Can you use retinol and benzoyl peroxide together?
Keep them apart. Use them on different nights, or benzoyl peroxide in the morning and retinol at night.
Use on different nights
Benzoyl peroxide and retinoids are both drying, and some benzoyl peroxide can break down certain retinoids.
Alternate: one on one night, the other on another, with plain nights in between if your skin feels dry or tight.
How to use both
Both are drying, and benzoyl peroxide can break down some retinoids like tretinoin when they’re applied together.
A benzoyl peroxide face wash in the morning and retinol at night is an easy split.
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Questions
What about adapalene?
Adapalene is stable with benzoyl peroxide, and some products combine them. If a doctor gave you a routine, follow theirs.
Can I use a benzoyl peroxide wash with retinol?
A wash rinses off fast, so it’s gentler. Use it in the morning and keep retinol for night.
Anything else to know about benzoyl peroxide?
It bleaches fabric, so use white pillowcases and towels.
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