Benzoyl Peroxide
Antimicrobial agent effective in treating acne by killing acne-causing bacteria.
Regulatory Info
What to Avoid Mixing With
Benzoyl peroxide oxidizes retinol, making it inactive. They cancel each other out. Use benzoyl peroxide in the morning and retinoid at night.
Benzoyl peroxide oxidizes vitamin C and makes it completely ineffective. Use vitamin C in the morning and benzoyl peroxide at night.
Sulfur
Both sulfur and benzoyl peroxide are strong acne fighters but together they severely dry and irritate skin.
General guidance
Benzoyl peroxide increases sun sensitivity. Make sure SPF is in your morning routine.
Both are drying. Benzoyl peroxide with AHAs can over-dry and irritate skin. If you use both, apply on alternate days.
Benzoyl peroxide and BHA both target acne but together can be very drying. Consider alternating AM and PM.
Benzoyl peroxide oxidizes vitamin C. If both are in your routine, use vitamin C in AM and benzoyl peroxide in PM.
Hydroquinone
Both can cause temporary skin staining when combined. If using together, let each fully absorb before applying the next.
Arbutin with benzoyl peroxide can cause temporary discoloration on some skin tones. Let each product fully absorb before applying the next.