16 Best Benzoyl Peroxide Skin Care Products to Fight Acne
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Au revoir, stubborn acne!
InStyle / Kevin Liang
If you’re facing consistent breakouts or the every-once-in-a-while blemish, it’s no surprise that you’d do literally anything to get rid of them. The options are limitless when it comes to face washes and face masks claiming to vanish your acne. But one of the best ingredients to add to your skincare routine for acne is benzoyl peroxide, known for its ability to minimize these breakouts.
“Benzoyl peroxide is a naturally occurring acid that is in skincare products designed for acne-prone and oily skin types with large pores,” Dermatologist Howard Sobel, MD explains. It works to remove sebum, oil, and debris trapped within your pores. Kind of sounds like a miracle worker, right? We think so, which is why we’ve compiled a list of the best benzoyl peroxide skin care products that will help fade your blemishes.
How to Use Benzoyl Peroxide
“Most people can adjust to Benzoyl Peroxide by beginning with gradual use,” Jan Marini of Jan Marini Skin Research, Inc. explains. Her tips for acclimation:
Start using it two times per week the first week, three times per week the second week, and every night during week three.
Apply BP over the top of a non-comedogenic moisturizer. This will not affect efficacy and helps to speed acclimation.
During the acclimation period, leave BP on for 10 minutes only. Rinse off and apply a soothing moisturizer. Gradually increase the time the BP is left on until removal is not necessary.
Dermatologist Recommended: Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask
What We Love: It can be used as a mask OR a daily face cleanser.
What We Don’t Love: It’s not ideal for those who have sensitive skin.
“I personally recommend Neutrogena clear pore because it is a mild formula, and it contains 3% benzoyl peroxide,” Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist shares. She uses it every other day and doesn’t experience any irritation. But it’s important to note that his product may not be ideal for those who have sensitive skin.
The best part about this product is you can use it as a cleanser or a face mask. It’s a dermatologist-tested formula that will kill bacteria on your skin while treating your breakouts. If your skin is looking acne-free, using it as a daily face cleanser will help prevent future breakouts. If you’re breaking out frequently, using it as a face mask will help penetrate the product deeper into your pores, allowing for a deeper cleanse.
Type: Cleanser/Mask｜Formula: Wash off/Leave On｜Strength: 3.5%｜Size: 4.2 oz
Best Overall: PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash
What We Love: This foaming wash contains 10% benzoyl peroxide and will quickly help when you’re dying to get rid of your acne.
What We Don’t Love: It will definitely bother those who have super sensitive skin.
PanOxyl’s acne foaming wash contains an impressive amount of benzoyl peroxide – 10% to be exact. Those with sensitive skin will see that number and be hesitant, and rightfully so. Since it contains a good amount of benzoyl peroxide, you may want to do a spot test before diving into using it on your entire face, especially if you have sensitive skin.
The maximum strength formula is the highest over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide wash available, and when used correctly, it provides pretty good results. The foaming wash will kill acne-causing bacteria on contact and work to lift dirt from your pores. After using it, you’ll notice your skin looks and feels fresher and cleaner.
Type: Cleanser｜Formula: Wash off｜Strength: 10%｜Size: 5.5 oz
Best for Travel: Urban Skin Rx Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment
What We Love: It’s extremely nice to have on hand when those pesky, singular breakouts appear.
What We Don’t Love: You may experience a stinging feeling once you apply it to your acne.
A spot treatment is ideal to have on hand, since acne can pop up anywhere and at any time. This spot treatment/serum combination is made with 5 percent benzoyl peroxide, and will help your acne fade away. You can apply it all over your face and neck or just as a spot treatment – it’s the best of both worlds.
You can use this convenient treatment one to two times a day when needed, or if your skin is more sensitive, every other night. The clear complexion acne serum can also improve the appearance of aging skin while smoothing your skin’s complexion. It’s seriously a magical product you’ll enjoy having right at your fingertips.
Type: Serum/Spot Treatment｜Formula: Leave On｜Strength: 5%｜Size: 1 oz
Best Foaming Cleanser: CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
What We Love: The foaming cream cleanser feels gentle on your skin.
What We Don’t Love: Those who already have a weak skin barrier may experience irritation after using.
CeraVe may already be a staple brand in your skincare routine, as their products can be phenomenal for various skin concerns. This foaming cream cleanser is formulated with 4 percent benzoyl peroxide to help eliminate your acne, whiteheads, and blackheads while cleansing your skin. You’ll notice your imperfections fading each time you wash your face with this cleanser, and it will prevent any new acne from forming.
For those who don’t have sensitive skin, you can use this cleanser every morning and evening. Since it does contain a higher amount of benzoyl peroxide, make sure you avoid the eye area as the skin around it is very thin and more sensitive. If your skin does experience a little bit of dryness, make sure to apply your go-to moisturizer for acne directly after washing your face.
Type: Cleanser｜Formula: Wash off｜Strength: 4%｜Size: 5 oz
Best For Sensitive Skin: Differin Daily Deep Cleanser
What We Love: This dermatologist-developed deep acne treatment face cleanser offers maximum strength benzoyl peroxide, but causes less irritation and redness than other options.
What We Don’t Love: If the cleanser comes in contact with the eye area you will experience irritation.
Having access to a face cleanser that you can use every day or just when you’re having an acne flare up is an ideal scenario. You can rely on this Differin deep acne cleanser to penetrate deep into your pores to effectively treat acne any time you use it. For those who have sensitive skin, you’ll be thrilled to know that this specific formula caters to your gentle skin needs. While it’s important to still be cautious when it comes to any product that includes benzoyl peroxide, we highly recommend you try this one out.
One of our favorite things about this face cleanser is that when you wash your face with it, a gentle moisturizer is released to your skin – without clogging your pores. This non-greasy product will make your skin barrier happy while improving your skin texture.
Type: Cleanser｜Formula: Wash off｜Strength: 5%｜Size: 5 oz
Best Acne Serum: DRMTLGY 24 Hour Acne Serum
What We Love: The formula is made with botanical extracts that soothe and calm the skin rather than burning it.
What We Don’t Love: It can bleach towels and linens, which will ultimately ruin the appearance of them.
An acne serum like this 24-hour one from DRMTLGY is a soothing option to help diminish your acne. You can apply the product all over your face to help prevent new breakouts from occurring while getting rid of the already existing acne. It’s formulated with benzoyl peroxide 5 percent and soothing botanical extracts to help calm and soothe your skin after applying it.
The serum is suitable for combination, dry, normal, and oily skin but despite its soothing properties, it may still irritate those with severely sensitive skin. You can apply this serum on your face and neck (remember, avoid your eye area), and allow it to dry before applying the rest of your skincare products. All in all, it’s a great product to invest in to help fight acne on the spot.
Type: Serum｜Formula: Leave on｜Strength: 5%｜Size: 1.1 oz
Best Leave-On Mask: JORI Daily Leave-On Acne Treatment Mask
What We Love: The water-gel formula is incredibly lightweight and dries on the skin invisibly.
What We Don’t Love: It’s a bit on the pricey side.
If your skin can handle it, this leave-on acne treatment mask is one you can apply every single day, especially if you’re itching to completely get rid of more than just one or two pimples. It will also prevent new pimples from developing – which is something I’m sure we’d all love. The formula contains the brand's active botanical blend. The blend works to address the impacts of all the variables that may contribute to breakouts seen in adults.
This weightless-feeling mask can be used as an everyday leave-on mask, or as a spot treatment for individual blemishes. Using it as a spot treatment may be ideal for someone who does have more sensitive skin, and doesn’t want to lather their skin in its entirety with a potential irritation-inducing product.
Type: Mask｜Formula: Leave on｜Strength: 2.5%｜Size: 1.5 oz
Best Gentle Cleanser: Naturium Benzoyl Peroxide Cream Cleanser 5%
What We Love: It’s gentle enough to use on your skin every day.
What We Don’t Love: The cleanser could cause your skin to feel dry after applying.
Get rid of acne and prevent future unwanted breakouts with this cream cleanser. It’s a strong yet gentle formula that will cleanse your skin without stripping your skin barrier of moisture. It’s great to use every day, or whenever a breakout is appearing. A dime-sized amount is all you need, and after massaging it into your skin, you’ll feel refreshed and without any of the burning feeling that other products made with benzoyl peroxide may cause.
The best thing about this cleanser is that all skin types can use it. Naturium’s formula for this benzoyl peroxide cleanser is developed to be pH-appropriate, meaning it guarantees optimal potency and support for your skin’s health. It’s an easy and effective way to say goodbye to those pesky blemishes.
Type: Cleanser｜Formula: Wash off｜Strength: 5%｜Size: 5 oz
Best Spot Treatment: Dr. Zenovia Skincare 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Spot Treatment
Why We Love It: It’s fragrance-free and won’t irritate your skin with fragrance additives.
Why We Don’t Love It: The formula may not work well with cystic acne.
This clinical-grade formula is free of fragrances or any many other additives like sulfates, parabens, and formaldehydes. It’s a great product to have on hand if you feel like your acne is plain old stubborn. We’re talking about that pimple you’ve had for a week that just won’t go away, or the one on your chin that seems to come back at the exact moment you don’t want it to.
You simply blend a thin layer of the product to where your acne is and let it dry. You can go in a few times a day (three tops) to ensure your blemishes are really getting the message that they have to go. This acne spot treatment from Dr. Zenovia Skincare is formulated with a blend of medical-grade actives that restore a healthy-looking appearance for those who are struggling with hormonally imbalanced skin. One ingredient in this treatment is medical-grade aloe vera, which helps soothe your skin, helping it feel renewed.
Type: Gel｜Formula: Leave On｜Strength: 5%｜Size: 0.5 oz
Slowly introducing your acne-prone skin to a cleanser or drying lotion can help prevent further inflammation and irritation, which is the last thing you’d want to occur – especially if you have cystic acne or hormonal breakouts.
Best For Oily Skin: Kate Somerville Anti Bac Acne Clearing Lotion
What We Love: It’s a very lightweight formula you can apply to your skin up to three times a day.
What We Don’t Love: Drying may occur if you do use it three times a day.
Kate Summerville is a brand loved for their variety of skincare products. Their clearing lotion is perfect for those looking to improve their uneven skin texture, and diminish their acne. Using this lotion can also help with oily skin since it’s formulated with ingredients to help absorb excess oil while keeping your skin moisturized.
You can apply this clearing lotion one to three times per day, depending on if your skin can handle it, and if it’s needed. Since it is made with 5 percent benzoyl peroxide, it’s important to remember to apply a moisturizer and a sunscreen to your skin after applying the lotion. If you are experiencing drying while using the product, reduce the frequency of use.
Type: Lotion｜Formula: Leave On｜Strength: 5%｜Size: 0.5 oz
Best For Hormonal Acne: Sacheu Spot Eraser Blemish Drying Lotion
Why We Love It: You can apply the lotion on your blemishes before bed so the formula can work its magic overnight.
Why We Don’t Love It: While you can apply it under makeup, it may be hard to cover up depending on your skin tone.
Drying lotions like this one from Sacheu is perfect for those who get one or two blemishes every now and then. You can easily apply the product on your blemishes before bed and let the formula absorb excess oil, bringing deep acne to the surface while you sleep. It’s made with kaolin, which is known for its efficient ability to absorb oil, which will work to fight the breakout you’re experiencing.
If you’re looking to help your blemishes fade during the day, you can apply makeup over the drying lotion and go on with your day. Covering up the product or acne with concealer may be tricky for some, but if it works for you, it’s a great secret tool to have in your pocket.
Type: Lotion｜Formula: Leave On｜Strength: 2.5%｜Size: 0.5 oz
Best For Quick Results: Paula's Choice CLEAR Regular Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment
Why We Love It: It’s perfect for those who have mild to moderate acne.
Why We Don’t Love It: It isn’t as strong as other products made with benzoyl peroxide.
This effective acne treatment will feel like a miracle worker for those of us who are eager for acne to fade quickly. From mild to modern acne, this clearing treatment can be applied to the acne-prone areas of your skin after you cleanse and control your skin. To protect your skin and the process of diminishing your acne, it’s important to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
It’s also important to keep in mind to keep the product from making contact with your eyes, lips, and mouth as it can cause irritation. It is formulated with a normal amount of benzoyl peroxide (2.5 percent), which isn’t the highest amount on the market, but it is still in your best interest to be cautious. While it’s an overall amazing product, it may bleach products like dyed fabrics – oh, and dyed hair.
Type: Lotion｜Formula: Leave On｜Strength: 2.5%｜Size: 2.25 oz
Best For Combination Skin: The INKEY List Supersolutions 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Cleanser Acne Solution
Why We Love It: It’s a medical-grade cleanser that can successfully diminish even the most stubborn blemishes.
Why We Don’t Love It: Some skin types may become dry and appear dull after using.
Most skin types will be able to benefit from this product, especially those who have combination skin. It’s formulated to fight your existing breakouts while ensuring your skin is maintaining its moisture.
It’s an advanced, non-foaming product, which allows the cleanser to get deeper into your skin – leading to better results. The Inkey List did an independent clinical study and found that their product kills up to 95 percent of acne-causing bacteria in 15 seconds. Talk about a fast-acting cleanser!
Type: Cleanser｜Formula: Wash Off｜Strength: 5%｜Size: 5 oz
Best For Calming Inflammation: PCA SKIN BPO 5% Cleanser
What We Love: It’s made with aloe, cucumber, nettle, and chamomile extracts to help soothe inflammation.
What We Don’t Love: It may dry out skin no matter what your skin type is.
Dealing with skin inflammation can be a trial and error process. Many products may claim to assist in calming inflammation and the discomfort that comes with it, but none quite like this cleanser from PCA. It’s formulated to eliminate acne-causing bacteria without causing irritation.
This cleanser is made with aloe, cucumber, nettle, and chamomile extract to soothe your skin and help your complexion look refreshed and clear. All you need to achieve this is to apply a small amount of the product to your skin and massage it around until a light foam forms. Then, rinse with warm water and pat your skin dry. Follow up with your normal skin care routine for moisturized and glowing skin.
Type: Cleanser｜Formula: Wash Off｜Strength: 5%｜Size: 7 oz
Best For Unclogging Pores: Replenix BP 5% Acne Wash
What We Love: It’s a powerful cleanser that will deeply soothe acne-prone skin.
What We Don’t Love: Results may take longer to visibly notice.
An acne wash that is categorized as an intense product that’s also formulated with benzoyl peroxide can look pretty intimidating. But trust us, this acne wash is one you want to try if you have acne-prone skin. It’s formulated to unclog pores, kill acne-causing bacteria, and prevent future blemishes from arising.
You’ll want to consider your skin type before implementing this product into your skincare routine. If your skin tends to be more dry, you’ll want to make sure you’re moisturizing well after using it. If you have acne-prone skin, starting out with using the product once per day to see how your skin reacts will help prevent irritation.
Type: Cleanser｜Formula: Wash Off｜Strength: 5%｜Size: 6.7 oz
Best For Preventing Future Breakouts: Tula Go Away Acne Spot Treatment
What We Love: The spot treatment helps fade dark spots from previous blemishes.
What We Don’t Love: If you apply too much, you may feel burning and experience dryness.
This spot treatment is the perfect size to carry around in your purse or in your carry-on bag on your next trip in case a pimple appears. It’s a fast-acting product that is clinically proven to soothe the appearance of redness and irritation. Tula conducted a study and found that 90 percent of participants saw less inflamed pimples in just 24 hours.
One amazing aspect about this must-have spot treatment is that it also works to correct dark spots that are from previous blemishes. So if you’re experiencing a breakout and are looking to get rid of your dark spots, you can treat both issues with this product.
Type: Spot Treatment｜Formula: Leave On｜Strength: 5%｜Size: 0.5 oz
What to Keep in Mind
Percentage of Benzoyl Peroxide: “The range of benzoyl peroxide is anywhere from 2.5 to 10 percent,” Dr. Saedi explains. The lower strengths can be as effective as the higher strengths, but without the irritation – perfect for those who have more sensitive skin. “The heavy-duty treatments are a higher percent of benzoyl peroxide, and they tend to be more of a leave-on spot treatment,” Dr. Saedi says. The preventative treatments have lower percentages and are used on a daily basis.
Leave On or Wash Off Formula: “Benzoyl peroxide can be washed off or remain on the skin as a treatment for excessive oil production, enlarged pores, and breakouts,” says Dr. Sobel. Dr. Saedi says the most common formulas are cleansers. Cleansers work well for those who are breaking out all over their face, and could benefit from a deeper cleanse. Those who experience a blemish here and there may benefit more from a spot treatment and drying lotion.
Your Skin Type: Something you want to keep in mind before picking up a face wash or spot treatment is your skin type. Are you more on the oily side? Do you often experience breakouts? Does your skin feel dry after you wash it? These are important questions to ask yourself before choosing what BP product you want to use, as well as what percentage you decide to try. Oily skin can benefit from using a product with BP because it works to kill bacteria underneath your skin while getting rid of dead skin cells found in your pores as well as excess sebum – all without stripping your skin of moisture.
Soothing Ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide is a strong ingredient, and most products that use it are also formulated with soothing ingredients to help calm the skin and reduce the amount of potential irritation. While it’s an effective treatment for acne, it’s a strong, active ingredient that wouldn’t be very pleasant to use without ingredients that soothe and calm your skin. “Look for formulas that contain humectants, ceramides, and are calming, and non-comedogenic,” Dr. Sobel shares. Products that include niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are also ideal.
Your Questions, Answered
What’s better for acne, benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid?
What’s complicated about acne is there are various types one can experience. This can be cystic acne, whiteheads, blackheads, hormonal acne, etc. You can treat these types of acne in a few different ways, and with a plethora of products. But the two types of products that many use for acne are those that include benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
Salicylic acid will unclog your pores and diminish blackheads and whiteheads. It works to break down and remove dead skin cells and oil, and exfoliates your skin. Benzoyl peroxide will be more beneficial to those who are experiencing acne such as hormonal and cystic. It works as an antiseptic and gets rid of bacteria on your skin while creating more oxygen in your pores – which makes it difficult for bacteria to live, further preventing new breakouts.
Does benzoyl peroxide cause bleaching
In short: yes. But have no fear, the item of most concern for this side effect are your towels or sheets. Benzoyl peroxide works by lingering on the skin to target acne-causing bacteria and that remaining ingredient can do a number on your colored linens. Sticks to white fabrics, or buy a cheap towel and set of sheets that you don't mind staining on the nights you're using a BP cleanser or leave-on treatment.
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Sydney Wingfield is a beauty and wellness freelance writer. She's worked on the marketing teams of some of the top beauty and wellness brands before switching to her writing career. She loves to test out and review beauty and wellness products.
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