Can Benzoyl Peroxide and Retinol Be Used Together? Asking for Myself

For even the most skincare savvy among us, figuring out which ingredients and products can be used together can get slightly confusing. Among these skincare mysteries: "Can benzoyl peroxide and retinol both be part of my skincare routine?"

As far as we're concerned, that's a great question. We know that retinol and benzoyl peroxide each have amazing benefits for your skin, like clearing up acne and reducing some common signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles. But what isn't clear is whether these skincare powerhouses can go hand in hand and be used at the same time. To find out, we tapped the experts: board-certified dermatologists Geeta Yadav, MD, and Jeremy Brauer, MD, and esthetician Ian Michael Crumm. Here's how you can use both retinol and benzoyl peroxide in your skincare regimen—and keep your skin happy at the same time.

What Is Benzoyl Peroxide?

Benzoyl peroxide is an over-the-counter topical medication with antibacterial properties, often used to treat mild to moderate acne. The product mainly works by killing acne-causing bacteria found on your skin and within your hair follicles. "Benzoyl peroxide works by releasing oxygen molecules that kill the bacteria causing acne and reducing inflammation," says Crumm. "It also helps to remove excess oil from the skin's surface."

Benzoyl peroxide is available over-the-counter, but you can also get stronger versions with a prescription from your doctor. It really depends on what you're looking for.

What Is Retinol?

Retinol is a form of vitamin A used in over-the-counter and prescription skincare products. It's used for myriad skincare purposes, such as reducing pigmentation, stimulating collagen production, and treating fine lines, wrinkles, and acne.

"It's a member of a class of ingredients called retinoids, which are available in various potencies ranging from retinol esters to prescription-strength retinoids," says Dr. Yadav. "Because of its ability to stimulate collagen production, promote cellular turnover, and regulate oil production, it can treat a whole host of skincare concerns ranging from fine lines and wrinkles to acne."

Can You Use Them Together?

Technically, benzoyl peroxide and retinol can be used together—some skincare products even contain both. But that doesn't necessarily mean you're in the clear. Using them together could aggravate your skin since both can potentially cause unpleasant symptoms like dryness, irritation, and skin sensitivity. "Using them simultaneously without proper care can lead to redness, peeling, flaking, and discomfort," Crumm says.

If you want to incorporate benzoyl peroxide and retinol in your skincare routine, you totally can; you'll just have to get savvy about when you use each product. The experts we spoke with for this piece recommend using each at a different time of the day—benzoyl peroxide in the morning and retinol at night.

If you're someone with very sensitive skin, you'll want to tread carefully and be aware that this approach may still be too harsh. "It's important to consult a dermatologist before combining these ingredients in your skincare routine," Crumm says.

Alternatives

If you're looking to swap out retinol or benzoyl peroxide, you definitely have options.

If You Want to Skip the Retinol

If you want to skip the retinol, you can try other vitamin A derivatives like retinoids—but keep in mind that these can also irritate, just like retinol. For this reason, it's important to use these products properly and consult with a dermatologist.

If You Want to Avoid Benzoyl Peroxide

Instead of benzoyl peroxide, you can use salicylic acid or azelaic acid. "They are both effective at treating acne and eliminating bacteria buildup," says Dr. Brauer. Salicylic acid treats acne by exfoliating the inside of the pores, clearing debris, and preventing breakouts, Crumm says. If you're looking to treat bacterial acne and reduce inflammation, he points out that sulfur-based products can also help.

Gadav reminds us that while plenty of alternatives to retinol and benzoyl peroxide exist, most people can still include both in their skincare routine as long as they use them at different times of the day. She also suggests slathering on some sunscreen in the morning to reduce any possible skin sensitivity that can be brought on by sun exposure.

The Final Takeaway

Retinol and benzoyl peroxide each offer undeniable skincare benefits and are key components of many people's daily skincare regimen. But you'll want to tread carefully if you plan to incorporate both into your skincare routine. Consider using benzoyl peroxide in the morning and retinol at night, and pay attention to how your skin reacts. If irritation occurs, you may want to pull back on one or both products and make some time to ask a dermatologist for advice.

"When incorporating new products into your skincare routine, especially potent ones like benzoyl peroxide and retinol, it's crucial to start slowly, observe how your skin reacts, and consult a dermatologist if you're uncertain about their usage or experiencing an adverse effect," says Crumm.