# Glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide

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

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 [glycolic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/glycolic-acid) and [benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide) on alternate nights to prevent severe dryness, redness, and irritation. Combining both ingredients in the same routine causes extreme irritation, peeling, and barrier damage because they are both too strong. You can easily fix this by switching to a lower percentage formula or adding more days between applications.

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

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

- [The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/the-ordinary/glycolic-acid-7-toning-solution/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — [SAR 72.29 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B0GK8JLTSS?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/roc/retinol-correxion-deep-wrinkle-night-cream/for/dark-spots) — High fit — [SAR 165.54 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B00027DMI8?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/first-aid-beauty/kp-bump-eraser-body-scrub/for/dark-spots) — Average fit — [SAR 107.07 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B07XG6BKCV?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/first-aid-beauty/facial-radiance-pads/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — [SAR 129.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B0CBL5NSP6?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/murad/rapid-dark-spot-correcting-serum/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [SAR 187.95 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B08KR79NBR?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/skinbetter-science/alpharet-overnight-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit
- [St. Ives Apricot Scrub](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/st-ives/apricot-scrub/for/dry-skin) — Average fit
- [COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cosrx/aha-bha-clarifying-treatment-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [SAR 40.17 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B0BN1KRD2V?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/dr-dennis-gross/alpha-beta-universal-daily-peel/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [SAR 317.82 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B0BM9PQGCS?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Pixi Glow Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/pixi/glow-tonic/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [SAR 56.52 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B09SN5B88W?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/good-molecules/overnight-exfoliating-treatment/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [SAR 77.61 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B08TMDRF1L?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [CeraVe Skin Renewing Nightly Exfoliating Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cerave/skin-renewing-nightly-exfoliating-treatment/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit

### [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
- [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

## Questions and answers

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

No, you should keep [glycolic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/glycolic-acid) and [benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide) apart because combining them may cause over-exfoliation, increased irritation, redness, and barrier damage. Instead, alternate their use on different days or routines. Products like CeraVe Acne [Foaming](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/foaming) Cream Cleanser, PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash, and PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash contain both ingredients.

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

Keep glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide apart by alternating their use on different days or routines, as combining them may cause over-exfoliation and increased irritation. Some products like CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser, PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash, and PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash contain both, but using them together can damage your skin barrier.

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

Glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide are not recommended to be used together, especially for sensitive skin, because combining them increases irritation, redness, and barrier damage. You should alternate their use on different days or in separate routines.

## Research on glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide

- [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
- [Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30548170/) Glycolic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
- [The efficacy of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene vs adapalene monotherapy in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: a double-blinded within-person comparative study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30858720/) Glycolic acid · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019

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