It’s an all-too-common problem: You’ve completed your skincare routine, only to discover that your towels are stained with ugly bleach spots. Unfortunately, benzoyl peroxide, an ingredient in many skincare products, especially those formulated to address acne, has a bleaching effect on towels and other dyed fabrics.
Ahead, we explain why this frustrating problem happens, which skincare products typically cause bleaching in towels, and how to prevent color loss from common skincare ingredients.
Brooke Jeffy, M.D. is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of youth skincare brand BTWN. She also serves on the ELLE Beauty Advisory Board.
Skincare Products That Cause Bleaching
“Benzoyl peroxide, a common acne fighting ingredient, will bleach towels and linens,” says Brooke Jeffy, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of youth skincare brand BTWN.
Before using any new skincare products, particularly those formulated to address acne, it is important to check the ingredients. If benzoyl peroxide is listed, take extra care when using it around towels, clothes, and bedding to avoid color loss in fabrics that are not bleach-safe or white.
In addition to benzoyl peroxide, Jeffy notes that sunscreen and makeup can stain towels. “Dark spots occur more commonly from chemical sunscreens, but mineral ones can leave discoloration,” she says. “Tinted sunscreens can stain towels, and cosmetics are common offenders when not removed completely before toweling off.”
What to Do When Skincare Products Bleach Your Towels
Unfortunately, there is no way to reverse color loss due to benzoyl peroxide bleaching. Once the dye has been stripped from a towel or any other type of fabric, including clothes and sheets, you can’t restore it.
However, towels can be dyed using natural fabric dye or an at-home dye kit, such as Rit or Dylon, to cover patches caused by bleaching. Towels that are no longer serviceable due to color loss can be turned into rags for cleaning, designated as towels for pets, or donated to shelters; animal shelters, in particular, use old towels for crate padding, pet care, and cleanup.
How to Prevent Bleaching Caused by Skincare Products
The best way to prevent bleaching from skincare products is to review the ingredients list of any new products and take extra care around colored fabrics when using anything containing benzoyl peroxide. The product’s delivery method can also affect the chances of ruining towels.
“You can reduce the risk of benzoyl peroxide bleaching towels by using a benzoyl peroxide wash versus a leave-on product,” Jeffy says. She also recommends paying particular attention to thoroughly rinsing your skin after using products that contain benzoyl peroxide before drying. “However, this does not guarantee no bleaching,” she says.
Ultimately, if skincare products that list benzoyl peroxide among the active ingredients are part of your skincare routine, you should invest in towels that can withstand exposure to the bleaching agent.
“If using benzoyl peroxide,” Jeffy says, “I encourage white towels and bed linens.” Another option is to choose towels that are bleach-safe, which allows more color choices than plain white.
