10/09/2025
Avoid THIS skincare mistake.
Applying benzoyl peroxide and most forms of retinoids at the same time can cancel each other out.
Why?
Benzoyl peroxide is an oxidizing agent that works by releasing oxygen into the pores to kill acne-causing bacteria.
Retinoid is an antioxidant, a molecule that prevents or slows the oxidation of other molecules.
When these two are combined, benzoyl peroxide can degrade and inactivate the retinoid, making it much less effective.
So, how should you use them? Use them at separate times of day. I recommend using benzoyl peroxide as a wash or spot treatment in the morning, and using a retinoid at night. This way you’re minimizing irritation and preventing them from interacting with eachother.
