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How long should you wait between Retinol and Benzoyl Peroxide?

Does It Mix engine · wait time

Waiting a few minutes isn't the fix here: use Retinol and Benzoyl Peroxide in different routines (morning vs night) or on different nights.

The routine

  1. AM: benzoyl peroxide (a wash is gentler), moisturizer, sunscreen.
  2. PM: Retinol, then moisturizer.
  3. Start slowly if your skin is dry.

Why: full Retinol + Benzoyl Peroxide answer and sources.

FAQ

Does waiting 20 or 30 minutes between products help?

We haven't found good evidence that a set wait of many minutes changes how most skincare works. The practical reason to pause is letting each layer absorb so the next one doesn't pill or sting.

Sources

  1. Kafi R, et al. Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol). Arch Dermatol. 2007;143(5):606-612.
  2. Zaenglein AL, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74(5):945-973.

Reviewed by the Does It Mix editorial team, . Methodology.

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