Ingredient pairing

Can you mix Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate and Lactic acid?

Q: Can you mix Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate and Lactic 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.

Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate Lactic 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

Hydroxypinacolone RetinoateLactic acid

Use on alternate nights, not the same evening.

Hydroxypinacolone RetinoatePromising, not proven

Efficacy8

Anti-aging8

Brightening5

Skip if: pregnancy, breastfeeding

Not in pregnancy

Lactic acidWorth paying for

Efficacy8

Hydration6

Anti-aging5

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.