Ingredient · Morning or night
Benzoyl peroxide
On the label as: BPO
Kills acne bacteria; for red, inflamed pimples.
Benzoyl peroxide kills the bacteria behind inflamed acne and does not let them become resistant. A 2.5% gel works about as well as 5% or 10% with less dryness.
Who it suits
Red, inflamed pimples on the face, chest or back.
How to use it
- A thin layer over the whole acne-prone area, not just on spots.
- Start once a day, every other day if it dries you out.
- It bleaches fabric: use white pillowcases and towels.
What to pair it with
Benzoyl peroxide + Retinol
Use one in the morning, one at night
Benzoyl peroxide can break some retinoids down. Benzoyl peroxide in the morning, retinol at night.
Benzoyl peroxide + Vitamin C
Use one in the morning, one at night
Benzoyl peroxide oxidises vitamin C. Keep them to different times of day.
Benzoyl peroxide + BHA
Use one in the morning, one at night
A salicylic face wash with a benzoyl peroxide spot gel is fine; two leave-on products together dry the skin out.
Benzoyl peroxide + AHA
Use on different nights
Both dry and irritate. Use them on different days.
Everything else pairs fine with benzoyl peroxide: apply the thinnest product first.