Can you use Retinol with Benzoyl Peroxide?
Yes, with timing. Use benzoyl peroxide in the morning and Retinol at night.
Why
Benzoyl peroxide is a strong oxidizer. Lab work shows it breaks down conventional tretinoin, and over-the-counter retinol is also a fragile molecule, so applying them at the same moment is not ideal. Both are drying as well. Adapalene is the retinoid that stays stable next to benzoyl peroxide, which is why prescription combinations use it.
How to use them together
- AM: benzoyl peroxide (a wash is gentler), moisturizer, sunscreen.
- PM: Retinol, then moisturizer.
- Start slowly if your skin is dry.
Who should be careful
Sensitive or dry skin may not tolerate both daily. BPO bleaches fabric.
About the ingredients
Retinol: An over-the-counter vitamin A derivative (retinoid) used for fine lines, texture and uneven tone. It converts to retinoic acid in the skin, so it is milder and slower than prescription tretinoin.
Benzoyl Peroxide: An antibacterial acne treatment that kills C. acnes. It is an oxidizer, can bleach fabric, and can dry the skin.
FAQ
Can I use Retinol and Benzoyl Peroxide together?
Yes, with timing. Use benzoyl peroxide in the morning and Retinol at night.
Should I use Retinol or Benzoyl Peroxide in the morning or at night?
AM: benzoyl peroxide (a wash is gentler), moisturizer, sunscreen. PM: Retinol, then moisturizer.
Who should be careful combining Retinol and Benzoyl Peroxide?
Sensitive or dry skin may not tolerate both daily. BPO bleaches fabric.
What if my skin gets irritated using Retinol and Benzoyl Peroxide?
Stop the stronger active, keep a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen, and reintroduce one product at a time once skin calms down. See a dermatologist if irritation persists.
Sources
Studies and reviews on these ingredients and, where available, on this specific combination.
- Kafi R, et al. Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol). Arch Dermatol. 2007;143(5):606-612.
- Zaenglein AL, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74(5):945-973.
Related combinations
- Can you use Retinol with Vitamin C?
- Can you use Retinol with Niacinamide?
- Can you use Retinol with Tretinoin?
- Can you use Retinol with Salicylic Acid?
- Can you use Retinol with Hyaluronic Acid?
- Can you use Retinol with Glycolic Acid?
- Can you use Retinol with Sunscreen?
- Can you use Vitamin C with Benzoyl Peroxide?