

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General guidance, not medical advice. When in doubt, introduce one product at a time.