Can you use vitamin C and benzoyl peroxide together?
Best used at different times
Use them at different times of day. Benzoyl peroxide is an oxidising agent, and vitamin C is an antioxidant that oxidises easily, so applying them together may waste the vitamin C.
Why
Vitamin C works by being oxidised in place of your skin. Put it on at the same time as benzoyl peroxide and the two can react on the skin, leaving less vitamin C to do its job. Both can also be irritating.
How to use them
- Vitamin C in the morning under sunscreen, benzoyl peroxide in the evening.
- Or use a benzoyl peroxide wash and rinse it off before applying vitamin C.
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Other combinations
- Can you use retinol and vitamin C together? — use at different times
- Can you use retinol and benzoyl peroxide together? — use at different times
- Can you use vitamin C and niacinamide together? — works well together
- Can you use vitamin C with AHAs or BHA? — yes, with care
- Can you use vitamin C and copper peptides together? — use at different times
- Can you use vitamin C with vitamin E and ferulic acid? — works well together
Last reviewed 20 Oct 2026.
This is educational information, not medical advice. Introduce one new active at a time and patch test. If you use prescription skincare, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your GP, pharmacist or dermatologist first.