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Ingredient pairing

Can you mix Salicylic acid (BHA) and Sulfur?

Same answer whichever way you searched it: Sulfur and Salicylic acid (BHA).

Fine togetherThey're fine together.

Salicylic acid (BHA)Sulfur

These two actually work well together, and are often formulated side by side.

Routine: You can use these together, morning or night.

Salicylic acid (BHA)Solid and proven
Acne10
Efficacy9
Anti-aging5

Skip if: very sensitive, compromised barrier, pregnancy high

Ask your doctor in pregnancy
SulfurSolid and proven
Efficacy7
Acne7
Anti-aging3

Skip if: very sensitive, dry, compromised barrier

Ask your doctor in pregnancy

Written by Maya FaourHow we score →

Which one goes first?

Apply Salicylic acid (BHA) first

  1. 1Cleanse
  2. 2Salicylic acid (BHA)
  3. 3Sulfur
  4. 4Moisturize

On freshly cleansed skin, Salicylic acid (BHA) goes on first, then Sulfur over it. The rule of thumb is thinner and lower-pH first, richer last.

Salicylic acid (BHA) and Sulfur: Fine together. They're fine together. These two actually work well together, and are often formulated side by side. Which goes first: Apply Salicylic acid (BHA) first.
The short version, if you want to keep it.

Adding Salicylic acid (BHA) and Sulfur to your routine

  1. Good news first: these two get along, so there is no special order or waiting period to manage.
  2. Still add them one at a time, a week or two apart, so if your skin does react you know which one to look at.

For your skin type Sensitive skin should ease in gently: Salicylic acid (BHA) and Sulfur can be mildly irritating on their own, and more so alongside another active.

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Also worth checking

More pairings with Salicylic acid (BHA)

More pairings with Sulfur

Salicylic acid (BHA) and Sulfur, answered

Can you mix Salicylic acid (BHA) and Sulfur?

They're fine together. These two actually work well together, and are often formulated side by side.

Should you use Salicylic acid (BHA) and Sulfur in the morning or at night?

Either. Salicylic acid (BHA) and Sulfur are fine to use together, morning or night.

How should you introduce Salicylic acid (BHA) and Sulfur?

Good news first: these two get along, so there is no special order or waiting period to manage. Still add them one at a time, a week or two apart, so if your skin does react you know which one to look at.

What else should you not mix with Salicylic acid (BHA)?

Salicylic acid (BHA) is best kept apart from Retinol, Retinal, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Retinyl Palmitate. Introduce any new active one at a time.

Sources

Plus how we reach every verdict: how we score →

General guidance, not medical advice. When in doubt, introduce one product at a time, andhere is when to see a dermatologist instead.