# Benzoyl peroxide and hydroxypinacolone retinoate

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Australia.

Keep them apart

Use them at different times of day, applying [benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide) in the morning and [hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) at night, because they cancel each other out. Benzoyl peroxide oxidizes the retinoid and stops it from working properly. The shopper can switch to using them on alternate nights or pick a gentler strength.

[Retinoids: a journey from the molecular structures and mechanisms of action to clinical uses in dermatology and adverse effects](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28318351/) [Why Topical Retinoids Are Mainstay of Therapy for Acne](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28585191/)

- [All about benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide)
- [All about hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate)

### [Benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide) products

- [Proactiv Renewing Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/proactiv/renewing-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Average fit — [A$43.96 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B004DOYM2Q?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/clean-and-clear/persa-gel-10/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [A$29.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B004RR6MI6?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Differin Daily Deep Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/differin/daily-deep-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Average fit
- [Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/neutrogena/clear-pore-cleanser-mask/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [A$42.95 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B000NSIGE6?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Proactiv Repairing Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/proactiv/repairing-treatment/for/oily-skin) — High fit
- [Paula's Choice Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/clear-daily-skin-clearing-treatment/for/acne-prone-skin) — Average fit
- [Galderma Epiduo Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/galderma/epiduo-gel/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [Galderma Benzac AC 5](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [A$25.49 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B076VMBQKP?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cerave/acne-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — High fit
- [Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [A$24.59 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08GKHH72J?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/panoxyl/acne-foaming-wash/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [A$30.90 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07QN9X8V6?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/panoxyl/acne-creamy-wash/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Average fit

### [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) products

- [The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/the-ordinary/granactive-retinoid-2-emulsion/for/oily-skin) — High fit
- [IOPE Retinol Super Bounce Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/iope/retinol-super-bounce-serum/for/dark-spots) — Average fit
- [BYOMA Sensitive Retinol Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/byoma/sensitive-retinol-oil/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [A$39.95 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CSDWY381?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Medicube Deep Vita A Retinol Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/medicube/deep-vita-a-retinol-serum/for/acne-prone-skin) — Average fit
- [Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/sunday-riley/a-high-dose-retinoid-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [A$87.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0B7JT39KP?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

## Questions and answers

### Can you use benzoyl peroxide and hydroxypinacolone retinoate together?

No, you should keep [benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide) and [hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate) apart because benzoyl peroxide causes oxidation and deactivation of retinoids. To use both, apply benzoyl peroxide in the morning and your retinoid at night.

### Which goes first, benzoyl peroxide or hydroxypinacolone retinoate?

Keep benzoyl peroxide and hydroxypinacolone retinoate apart in your routine because benzoyl peroxide causes oxidation and deactivation of retinoids. Use benzoyl peroxide in the morning and hydroxypinacolone retinoate in the evening.

### Are benzoyl peroxide and hydroxypinacolone retinoate good for sensitive skin?

No, you should keep benzoyl peroxide and hydroxypinacolone retinoate apart in your routine because benzoyl peroxide causes oxidation and deactivation of retinoids. To use both, apply benzoyl peroxide in the morning and your retinoid at night.

## Research on benzoyl peroxide and hydroxypinacolone retinoate

- [Topical benzoyl peroxide for acne](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/) Benzoyl peroxide · The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020
- [Benzoyl peroxide treatment decreases Cutibacterium acnes in shoulder surgery, from skin incision until wound closure](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33545336/) Benzoyl peroxide · Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2021
- [Efficacy and Safety of a Fixed-Dose Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2%, Benzoyl Peroxide 3.1%, and Adapalene 0.15% Gel for Moderate-to-Severe Acne: A Randomized Phase II Study of the First Triple-Combination Drug](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34674160/) Benzoyl peroxide · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2022
- [Characterization of Acne-Prone Skin with Reflectance Confocal Microscopy and Optical Coherence Tomography and Modifications Induced by Topical Treatment and Probiotic Supplementation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37510902/) Hydroxypinacolone retinoate · Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2023
- [The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36762391/) Hydroxypinacolone retinoate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023
- [Efficacy of Topical Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate-Peptide Product Versus Fractional CO2 Laser in Facial Aging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39394831/) Hydroxypinacolone retinoate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025

## Other combinations

- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and aha blend glycolic and citric acids](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-aha-blend-glycolic-and-citric-acids)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-benzoyl-peroxide)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-salicylic-acid)
- Work well together: [Benzoyl peroxide and ceramide-building complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-ceramide-building-complex)
- Work well together: [Benzoyl peroxide and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-tri-ceramide-complex)
- Keep them apart: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate)
- Keep them apart: [Bio-placenta peptides and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/bio-placenta-peptides-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate)
- Keep them apart: [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-collagen-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-copper-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate)
- Keep them apart: [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Keep them apart: [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Keep them apart: [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Keep them apart: [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Depends on the strength: [Niacinamide and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/niacinamide-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and vitamin C](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-vitamin-c)
- Keep them apart: [AHA blend glycolic and citric acids and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/aha-blend-glycolic-and-citric-acids-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate)
- Keep them apart: [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate)
- Keep them apart: [Mandelic acid and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate)
- Keep them apart: [Vitamin C and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/vitamin-c-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate)
- Work well together: [Benzoyl peroxide and niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-niacinamide)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/adapalene-and-benzoyl-peroxide)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and granactive retinoid](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-granactive-retinoid)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and pro-retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-pro-retinol)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and retinal](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-retinal)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and retinoid blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-retinoid-blend)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-retinol)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-tretinoin)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-copper-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Work well together: [Benzoyl peroxide and zinc](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-zinc)
- Work well together: [Benzoyl peroxide and zinc gluconate](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-zinc-gluconate)
- Work well together: [Benzoyl peroxide and zinc oxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-zinc-oxide)
- Work well together: [Benzoyl peroxide and zinc sulfate](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-zinc-sulfate)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and bio-placenta peptides](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-bio-placenta-peptides)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-collagen-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-hexapeptide)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and isopropyl alcohol](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-isopropyl-alcohol)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and sodium lauryl sulfate](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-sodium-lauryl-sulfate)

## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi checks every pairing with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this pairing advice: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate (this page)
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate