Ingredient pairing

Can you mix Benzoyl Peroxide and Retinyl Acetate?

Q: Can you mix Benzoyl Peroxide and Retinyl Acetate?

These clash. Benzoyl peroxide can break most retinoids down, and together they often over-irritate, so you can lose the retinoid and gain redness. Use them at different times: the retinoid at night, benzoyl peroxide in the morning.

ClashThese clash.

Benzoyl Peroxide Retinyl Acetate

Benzoyl peroxide can break most retinoids down, and together they often over-irritate, so you can lose the retinoid and gain redness.

Do this: Use them at different times: the retinoid at night, benzoyl peroxide in the morning.

☀ Morning

Benzoyl Peroxide

☾ Evening

Retinyl Acetate

Benzoyl PeroxideWorth paying for

Acne10

Efficacy9

Anti-aging4

Skip if: very sensitive, compromised barrier, pregnancy

Ask your doctor in pregnancy

Retinyl AcetatePromising, not proven

Efficacy5

Anti-aging4

Brightening2

Skip if: pregnancy, breastfeeding

Not in pregnancy

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General guidance, not medical advice. When in doubt, introduce one product at a time.