Pairs and situations that regulators and DermNet flag

Each line below is one row from Poliage’s conflicts list. It names the source and what the source says. It is not a ruling on any product or person. Where a source says to ask a doctor or pharmacist, so does this page.

Sun, retinoids, acids and benzoyl peroxide

• DermNet says topical retinoids can cause photosensitivity. It advises a sunscreen and moisturizer combination during the day to protect against sun sensitivity and dryness.
• The FDA says products with alpha hydroxy acids may increase skin sensitivity to the sun and the chance of sunburn. Its label wording says to use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing and limit sun exposure while using the product and for a week afterwards.
• The NHS says benzoyl peroxide makes skin more sensitive to sunlight. It says to always use sunscreen and to avoid sunbeds and sunlamps.

Acids and benzoyl peroxide together

• The NHS says to use benzoyl peroxide together with other acne products only if a doctor or pharmacist has said you can. It notes that medicines that irritate skin or cause dryness and peeling may not mix well with it.
• DermNet lists benzoyl peroxide among other medicated topical agents not to use on skin using salicylic acid, unless a doctor directs it.
• DermNet lists topical retinoids in the same group of products not to use on skin using salicylic acid, unless a doctor directs it.
• DermNet says cosmetics or soaps designed to peel or exfoliate are in that group too.
• DermNet says not to use any other topical medication with hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide in particular.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• DermNet says salicylic acid can be absorbed through the mother’s skin. It says to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding before using it.
• DermNet says some topical retinoids are contraindicated in pregnancy. It lists a potential risk in pregnancy, particularly with widespread tazarotene use.

Eyes, lips and irritated skin

• DermNet says topical retinoids can be irritating if applied close to the eyes or lips.
• DermNet says not to use salicylic acid on irritated skin or on any area that is infected or reddened.
• DermNet says topical retinoids can make eczema worse because of their drying effect.

Sunscreen and insect repellent, filter allergy

• DermNet says insect repellents may reduce the SPF of a sunscreen. When using both, it advises a higher SPF and reapplying more often.
• DermNet says contact allergy or photocontact dermatitis to sunscreen chemicals can occur uncommonly. It names benzophenone and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane in particular.

Fragrance

• DermNet lists fragrances in cosmetics among the chemicals that can cause photocontact dermatitis when skin is exposed to sunlight.
• The FDA says some people may be allergic or sensitive to certain ingredients in cosmetics. It says it does not have the same legal authority to require allergen labeling for cosmetics as for food.

Hair dye

• The FDA says reactions can develop with repeated exposure and formulas may change. It says to do the skin test before every use, even if you have dyed your hair before without a problem.
• The FDA says no color additives are approved for dyeing the eyebrows or eyelashes. The hair dye label says doing so may cause blindness.
• The FDA says some people become allergic to PPD through other exposures, such as temporary tattoo inks sometimes marketed as black henna. It calls this cross-sensitization.

Nails and heat

• The FDA says nail products that contain formaldehyde may also cause skin irritation, as well as allergic reactions.
• The FDA says some nail products can easily catch fire near a flame or another heat source, such as the heating element of a curling iron.
• DermNet lists acrylates, which are widely used in nail cosmetics, among allergens that cause allergic contact dermatitis. It says acrylates in nail cosmetics can result in fingertip dermatitis.
• The FDA has a page on acetonitrile in artificial nail removers. Under 16 CFR 1700.14(a)(18), household glue removers in liquid form that contain more than 500 milligrams of acetonitrile in a single container must be in special (child-resistant) packaging.

Fabrics and waxing

• The NHS says not to get benzoyl peroxide onto clothing, other fabrics or hair, because it may bleach them.
• DermNet advises people taking isotretinoin tablets to shave rather than wax.

What Poliage does with these

A Poliage product page says Contains and then the ingredient and its function. That states the ingredient is listed, nothing more. The label on the pack comes first. Poliage gives product information, not medical advice.

Where this comes from

The statements come from DermNet NZ pages on topical retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, isotretinoin, photosensitivity, topical sunscreen agents and allergic contact dermatitis. The FDA pages are on alpha hydroxy acids, fragrances in cosmetics, hair dyes and nail care products. The NHS page is on benzoyl peroxide. All were read on 2026-10-22.