Can you use retinol and benzoyl peroxide together?

Why

Benzoyl peroxide is a strong oxidising agent. In a laboratory test, when a tretinoin gel was mixed with a benzoyl peroxide lotion and exposed to light, more than half of the tretinoin broke down within about two hours, while the retinoid adapalene stayed stable (Martin 1998).

Retinol wasn't tested, but it is also easily broken down by light and oxidation, so separating them is the cautious approach. Both are drying on their own, too.

How to use them

• Benzoyl peroxide in the morning (a wash is gentlest), retinol at night.
• Prescription gels that combine adapalene and benzoyl peroxide are designed to be used together. Follow your prescriber's instructions for any prescription treatment.
• Benzoyl peroxide bleaches fabric, so let it dry before it touches towels or pillowcases.

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Other combinations

• Can you use retinol and vitamin C together? — use at different times
• Can you use retinol and AHAs together? — use at different times
• Can you use retinol and salicylic acid together? — use at different times
• Can you use retinol and niacinamide together? — works well together
• Can you use retinol and hyaluronic acid together? — works well together
• Can you use vitamin C and benzoyl peroxide together? — use at different times
• Can you use azelaic acid and retinol together? — yes, with care

See all combinations →

Sources

1. Martin B et al. Chemical stability of adapalene and tretinoin when combined with benzoyl peroxide in presence and in absence of visible light and ultraviolet radiation. Br J Dermatol, 1998.

Last reviewed 20 Oct 2026.