Can I use Benzoyl Peroxide with Retinol?
Use with care
Benzoyl Peroxide and Retinol can interfere with each other or compound irritation when applied together. Introduce them on alternate days, or separate them between your AM and PM routines, and patch-test before combining.
Benzoyl PeroxideActive
- ✓Kills acne-causing C. acnes bacteria via oxidation
- ✓Reduces inflammatory acne lesions
- ✓Mild comedolytic/exfoliating effect
- ⚠Can cause dryness, peeling, and irritation, especially at higher concentrations
- ⚠Bleaches fabric, towels, and hair
- ⚠Photosensitizing; use sunscreen
RetinolActive
- ✓Smooths fine lines
- ✓Improves texture
- ✓Helps with acne
- ⚠Irritation and peeling
- ⚠Sun sensitivity
- ⚠Not for pregnancy
