Benzoyl peroxide kills the germs that cause acne and can help dry up oily skin. It is also a mild exfoliant and can clear your pores of acne-causing debris like dirt. If you have severe acne ...

Benzoyl peroxide works by reducing acne-causing bacteria ... and forms applied topically (on the skin), such as a cloth (pad or wipe), cream, lotion, liquid, gel, or ointment.

According to dermatologist Shari Marchbein, M.D., mixing skincare ingredients—like benzoyl peroxide with retinol—without knowing how they'll interact isn't a good idea. "[It] will be not only ...