# Benzoyl peroxide and mandelic acid

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-mandelic-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 on alternate nights because combining them causes over-exfoliation and irritation. [Benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide) fights acne while [mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/mandelic-acid) exfoliates, but using them together damages your skin barrier. You can switch to a gentler strength or space out the applications to prevent redness.

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

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

- [The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/the-ordinary/mandelic-acid-10-ha/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit
- [Nécessaire The Body Retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/necessaire/the-body-retinol/for/dark-spots) — Average fit
- [Good Molecules Mandelic Acid Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/good-molecules/mandelic-acid-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — [SAR 101.74 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B0D6TWLB6T?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/glamglow/supermud-clearing-treatment/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [SAR 171.41 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B01MT9MPTX?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Dermalogica PowerBright Dark Spot Peel](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/dermalogica/powerbright-dark-spot-peel/for/oily-skin) — Average fit
- [Sofie Pavitt Face Mandelic Clearing Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/sofie-pavitt-face/mandelic-clearing-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cetaphil/gentle-exfoliating-sa-lotion/for/combination-skin) — High fit — [SAR 132.33 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B0CZDMS6G6?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [SkinCeuticals Cell Cycle Catalyst](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/skinceuticals/cell-cycle-catalyst/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Average fit
- [DIME TBT Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/dime/tbt-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit
- [By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/by-wishtrend/mandelic-acid-5-skin-prep-water/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [SAR 126.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B07MC4P4R8?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Triple AHA Gentle Cleansing Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/haruharu-wonder/black-rice-triple-aha-gentle-cleansing-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [SAR 34.21 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B0CKVL9PGY?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Neutrogena Bright Boost Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/neutrogena/bright-boost-gel-cream/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit

## Questions and answers

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

No, you should avoid using [benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide) and [mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/mandelic-acid) together in the same routine because combining them may cause increased irritation, redness, and skin barrier damage. Instead, you can alternate using them on different days or in separate routines.

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

Keep benzoyl peroxide and mandelic acid apart by using them on different days or in separate routines to avoid over-exfoliation and irritation. Combining these ingredients may cause redness and barrier damage.

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

Benzoyl peroxide and mandelic acid should be kept apart in your routine because combining them may cause over-exfoliation, leading to increased irritation and redness on sensitive skin.

## Research on benzoyl peroxide and mandelic 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
- [Comparative study of efficacy and safety of 45% mandelic acid versus 30% salicylic acid peels in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31553119/) Mandelic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29705755/) Mandelic acid · BMJ Open, 2018

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