Can you use vitamin C with benzoyl peroxide?
Not at the same time. Benzoyl peroxide is an oxidizer that can use up vitamin C, so apply them at different times of day.
Why
L-ascorbic acid oxidizes easily, and benzoyl peroxide works by releasing oxygen radicals, so applying them together wastes the vitamin C before it can do its job. This is one of the few vitamin C conflicts that both dermatologists and cosmetic chemists agree on.
How to use them
Use one in the morning and the other at night; either order works. Benzoyl peroxide is an OTC drug ingredient in the US, so follow its label directions first.
Benzoyl peroxide is regulated as an OTC drug in the US. The directions on the product's label come first, and Dermo doesn't recommend specific drug products.
Sources
- 1Facial care advice for patients with acne · Dermatology Times (Zoe Diana Draelos, MD), 2016
- 2Ultimate Vitamin C Skincare Guide Part 1: Ascorbic Acid · Lab Muffin Beauty Science (Michelle Wong, PhD), 2021
- 321 CFR 333.310 Acne active ingredients · Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), 2010
General cosmetic information, not medical advice. Written with AI assistance from the sources above; updated October 2026.