Can you use Vitamin C with Benzoyl Peroxide?
Yes, with timing. Don't layer vitamin C and benzoyl peroxide at the same time.
Why
Benzoyl peroxide works by releasing oxygen radicals, and vitamin C is an antioxidant that neutralizes them. Applied at the same time, they may work against each other and the vitamin C can oxidize faster. Separating them by time of day avoids the issue.
How to use them together
- Vitamin C in the morning; benzoyl peroxide at night (or a BPO wash rinsed off before vitamin C).
Who should be careful
Both can irritate sensitive skin.
About the ingredients
Vitamin C: An antioxidant (L-ascorbic acid and derivatives) used for brightening and protection against UV-related oxidative stress. Pure L-ascorbic acid serums are acidic and can sting.
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 Vitamin C and Benzoyl Peroxide together?
Yes, with timing. Don't layer vitamin C and benzoyl peroxide at the same time.
Should I use Vitamin C or Benzoyl Peroxide in the morning or at night?
Vitamin C in the morning; benzoyl peroxide at night (or a BPO wash rinsed off before vitamin C).
Who should be careful combining Vitamin C and Benzoyl Peroxide?
Both can irritate sensitive skin.
What if my skin gets irritated using Vitamin C 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.
- Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The roles of vitamin C in skin health. Nutrients. 2017;9(8):866.
- Al-Niaimi F, Chiam NYZ. Topical vitamin C and the skin: mechanisms of action and clinical applications. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017;10(7):14-17.
- 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 Vitamin C with Niacinamide?
- Can you use Tretinoin with Vitamin C?
- Can you use Vitamin C with Salicylic Acid?
- Can you use Vitamin C with Hyaluronic Acid?
- Can you use Retinol with Benzoyl Peroxide?
- Can you use Vitamin C with Glycolic Acid?
- Can you use Vitamin C with Sunscreen?