# Benzoyl peroxide and retinol

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-retinol

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

Keep them apart

Use them at different times of day by applying [benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide) in the morning and [retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinol) at night, because they cancel each other out. Benzoyl peroxide generates free radicals that oxidize and deactivate retinol, meaning you will not get the skin-clearing or anti-aging results you want. You can fix this by separating them into different routines or by using gentler strengths.

[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/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide)
- [All about retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinol)

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

- [Proactiv Renewing Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/proactiv/renewing-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Average fit
- [Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/clean-and-clear/persa-gel-10/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit
- [Differin Daily Deep Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/differin/daily-deep-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Average fit
- [Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/neutrogena/clear-pore-cleanser-mask/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [€9.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B082VMNCNV?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Proactiv Repairing Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/proactiv/repairing-treatment/for/oily-skin) — High fit
- [Paula's Choice Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/paula-s-choice/clear-daily-skin-clearing-treatment/for/acne-prone-skin) — Average fit
- [Galderma Epiduo Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/galderma/epiduo-gel/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [Galderma Benzac AC 5](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cerave/acne-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [€15.10 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B08GCK4MYS?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/panoxyl/acne-foaming-wash/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/panoxyl/acne-creamy-wash/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Average fit

### [Retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinol) products

- [CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cerave/resurfacing-retinol-serum/for/dark-spots) — High fit — [€22.50 at Notino](https://www.notino.nl/cerave/blemish-control-active-serum-met-ratinol/p-16142856/)
- [RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/roc/retinol-correxion-deep-wrinkle-night-cream/for/dark-spots) — High fit — [€44.90 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B0FMK54Q87?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/paula-s-choice/1-retinol-treatment/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — [€57.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B07P6M914G?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/roc/retinol-correxion-line-smoothing-eye-cream/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [€18.21 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B08GGD7NRN?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/good-molecules/gentle-retinol-cream/for/mature-skin) — High fit
- [La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/la-roche-posay/retinol-b3-serum/for/dark-spots) — Average fit — [€35.05 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B07Z9Y4M3C?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [DRMTLGY Retinol Body Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/drmtlgy/retinol-body-lotion/for/mature-skin) — Average fit
- [RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/roc/retinol-correxion-deep-wrinkle-serum/for/oily-skin) — Average fit — [€32.97 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B0GQZ5J61H?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cerave/skin-renewing-retinol-serum/for/dark-spots) — Average fit — [€29.75 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B0FHPRRNX8?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/olay/regenerist-retinol-24-night-moisturizer/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — [€35.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B0852NRDYN?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [cocokind Retinol Body Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cocokind/retinol-body-cream/for/mature-skin) — Average fit
- [Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/neutrogena/rapid-wrinkle-repair-regenerating-cream/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [€43.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B0725JP4TN?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

## Questions and answers

### Can you use benzoyl peroxide and retinol together?

No, you should keep [benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide) and [retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinol) apart in your routine because benzoyl peroxide causes oxidation and deactivation of the retinol molecule. Instead, use benzoyl peroxide in the morning and retinol at night to avoid this interaction.

### Which goes first, benzoyl peroxide or retinol?

Keep benzoyl peroxide and retinol apart by using benzoyl peroxide in the morning and retinol at night, because benzoyl peroxide can oxidize and deactivate retinol.

### Are benzoyl peroxide and retinol good for sensitive skin?

No, benzoyl peroxide and retinol should be kept apart in your routine because they can oxidize and deactivate each other. You may use benzoyl peroxide in the morning and retinol at night to help avoid irritation.

## Research on benzoyl peroxide and retinol

- [Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27261203/) Retinol · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017
- [Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/) Retinol · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019
- [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
- [Encapsulation and controlled release of retinol from silicone particles for topical delivery](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29604311/) Retinol · Journal of Controlled Release, 2018
- [A randomized, controlled comparative study of the wrinkle reduction benefits of a cosmetic niacinamide/peptide/retinyl propionate product regimen vs. a prescription 0.02% tretinoin product regimen](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20374604/) Retinol · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2010
- [Topical application of retinyl propionate, 4 hexyl resorcinol, and niacinamide reverses molecular and clinical features of ageing](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38685700/) Retinol · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024

## Other combinations

- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinol-and-niacinamide)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and aha blend glycolic and citric acids](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-aha-blend-glycolic-and-citric-acids)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-benzoyl-peroxide)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-salicylic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and isopropyl alcohol](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinol-and-isopropyl-alcohol)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and sodium lauryl sulfate](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinol-and-sodium-lauryl-sulfate)
- Work well together: [Benzoyl peroxide and ceramide-building complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-ceramide-building-complex)
- Work well together: [Benzoyl peroxide and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-tri-ceramide-complex)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and aha blend glycolic and citric acids](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinol-and-aha-blend-glycolic-and-citric-acids)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinol-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-retinol)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinol-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinol-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinol-and-salicylic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Vitamin C and retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/vitamin-c-and-retinol)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinol-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and bio-placenta peptides](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinol-and-bio-placenta-peptides)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinol-and-collagen-peptide)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinol-and-copper-peptide)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinol-and-hexapeptide)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinol-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinol-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinol-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinol-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Depends on the strength: [Retinol and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinol-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Work well together: [Retinol and bakuchiol](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinol-and-bakuchiol)
- Work well together: [Retinol and coenzyme q10](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinol-and-coenzyme-q10)
- Work well together: [Retinol and green tea](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinol-and-green-tea)
- Work well together: [Retinol and vitamin E](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinol-and-vitamin-e)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and vitamin C](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-vitamin-c)
- Work well together: [Benzoyl peroxide and niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-niacinamide)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/adapalene-and-benzoyl-peroxide)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and granactive retinoid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-granactive-retinoid)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and pro-retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-pro-retinol)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and retinal](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-retinal)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and retinoid blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-retinoid-blend)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-tretinoin)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-copper-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Work well together: [Benzoyl peroxide and zinc](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-zinc)
- Work well together: [Benzoyl peroxide and zinc gluconate](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-zinc-gluconate)
- Work well together: [Benzoyl peroxide and zinc oxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-zinc-oxide)
- Work well together: [Benzoyl peroxide and zinc sulfate](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-zinc-sulfate)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and bio-placenta peptides](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-bio-placenta-peptides)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-collagen-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-hexapeptide)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and isopropyl alcohol](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-isopropyl-alcohol)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and sodium lauryl sulfate](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-sodium-lauryl-sulfate)
- Work well together: [Retinol and ceramide-building complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinol-and-ceramide-building-complex)
- Work well together: [Retinol and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinol-and-tri-ceramide-complex)

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