Benzoyl peroxide and retinol should not be used together as benzoyl peroxide can inactivate retinol in the same skincare routine. However, there are studies that suggest the encapsulated form of retinol can be used with benzoyl peroxide.
Benzoyl peroxide washes like Panoxyl face wash can be used with retinol, provided the face wash is rinsed well. However, the main issue of using these two actives together is irritation, dryness, and redness. It is important to use a nourishing moisturizer when using these actives to counteract dryness.
Another option is to use adapalene and benzoyl peroxide, and you can find this combination in medications like Epiduo, which can be effective for acne.
Below you will find details about retinol, and benzoyl peroxide, research studies on combining these ingredients, and how to use them.
Retinol
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative and the most commonly used over-the-counter retinoid. Retinoid is the big group and retinol is part of this family. Retinoids are well known for their benefits for acne.
In fact, they were first primarily used for acne. By chance, it was seen in the studies that they can also help with photodamage – fine lines and wrinkles as well.
How does retinol work for acne?
Retinol once absorbed into our skin gets converted to retinoic acid. This is the magic active that increases the turnover of our skin cells.
This gets rid of layers of dead skin and unplugs the pores. This also lets in more oxygen which is something Cutibacterium acnes doesn’t like. This is the bacteria that can cause acne. In addition, it can decrease inflammation.
Benefits
- Reduces acne breakouts.
- Promote collagen production and protect collagen from degradation, thus improving fine lines and wrinkles.
- Promotes the formation of new blood vessels in the deeper dermis and gives a pink glow.
- Fades dark spots by preventing the formation of melanin pigment and getting rid of pigment by increasing cell turnover.
- Smoothen the skin texture and refine the appearance of pores.
- Acts as an antioxidant.
Side effects
Retinol is well known for its side effects, commonly referred to as retinol burning or peeling. When you first start using it, you can experience dryness, redness, burning, and peeling skin.
Benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is one of the commonly used ingredients for acne in face washes and topical treatments.
The benefit of benzoyl peroxide is that there is no issue of bacterial resistance development which can happen with some topical antibiotics. It can be used either alone or in combination with other anti-acne ingredients.
How does benzoyl peroxide work on acne?
Benzoyl peroxide is an oil-soluble molecule and can penetrate deeper into our pores. Once applied to the skin, it breaks down to benzoic acid and free oxygen radicals. These free radicals can kill the acne-causing bacteria, Cutibacterium acnes.
It also has keratolytic properties which can remove the layers of dead skin cells and unclog pores.
In addition, it can affect neutrophils, the cells responsible for releasing inflammatory cytokines leading to redness and pus formation. So, its anti-inflammatory properties can also benefit acne.
It may decrease oil production as well.
Benefits
- Kills acne-causing bacteria
- Keratolytic
- Decreases inflammation
- Decreases oil production
Side effects
- It can cause dryness, redness, and a burning sensation.
- It can also bleach fabrics and hair.
Benzoyl peroxide vs retinol
Both benzoyl peroxide and retinol can benefit acne. In fact, there are some similarities in the way they work. Both of these can decrease the buildup of dead skin cells, decrease inflammation, and affect sebum production.
When it comes to killing acne-causing bacteria, benzoyl peroxide seems to be more efficient.
Studies comparing benzoyl peroxide and retinol
There are some older studies (1978, 1979) that compare benzoyl peroxide to retinoid. However, they used tretinoin, which is the active form the retinol gets converted to.
These studies suggest that both tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide are equally good at reducing acne. In fact, benzoyl peroxide might be better for inflammatory acne.
So, they both are winners of acne control.
If you are looking for the added benefit of dark spot reduction and treating or preventing fine lines and wrinkles, retinol will be of more benefit.
Can you use retinol with benzoyl peroxide?
Now the big question is can we use retinol and benzoyl peroxide together to harness all the benefits from both sides to get faster results!!
Retinol is a very sensitive and fragile molecule and can degrade on exposure to light and oxygen. Benzoyl peroxide on the other hand produces free radicals.
So basically, it can make retinol ineffective. It is often recommended not to use retinol and benzoyl peroxide in the same skincare routine.
But we have some data suggesting that in fact retinoids and benzoyl peroxide can be used together.
However, it depends on the type of retinol!
Let me explain more on this aspect.
We don’t have a lot of research data on the combination of retinol and benzoyl peroxide. However, we have a lot more data on the use of tretinoin (retinol gets converted to this active form once inside our skin) and benzoyl peroxide.
Studies on combining retinol and benzoyl peroxide
In a 2019 study, benzoyl peroxide when used with retinol in microsphere encapsulation was effective in improving acne.
The point to note here is that retinol was encapsulated which protected it from benzoyl peroxide. Not every product on the market has encapsulated retinol.
Studies on combining tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide
There are multiple studies where benzoyl peroxide was combined with a microsphere-encapsulated form of tretinoin.
Well, microsphere encapsulated technology has been used in the topical delivery of tretinoin for some time now. Probably you have heard about retin-A micro which also uses this delivery system.
In this delivery system, the active ingredient is encased and protected in the microsphere. It protects the active ingredient from light and oxidation. In addition, the active ingredient is released over time decreasing the chances of irritation.
A 2002 study compared two types of tretinoin formulations: tretinoin gel microsphere 0.1% and tretinoin gel 0.025% alone or in combination with erythromycin-benzoyl peroxide topical gel.
Tretinoin gel 0.025% degraded by 69% on exposure to 24 hours of fluorescent light. When this tretinoin gel was combined with erythromycin-benzoyl peroxide topical gel, 89% was degraded. That is a huge loss of active ingredient.
In comparison, tretinoin gel microsphere 0.1% degraded by only 2% on exposure to 24 hours of fluorescent light. When the tretinoin gel microsphere was combined with erythromycin-benzoyl peroxide topical gel, only 13% was degraded.
So, microsphere encapsulation technology is far superior in protecting tretinoin from benzoyl peroxide.
In another study done in 2010, benzoyl peroxide did not degrade tretinoin gel. In this study, Atralin gel was used which has a micronized form of tretinoin. This form is considered more stable due to its particle size.
Now, both these studies used unique forms of tretinoin which protects it from oxidation by benzoyl peroxide.
Every prescription tretinoin cream or gel doesn’t use the encapsulated or micronized form. Retin-A micro uses microsphere technology and Atralin gel and Altreno lotion are micronized.
So, these might be okay to use along with benzoyl peroxide. But make sure to check the packaging or talk to your doctor about the form of tretinoin in your prescription.
In fact this year (2022), a new medication was launched by Galderma in the USA. It is called Twyneo cream. It is a combination of 0.1% tretinoin and 3% benzoyl peroxide.
This uses a unique microencapsulation technology that envelopes the active ingredients in silica core shells. This protects tretinoin from the oxidation effects of benzoyl peroxide.
Studies using adapalene and benzoyl peroxide
This combination has already been used for years for the treatment of acne. In fact, this combination is found in very popular prescription medications.
- Epiduo: This is a combination of 0.1% adapalene and 2.5% benzoyl peroxide.
- Epiduo Forte: This is a combination of 0.3% adapalene and 2.5% benzoyl peroxide.
So, one can get 0.1% adapalene over the counter and use it alongside benzoyl peroxide without any stability issues.
There are multiple studies (2017, 2018, 2019) that suggest that using a combination of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide can not only be useful for acne but can also prevent and reduce atrophic acne scars.
There is one study from 2009, which shows that the combination of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide is superior in efficacy for treating acne as compared to using either adapalene or benzoyl peroxide alone.
How to use retinol and benzoyl peroxide together?
From all we have discussed above, we now know that wherever benzoyl peroxide was combined with retinol or tretinoin, the retinoid was either encapsulated or in a micronized form. These unique formulations protected retinol or tretinoin from oxidation.
So, it is best not to combine retinol and benzoyl peroxide unless you are sure you’re using the encapsulated form of retinol.
These two ingredients can be combined in several ways:
1. Use at different times of the day
This is the safest of the options. You don’t have to worry about which type of retinol you are using. You can use benzoyl peroxide in the morning and retinol at night.
In a 12-week study, it was seen that using 2.5 % benzoyl peroxide in the morning and retinol in the evening was well tolerated. It led to the improvement of acne and the overall appearance of the skin.
In another study from 2010, a once-daily morning combination of 5% benzoyl peroxide wash and tretinoin gel microsphere was equally effective as using benzoyl peroxide in the morning and tretinoin gel microsphere in the evening.
So, you don’t have to necessarily use them at the same time to get the benefits.
2. Use on alternate days
If you have sensitive skin and you want to use both retinol and benzoyl peroxide, you can use them on alternate nights. This will further decrease the chances of irritation.
3. Use the encapsulated form of retinol with benzoyl peroxide
If you still want to use retinol and benzoyl peroxide together, make sure to get a retinol that specifies that it uses encapsulation technology.
If you’re not sure, it is always better to check the packaging or the brand website for clarification. [I have added some product picks below in this article]
4. Use a benzoyl peroxide wash with retinol
This is another option if you really want to use retinol and benzoyl peroxide together.
Benzoyl peroxide washes like Panoxyl can be used followed by retinol. However, it’s important to rinse off the face wash well. In addition, both retinol and benzoyl peroxide can cause irritation, so start slow if you use this approach.
5. Use adapalene with benzoyl peroxide
If you want to be on the safe side, probably this combination is the best. These two ingredients can be combined without issues.
The combination medication Epiduo is prescription only. So, you might have to get two products: adapalene and benzoyl peroxide to use.
Alternatively, you can talk to your doctor about this combination.
Product picks
Are there any products with both retinol and benzoyl peroxide?
As of now, I am not aware of any product which combines retinol and benzoyl peroxide.
Products with benzoyl peroxide
The combination of retinol and benzoyl peroxide is very drying, so I would stick with benzoyl peroxide up to a concentration of 5%. Less is more in skincare!!
Face washes
- PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash Benzoyl Peroxide 4% Daily Control
- CeraVe Acne Foam Cream Cleanser (4%)
Leave on products
- Paula’s Choice Clear Extra Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment With 5% Benzoyl Peroxide
- Paula’s Choice Clear Regular Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment With 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide
Products with encapsulated retinol
- CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum
- CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
- Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum
- Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum
Be cautious
I want to stress the point that both retinol and benzoyl peroxide can lead to dryness, redness, skin irritation, and increased acne breakouts aka purging.
Purging happens as the acne present deep in the skin comes to the surface of the skin faster. So, you will see an increase in breakouts, usually in the same areas as you normally get acne.
You have to be extra cautious when introducing benzoyl peroxide and retinol in your routine.
Instead of starting them together, phase them out. Start one ingredient and once your skin is settled with that then introduce the second ingredient.
In addition, use rich nourishing moisturizer and sunscreen to minimize any side effects.
Summary
Retinol and benzoyl peroxide are powerful actives against acne. Both share many similarities when it comes to acne control.
Combining them is not simple but using the right formulation and using them with caution can be beneficial in achieving better results as compared to using them alone.
The best and safest way is to use them at separate times of the day to minimize potential side effects.
Further reading
- Tretinoin vs Retin-A
- Tretinoin vs Trifarotene
- Tretinoin vs retinol
- Tretinoin vs adapalene
- Tretinoin vs tazarotene
References
- Nyirady J, Lucas C, Yusuf M, Mignone P, Wisniewski S. The stability of tretinoin in tretinoin gel microsphere 0.1%. Cutis. 2002 Nov;70(5):295-8. PMID: 12469785.
- Martin B, Meunier C, Montels D, Watts O. 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 Oct;139 Suppl 52:8-11. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2133.1998.1390s2008.x. PMID: 9990414.
- Dreno B, Tan J, Rivier M, Martel P, Bissonnette R. Adapalene 0.1%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel reduces the risk of atrophic scar formation in moderate inflammatory acne: a split-face randomized controlled trial. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2017 Apr;31(4):737-742. doi: 10.1111/jdv.14026. Epub 2016 Dec 7. PMID: 27790756.
- Dréno B, Bissonnette R, Gagné-Henley A, Barankin B, Lynde C, Kerrouche N, Tan J. Prevention and Reduction of Atrophic Acne Scars with Adapalene 0.3%/Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel in Subjects with Moderate or Severe Facial Acne: Results of a 6-Month Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled Trial Using Intra-Individual Comparison. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2018 Apr;19(2):275-286. doi: 10.1007/s40257-018-0352-y. PMID: 29549588; PMCID: PMC5978908.
- Dréno B, Bissonnette R, Gagné-Henley A, Barankin B, Lynde C, Chavda R, Kerrouche N, Tan J. Long-Term Effectiveness and Safety of Up to 48 Weeks’ Treatment with Topical Adapalene 0.3%/Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel in the Prevention and Reduction of Atrophic Acne Scars in Moderate and Severe Facial Acne. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2019 Oct;20(5):725-732. doi: 10.1007/s40257-019-00454-6. PMID: 31209851.
- Kosmadaki, M. and Katsambas, A. (2017). Topical treatments for acne. Clin Dermatol 35 173-178.
- Matin T, Goodman MB. Benzoyl Peroxide. [Updated 2021 Oct 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan.
- Pariser D, Bucko A, Fried R, Jarratt MT, Kempers S, Kircik L, Lucky AW, Rafal E, Rendon M, Weiss J, Wilson DC, Rossi AB, Ramaswamy R, Nighland M. Tretinoin gel microsphere pump 0.04% plus 5% benzoyl peroxide wash for treatment of acne vulgaris: morning/morning regimen is as effective and safe as morning/evening regimen. J Drugs Dermatol. 2010 Jul;9(7):805-13. PMID: 20677537.
- Del Rosso JQ, Pillai R, Moore R. Absence of Degradation of Tretinoin When Benzoyl Peroxide is Combined with an Optimized Formulation of Tretinoin Gel (0.05%). J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010 Oct;3(10):26-8. PMID: 20967192; PMCID: PMC2958193.
- Gold LS, Tan J, Cruz-Santana A, Papp K, Poulin Y, Schlessinger J, Gidner J, Liu Y, Graeber M; Adapalene-BPO Study Group. A North American study of adapalene-benzoyl peroxide combination gel in the treatment of acne. Cutis. 2009 Aug;84(2):110-6. PMID: 19746769.
- Lyons RE. Comparative effectiveness of benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin in acne vulgaris. Int J Dermatol. 1978 Apr;17(3):246-51. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-4362.1978.tb06072.x. PMID: 148436.
- Belknap BS. Treatment of acne with 5% benzoyl peroxide gel or 0.05% retinoic acid cream. Cutis. 1979 Jun;23(6):856-9. PMID: 157264.
- Garofalo V, Cannizzaro MV, Mazzilli S, Bianchi L, Campione E. Clinical evidence on the efficacy and tolerability of a topical medical device containing benzoylperoxide 4%, retinol 0.5%, mandelic acid 1% and lactobionic acid 1% in the treatment of mild facial acne: an open label pilot study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2019 May 15;12:363-369. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S182317. PMID: 31190944; PMCID: PMC6526677.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for information purposes only and does not replace medical advice.