There are provided compositions which include a retinoid and preferably retinal; a dermatologically active acid; and a volatile base, such as ammonium hydroxide. Another embodiment of the invention includes compositions comprising a retinoid and preferably retinal; a dermatologically active acid; a volatile base; and a second neutralizing agent. There are also provided compositions which include a retinoid, a neutralized ammonium salt of a dermatologically active acid, and optionally a neutralized salt, other than ammonium salt, of an acid. Further provided are methods for reducing fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and pore size and for increasing the clarity of a skin surface, cellular turnover, skin radiance, skin smoothness, skin permeation or collagen synthesis in a mammal in need thereof. Compositions as described above are administered topically to the skin of the animal.