# Benzoyl peroxide and citric acid

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-citric-acid

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

Keep them apart

Use them at different times of day by applying [citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/citric-acid) in the morning and [benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide) at night to prevent severe skin irritation. Combining these two strong ingredients at the same time causes too much drying, redness, and peeling. You can use them safely by choosing gentler product strengths or waiting longer between applications.

- [All about benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide)
- [All about citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/citric-acid)

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

- [Proactiv Renewing Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/proactiv/renewing-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Average fit — [SAR 152.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B0012C7POY?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/clean-and-clear/persa-gel-10/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [SAR 82.17 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B00KZ22ED4?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Differin Daily Deep Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/differin/daily-deep-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Average fit — [SAR 96.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B09Y62PMWX?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/neutrogena/clear-pore-cleanser-mask/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [SAR 103.58 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B000NSIGE6?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Proactiv Repairing Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/proactiv/repairing-treatment/for/oily-skin) — High fit
- [Paula's Choice Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/paula-s-choice/clear-daily-skin-clearing-treatment/for/acne-prone-skin) — Average fit — [SAR 218.25 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B00L5O4Q32?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Galderma Epiduo Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/galderma/epiduo-gel/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [Galderma Benzac AC 5](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cerave/acne-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — High fit
- [Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/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/sa/p/panoxyl/acne-foaming-wash/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [SAR 89.90 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B092MXQRGD?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/panoxyl/acne-creamy-wash/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Average fit — [SAR 44.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B008TY9BOK?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

### [Citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/citric-acid) products

- [The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/the-ordinary/salicylic-acid-2-solution/for/dry-skin) — Average fit
- [Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap (Baby Unscented)](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/dr-bronner-s/pure-castile-liquid-soap-baby-unscented/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit
- [Thayers Hydrating Milky Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/thayers/hydrating-milky-toner/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [SAR 107.17 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B0BQCRH6D8?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/seven-minerals/organic-aloe-vera-gel/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit
- [SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/skinceuticals/blemish-age-defense/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [SAR 458.33 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B07HCGKJ76?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/naturie/hatomugi-skin-conditioner/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit
- [E45 Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/e45/cream/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [SAR 127.97 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B001RYUCQ0?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [NATURIUM BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2%](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/naturium/bha-liquid-exfoliant-2/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [SAR 139.59 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B08881VH6J?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Dr. Sam's Flawless Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/dr-sam-s/flawless-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — High fit
- [Kiehl's Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/kiehl-s/calendula-deep-cleansing-foaming-face-wash/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [SAR 241.34 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B00O19W9UA?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Neutrogena Hydro Boost Micellar Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-micellar-water/for/dark-spots) — Average fit — [SAR 16.56 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B07YYSLQGK?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Garnier SkinActive Blackhead Eliminating Scrub](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/garnier-skinactive/blackhead-eliminating-scrub/for/oily-skin) — Low fit — [SAR 103.82 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B00IWNPTD0?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

## Questions and answers

### Can you use benzoyl peroxide and citric acid together?

No, you should keep [benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide) and [citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/citric-acid) apart in your routine because combining them may cause increased irritation, redness, and barrier damage. To use both, alternate them on different days or in separate routines.

### Which goes first, benzoyl peroxide or citric acid?

Keep benzoyl peroxide and citric acid apart in your routine because combining them may lead to over-exfoliation and increased irritation. Instead, alternate their use on different days.

### Are benzoyl peroxide and citric acid good for sensitive skin?

No, benzoyl peroxide and citric acid should be kept apart in your routine because combining them may increase irritation, redness, and barrier damage. You can use them on different days instead.

## Research on benzoyl peroxide and citric acid

- [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
- [Clinical evaluation of the efficacy of a facial serum containing dioic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, LHA, citric acid, and HEPES in treating post-inflammatory hyperchromia and controlling oily skin in patients with acne vulgaris](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33617668/) Citric acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
- [Comparison of clindamycin 1% and benzoyl peroxide 5% gel to a novel composition containing salicylic acid, capryloyl salicylic acid, HEPES, glycolic acid, citric acid, and dioic acid in the treatment of acne vulgaris](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23545907/) Citric acid · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2013

## Other combinations

- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and aha blend glycolic and citric acids](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-aha-blend-glycolic-and-citric-acids)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-benzoyl-peroxide)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-salicylic-acid)
- Work well together: [Benzoyl peroxide and ceramide-building complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-ceramide-building-complex)
- Work well together: [Benzoyl peroxide and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-tri-ceramide-complex)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/retinol-and-citric-acid)
- Depends on the strength: [Niacinamide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/niacinamide-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Sodium lactate and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/sodium-lactate-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Citric acid and tromethamine](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/citric-acid-and-tromethamine)
- Work well together: [Betaine and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/betaine-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Glycerin and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/glycerin-and-citric-acid)
- Depends on the strength: [Hyaluronic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/hyaluronic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and vitamin C](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-vitamin-c)
- Keep them apart: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Bio-placenta peptides and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/bio-placenta-peptides-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Carnosine and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/carnosine-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Collagen peptide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/collagen-peptide-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Copper peptide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/copper-peptide-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Citric acid and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/citric-acid-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Citric acid and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/citric-acid-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Keep them apart: [Citric acid and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/citric-acid-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Keep them apart: [Citric acid and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/citric-acid-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Keep them apart: [Citric acid and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/citric-acid-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/adapalene-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Granactive retinoid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/granactive-retinoid-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Pro-retinol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/pro-retinol-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinal and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/retinal-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinoid blend and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/retinoid-blend-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/tretinoin-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Gluconolactone and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/gluconolactone-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Lactobionic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/lactobionic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Cholesterol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/cholesterol-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Citric acid and lauric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/citric-acid-and-lauric-acid)
- Work well together: [Linoleic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/linoleic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Citric acid and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/citric-acid-and-tri-ceramide-complex)
- Work well together: [Arginine and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/arginine-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Citric acid and GABA](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/citric-acid-and-gaba)
- Work well together: [Silk amino acids and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/silk-amino-acids-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Taurine and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/taurine-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Citric acid and theanine](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/citric-acid-and-theanine)
- Work well together: [Benzoyl peroxide and niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-niacinamide)
- Work well together: [Ferulic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/ferulic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Vitamin E and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/vitamin-e-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/adapalene-and-benzoyl-peroxide)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and granactive retinoid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-granactive-retinoid)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and pro-retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-pro-retinol)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and retinal](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-retinal)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and retinoid blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-retinoid-blend)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-retinol)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-tretinoin)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-copper-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Work well together: [Allantoin and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/allantoin-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Citric acid and bisabolol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/citric-acid-and-bisabolol)
- Work well together: [Panthenol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/panthenol-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Benzoyl peroxide and zinc](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-zinc)
- Work well together: [Benzoyl peroxide and zinc gluconate](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-zinc-gluconate)
- Work well together: [Benzoyl peroxide and zinc oxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-zinc-oxide)
- Work well together: [Benzoyl peroxide and zinc sulfate](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-zinc-sulfate)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and bio-placenta peptides](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-bio-placenta-peptides)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-collagen-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-hexapeptide)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and isopropyl alcohol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-isopropyl-alcohol)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and sodium lauryl sulfate](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/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-citric-acid
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-citric-acid
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-citric-acid
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-citric-acid
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-citric-acid
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-citric-acid
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-citric-acid
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-citric-acid
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-citric-acid
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-citric-acid
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-citric-acid
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-citric-acid (this page)
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-citric-acid