Ingredient pairing

Can you mix Citric Acid and Retinal?

Q: Can you mix Citric Acid and Retinal?

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.

Citric Acid Retinal

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

Citric AcidRetinal

Use on alternate nights, not the same evening.

Citric AcidDecent support

Efficacy6

Brightening3

Anti-aging2

Skip if: very sensitive, compromised barrier

Ask your doctor in pregnancy

RetinalWorth paying for

Efficacy9

Anti-aging9

Brightening6

Skip if: pregnancy, breastfeeding, very sensitive, compromised barrier

Not in pregnancy

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