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If you’re struggling with acne, topical tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide are two of the most commonly prescribed and over-the-counter medications.
Using benzoyl peroxide concurrently with tretinoin can be an effective acne treatment, but you may be wondering: “Can I use benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin at the same time? Do they cancel each other out?”
Well, I’ve got you covered.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using these two ingredients together in your skincare routine.
Keep reading for all of the secret tips and tricks for getting the best possible acne-fighting results while minimizing irritation.
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What is Tretinoin?
Tretinoin is a topical medicine also known as retinoic acid or Retin-A.
It works by speeding up cell turnover and clearing out your pores, which reduces inflammatory acne and prevents breakouts.
At the same time, tretinoin is known for causing side effects like:
Skin irritation
Dryness
Flaking skin
While you can’t find it over-the-counter, you can get tretinoin gel or cream by a prescription from your dermatologist.
Fawn’s Notes:Unlike retinol, tretinoin is a prescription medication.
If you don’t have insurance or simply don’t want to deal with going in to see a dermatologist, I suggest checking out a reputable online pharmacy like UluRX.
While some used to believe that benzoyl peroxide could break down tretinoin if you applied it simultaneously, more recent research proves this is not true.
Current evidence demonstrates that benzoyl peroxide does not degrade or chemically inactivate.
Therefore, you can use the two ingredients together safely.
How to Use Benzoyl Peroxide and Tretinoin Together
When using benzoyl peroxide with tretinoin, it’s best to apply them at different times of the day.
But that’s not your only option!
Here are some effective ways that you can use them together:
Benzoyl peroxide in the morning, tretinoin at night
Apply your products on alternate nights
Use a benzoyl peroxide cleanser instead of a leave-on product
Alternate Mornings and Nights
One of the most common ways to use these two products together is to use benzoyl peroxide in the morning and tretinoin at night.
Since it’s best to avoid layering benzoyl peroxide concurrently with tretinoin, consider using them on different nights:
Night 1: Apply your benzoyl peroxide after cleansing
Night 2: Apply your tretinoin after cleansing
Then, just rinse and repeat throughout the week.
Use a Benzoyl Peroxide Cleanser
Instead of using a leave-on product, consider using a benzoyl peroxide cleanser like 4% or 10% PanOxyl.
After washing your face and waiting for it to dry, then apply a pea-sized amount of tretinoin.
Finally, finish off by applying a good moisturizer to use with tretinoin with ingredients like shea butter and ceramides.
Tips for Using Tretinoin and Benzoyl Peroxide Together
Using benzoyl peroxide with tretinoin can be a tricky combination for beginners, but these tips can help!
Consider the Tretinoin Formulation
Did you know that the type of tretinoin your healthcare provider prescribes may impact the best way to layer it with tretinoin?
It’s true!
In fact, some research shows that microsphere tretinoin slowly releases the medication and may be more compatible with benzoyl peroxide than other forms.
Alternate Morning and Evening Use
Using benzoyl peroxide with tretinoin together can cause too many side effects, especially for those with dry or sensitive skin.
Instead, consider switching between using benzoyl peroxide in the morning and tretinoin in the evening.
Use Non-Benzoyl Peroxide Alternatives
If benzoyl peroxide is too drying or irritating for you, there are other acne treatments to consider.
For example, you can try using:
Salicylic acid – clears pores and exfoliates
Niacinamide – calms inflammation
Azelaic acid – fights acne and soothes redness
All of these ingredients are generally well-tolerated and more suitable for people with sensitive skin.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid and tretinoin can be a powerful combination for treating acne.
For example, one study showed that the combination of both active ingredients resulted in a reduction in lesions for patients with moderate acne with minimal side effects.
Another study showed that combining tretinoin and azelaic acid was effective at fighting pimples and post-inflammatory erythema with minimal side effects.
Apply Sunscreen During the Day
Since tretinoin increases sun sensitivity, using a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day can help minimize irritation and sun damage.
Further, be sure to wear protective clothing to cover up any sensitive skin if you’re going to be outside without shade.
Can You Use Benzoyl Peroxide Wash With Tretinoin?
Yes, you can use a benzoyl peroxide cleanser or face wash with a leave-on tretinoin product.
In fact, because your cleanser gets rinsed off, it’s less likely to cause irritation when combined with tretinoin relative to a leave-on benzoyl peroxide product.
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Summary: Is it safe to use benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin together?
Yes, it is safe to use tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide together.
In fact, evidence shows that these two ingredients are more effective at treating acne when used together than when used alone!
Applying them at alternating times of day or on alternate nights can help you reduce the side effects typically associated with benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin.
Further, using a moisturizer after tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide can also help fight dryness and protect your skin barrier.
Overall, when used correctly, these ingredients can make a powerful impact on your skin!
This is such a helpfull breakdown! The part about how the old research was wrong and they dont actually cancel each other is super interesting becuz I avoided combining them for like a year. I wish more derms would explain the timing thing insted of just saying 'dont mix actives.' Gonna try the BP cleanser approach since my skin freaks out with too many leave-on products.
This is such a helpfull breakdown! The part about how the old research was wrong and they dont actually cancel each other is super interesting becuz I avoided combining them for like a year. I wish more derms would explain the timing thing insted of just saying 'dont mix actives.' Gonna try the BP cleanser approach since my skin freaks out with too many leave-on products.