Ingredient pairing

Can you mix Lactic acid and Retinol?

Q: Can you mix Lactic acid and Retinol?

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.

Lactic acid Retinol

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

Lactic acidRetinol

Use on alternate nights, not the same evening.

Lactic acidWorth paying for

Efficacy8

Hydration6

Anti-aging5

Skip if: very sensitive, compromised barrier

Ask your doctor in pregnancy

RetinolWorth paying for

Efficacy9

Anti-aging9

Brightening4

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

Not in pregnancy

Check another combination →Or decode a whole product label →

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