Can I use retinol and benzoyl peroxide together?

What does each ingredient do?

Topical retinoids clear pores and treat blackheads, whiteheads, and some pimples. Benzoyl peroxide reduces acne causing bacteria on the skin, so the two can target different contributors to acne, which is a tidier division of labor than the ingredient names suggest.1

How do I use them in one routine?

1. 1Wash gently with a mild, nondrying cleanser. Avoid scrubbing or repeatedly washing your skin.
2. 2If you use separate products, one cautious schedule is benzoyl peroxide in the morning and a topical retinoid in the evening, especially tretinoin. Follow the label or prescriber's directions for a combined product.
3. 3If benzoyl peroxide dries your skin, a lower concentration or wash formulation is less irritating for some people.
4. 4If a retinoid irritates your skin, using it every other day or with a moisturizer can reduce side effects. Ask your dermatologist before changing how you use a prescribed retinoid.
5. 5Protect your skin from the sun while using a topical retinoid. Use broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on uncovered skin.

Does benzoyl peroxide cancel out a retinoid?

Some tretinoin formulas can break down when combined with benzoyl peroxide, so together is doing unusually careful work here. In a laboratory test, one optimized tretinoin gel at 0.05% retained its full concentration after seven hours with benzoyl peroxide, a very specific green light rather than a universal permission slip.2

What reactions should I watch for?

Acne medicines that combine these ingredients can cause dryness, irritation, peeling, burning, or worsening acne. Applying more than prescribed will not clear acne faster. If irritation develops, tell your dermatologist; they may adjust the amount or frequency, or suggest applying moisturizer first. Irritated skin does not usually mean you are allergic to a retinoid.1

How long does it take to see a difference?

Give an acne treatment plan at least six to eight weeks before expecting fewer breakouts. Use the products as directed during that time rather than increasing the amount to speed things up.1

What about pregnancy?

Pregnant women should not take isotretinoin, an oral retinoid associated with severe birth defects. That warning does not settle whether a topical retinoid or retinol product is suitable during pregnancy, so ask a clinician about the exact product.35

When should I get medical advice?

Ask a dermatologist for help if your acne is severe, worsening, causing scars, or not improving after several months of self care and over the counter medicine. A clinician can also help adjust a retinoid if irritation is getting in the way of using it as directed.13