Can I Use Benzoyl Peroxide With Glycolic Acid Together Safely?

Can I Use Benzoyl Peroxide With Glycolic Acid?

Benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid are both commonly used ingredients in skincare products. Benzoyl peroxide is an acne medication that works by killing bacteria on the skin, while glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin. Many people use both of these ingredients as part of their skincare routine, but is it safe to use benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid together?

How Benzoyl Peroxide and Glycolic Acid Work

First, let's look at how these two ingredients work on the skin:

Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria on the skin and reduces inflammation. It works by releasing oxygen, which destroys the bacteria.
Glycolic acid exfoliates the top layer of the skin by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells. This helps to reveal brighter, smoother skin.

When used properly, both benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid can be beneficial for treating acne and improving overall skin texture and tone. However, there are some risks when using these ingredients together.

Potential Side Effects of Using Benzoyl Peroxide and Glycolic Acid Together

The main concern with using benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid together is that combining these two active ingredients may cause excessive dryness, irritation, and skin damage. Here are some of the potential side effects:

Increased skin dryness - Both ingredients may dry out the skin, so using them together can potentially lead to very dry, flaky, itchy, or peeling skin.
Skin irritation - Too much exfoliation and oxidative action from the two products can cause redness, stinging, and skin sensitivity.
Damage to the skin barrier - The acidity and potency of these products may disrupt the skin's protective moisture barrier, allowing more irritation to occur.
Photosensitivity - Glycolic acid can make the skin more sensitive to UV rays, potentially increasing sunburn risk.

People with sensitive skin are more prone to experiencing these negative reactions when combining benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid.

Tips for Using Benzoyl Peroxide and Glycolic Acid Together

However, it is possible for many people to use products containing benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid together safely and effectively. Here are some tips to follow:

Use lower concentrations - Start with over-the-counter products containing no more than 2.5% benzoyl peroxide and 5-8% glycolic acid.
Alternate use - Use benzoyl peroxide in the morning and glycolic acid at night. Avoid applying them at the same time.
Monitor skin reactions - Discontinue use if you experience excessive redness, dryness, or irritation.
Moisturize - Always moisturize after using these products to counteract dryness and skin damage.
Gradually increase frequency - Start by using them 2-3 times per week and slowly work up to daily use as your skin tolerates it.
Avoid sun exposure - Glycolic acid may make you more prone to sunburns, so always use sun protection.

Products Containing Both Ingredients

Some products are formulated with combination of benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid, at lower concentrations. These combination products may be less irritating because they are designed to work together on the skin. Some examples include:

Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Control Kit - Contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide spot treatment and a face wash with 2% salicylic acid for gentle exfoliation.
Proactiv+ 3-Step System - Includes 2.5% benzoyl peroxide cream and a toner with glycolic and lactic acids.
AcneFree Terminator 10 Acne Spot Treatment - Combines 10% benzoyl peroxide with glycolic acid and soothing botanicals.
Kate Somerville EradiKate Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment - Contains a 2% salicylic acid cleansing cream and 3% sulfur and 10% benzoyl peroxide treatment.

When using an all-in-one product, start by applying it once a day and gradually increase to twice daily use if your skin can handle it. Pay attention to any signs of irritation.

Who Should Not Use Benzoyl Peroxide and Glycolic Acid Together?

While combined use may work for some, certain people are better off avoiding using both glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide together, including:

Those with very sensitive skin prone to dryness and irritation.
People using prescription topical acne medications like tretinoin, which also increase skin cell turnover.
Individuals who have eczema or skin conditions causing impaired skin barrier function.
Those with an allergy or sensitivity to either ingredient.
Pregnant women, who should use glycolic acid with caution and avoid benzoyl peroxide.
People with darker skin tones, who may be more prone to hyperpigmentation from glycolic acid.

For certain individuals, the combined exfoliating and irritating effects may be too harsh for their skin to handle. If you fall into one of these higher risk groups, it's best to avoid simultaneously using products with benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid.

Consult With a Dermatologist

If you have cystic, inflammatory, or severe acne, consult with a board-certified dermatologist before trying to use over-the-counter products containing benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, or other actives. A dermatologist can assess your skin and determine if prescription-strength acne treatments would be more appropriate and effective.

A dermatologist can also give guidance on how to combine products with potentially irritating ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid. They may recommend using the two ingredients at alternating times of day or on alternating days rather than together. Following a dermatologist's instructions can help prevent excessive drying and damage to your skin.

The Bottom Line

Benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid can both be helpful for improving acne and skin texture. However, there are risks in combining these ingredients together, especially for people with sensitive or very acne-prone skin.

It is possible for many people to use benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid together safely by starting slow, using lower concentrations, and keeping the skin moisturized. Pay close attention to your skin for any signs of redness, dryness, or irritation. If you experience negative reactions, stop using the products together.

Consult a dermatologist if you need help establishing an acne treatment regimen with these ingredients. With proper precautions, you may be able to benefit from using benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid as part of your skincare routine.

FAQs

Can I use benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid at the same time?

It's generally not recommended to apply benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid to your skin at the exact same time. It's better to use them separately – either alternate using them morning and night, or use one in the morning and the other at night. Allow time for your skin to recover between applications.

What happens if I use too much benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid?

Using excessive amounts of both ingredients together can cause irritation, dryness, redness, and damage to your skin's moisture barrier. Start with lower concentrations and minimal use, then gradually increase frequency as your skin tolerance allows.

Can I use 10% benzoyl peroxide with glycolic acid?

You should avoid using prescription-strength 10% benzoyl peroxide together with glycolic acid products, as this combination may be too harsh and drying. For over-the-counter use, stick to 2.5-5% benzoyl peroxide combined with 8% glycolic acid or less.

What if my skin stings when I use both ingredients?

If your skin stings or burns when using benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid, stop using them together. The stinging is a sign your skin is becoming irritated. Allow your skin to heal before trying to use the ingredients together again.

Who should not combine benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid?

Those with sensitive skin, eczema, or impaired skin barrier issues should avoid using both together. Pregnant women and people taking prescription acne medication should also not combine the two without guidance from a dermatologist.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.