*These* Derm-Approved Benzoyl Peroxide Products Erase Acne

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It can be difficult to master your skincare routine, especially because your skin changes and evolves over time. Even differences in seasons may call for a new routine, tbh. (And does anyone else struggle to clear acne that pops up during ~that~ time of the month?)

Well, one staple that's been on my vanity since my teen years is a benzoyl peroxide cleanser. Benzoyl peroxide is one of the oldest—and still most effective—acne treatments out there, says dermatologist Leah Ansell, MD. “It has antimicrobial properties and helps exfoliate dead skin cells and excess sebum that builds up in pores,” she explains.

Peep some of the best benzoyl peroxide products here:

It’s also anti-inflammatory, so it'll reduce the pesky inflammation that comes with acne, and it's keratolytic, meaning it'll stop whiteheads and blackheads from forming, says dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD. Here's the kicker: Benzoyl peroxide *might* not be ideal for every skin type—it’s best for acne- and rosacea-prone skin, as well as oily skin, the experts say.

"Dry and sensitive skin types should use caution or skip benzoyl peroxide entirely, as it can be irritating and drying,” says dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD.. (Keep scrolling to find out how people with those skin types should be using it!). I tapped six dermatologists to recommend the best of the best benzoyl peroxide products, from face washes and cleansers to body washes and serums in between—ahead, check out the dermatologist-approved products.

Acne Foaming Wash

All of the dermatologists I talked to recommended this one, so it obviously tops the list. "This is my go-to for back and chest acne," says Dr. Ansell. The 10 percent strength is great for body acne, but it might be too strong for the face, so check out their four percent formulation if you want something lighter.

Dermatologist Review: "PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash is a 10 percent wash that is tough on acne but formulated to moisturizers to avoid irritation.” —Jessie Cheung, MD,

Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask

This cleanser and mask duo comes recommended by dermatologist Whitney Tolpinrud, MD, Curology medical director, as well as Dr. Engelman and Dr. Ansell. "This is a great facial cleanser and can also be used as a mask for more intensive treatment," says Dr. Ansell. Reviewers love how well it works at clearing up blackheads and papules. Plus, it has a refreshing minty scent.

Dermatologist Review: "I love that this versatile product can be used as both a cleanser and an intensive treatment mask. At 3.5 percent benzoyl peroxide, it kills bacteria, deeply cleans the pores and helps balance oil production, to treat existing acne and prevent future breakouts." —Dr. Engelman

Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment

With over 6,000 ratings on Amazon, this spot treatment has an average of 4.3 stars, so clearly the people love it—and so do Dr. Ansell, Dr. Camp, Dr. Tolpinrud, and Dr. Engelman.

"This spot treatment contains a benzoyl peroxide concentration of 5.5 percent, as well as lipo-hydroxy acid to help exfoliate the skin and glycerin to keep it hydrated," Dr. Camp says. It's gentle, but effective, reviewers wrote online.

Dermatologist Review: "This is an excellent spot treatment containing benzoyl peroxide. It effectively treats pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads—quickly reducing their appearance and speeding up healing time." —Dr. Engelman

Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

If you have sensitive skin but still want to reap the benefits of benzoyl peroxide, check out this cream cleanser. Recommended by Dr. Ansell and Dr. Camp, it's hydrating while effectively clearing acne.

"This four percent benzoyl peroxide cleanser contains hyaluronic acid to keep skin moisturized and niacinamide to help calm inflamed skin," says Dr. Camp.

Dermatologist Review: "This is a benzoyl peroxide cleanser suitable for sensitive skin. It also contains hyaluronic acid, to help counteract irritating nature of the benzoyl peroxide." —Dr. Ansell

Super Heart Acne Patches

If you don't feel like using a cream, check out the cutest acne patches yet. The vegan and cruelty-free patches contain hydrocolloid to drain excess fluid from popped pimples, and Dr. Cheung is a huge fan.

Dermatologist Review: "Another option for anyone who prefers non-cream treatments are the Truly Super Heart Acne Patches. The patches combine citric acid and benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, and exfoliate the blemish." —Dr. Cheung

Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment

Dr. Engelman and Dr. Tolpinrud recommend this treatment from Paula's Choice. It targets the root of your acne, but leaves your skin with a satin glow that's not too matte or dewy.

Dermatologist Review: "This treatment gel has 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide to address mild to moderate acne breakouts. I like that the formula contains bisabolol and allantoin to soothe skin and prevent any irritation from the benzoyl peroxide." —Dr. Engelman

Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Treatment Gel

This gel is great if you want to "dry out angry pimples," says Dr. Cheung, who recommends it alongisde Dr. Ansell. They (and happy reviewers) say you'll see results really quickly, and it even works well on whiteheads.

Dermatologist Review: "This is great for focal acne breakouts. A little bit goes a long way. Don't slather this one on or you will likely get a fair amount of irritation." —Dr. Ansell

Gentle Clear Acne Cleanser

Dr. Camp recommends this Cetaphil cleanser, which is gentle, creamy, and soothing on a range of skin types. Just make sure to use an extra hydrating moisturizer after using this if you have dry skin, reviewers say.

Dermatologist Review: "This creamy, gentle cleanser contains a 2.6 percent concentration of micronized benzoyl peroxide, which has been shown to be less irritating than traditional benzoyl peroxide." —Dr. Camp

Persa-Gel 10 Acne Spot Treatment

Here's another classic product that Dr. Camp recommends because it contains maximum-strength 10 percent benzoyl peroxide. This maximum strength spot treatment is great for aggressive pimples, but it can also be used all over the face, a reviewer wrote. It applies white but dries clear and isn't flakey.

Rave Review: "I am so glad this product is on the market. It has helped clear my skin for the last five years and I use it regularly all over my body."

Stubborn Acne AM Face Treatment

This treatment from Neutrogena can be used on specific acne spots, or on your whole face. It's so effective, one reviewer said she used it daily and now, she only gets pimples every few months.

Dermatologist Review: "I’d recommend Neutrogena Stubborn Acne AM Treatment. It's a leave-on with a 2.5 percent micronized benzoyl peroxide to enhance penetration and avoid irritation." —Dr. Cheung

Acne Cleanser

If you're looking for a benzoyl peroxide product that's gentle enough for daily use, this one is great and approved by Dr. Tolpinrud. Because of its hydrating ingredients—hi, glycerin and allantoin—it's not as drying as other BP products might be!

Dermatologist Review: "This acne cleanser is formulated with a lower level (2.5 percent) benzoyl peroxide to treat and help prevent acne while still being gentle enough for daily use. It also contains hydrating glycerin and soothing allantoin to help balance out the potential drying effects of benzoyl peroxide." —Dr. Tolpinrud

Daily Deep Cleanser

Differin's cleanser is great for sensitive skin and has helped a lot of people—like, over 8,000. Just check out their five-star ratings on Amazon. Dr. Engelman recommends it because it's not super drying, but also helps with breakouts.

Dermatologist Review: "With five percent benzoyl peroxide, this cleanser combines acne treatment and moisturizing ingredients to tackle breakouts while reducing irritation and dryness." —Dr. Engelman

BP Lotion

This antibacterial acne treatment comes to us courtesy of none other than Sandra Lee, MD, a.k.a., Dr. Pimple Popper! This treatment is lightweight and can be used in the daytime or nighttime. It's especially helpful for improving inflammatory pimples.

Rave Review: "This is really good stuff! It clears my skin in a few weeks and makes it so any future spots I have are very small. It isn’t too drying on the skin, but I also use a really thick night and day moisturizer."

How Our Team Chose The Best Benzoyl Peroxide Products

Women’s Health editorial assistant Addison Aloian researched the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated benzoyl peroxide products. Our team then consulted six dermatologists, and then evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the 13 best benzoyl peroxide products for a wide range of skincare needs and preferences.

What is the best use for benzoyl peroxide?

Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria that causes acne and breakouts, says California-based dermatologist Anna Guanche, MD. The ingredient can come in the form of a cleanser, face wash, body wash, spot-treatment, or a topical medication for the whole face to address cystic acne, adds Dr. Camp.

"People with oily and acne-prone skin may benefit from including benzoyl peroxide in their regular skincare routine to help control and prevent breakouts," says Dr. Engelman, who recommends using it during active acne breakouts. It's also especially helpful for those with back and chest acne, says Dr. Ansell.

What specific kind of acne is benzoyl peroxide best for?

Benzoyl peroxide treats inflammatory forms of acne the best, the experts say. (Read: pimples, cysts, papules, and pustules.) It's also helpful for preventing clogged pores, Dr. Engelman continues. It's not as good at treating comedonal acne, such as blackheads and whiteheads, Dr. Ansell adds.

What should you look for in a benzoyl peroxide product?

It depends on why you're using it, in addition to your personal preferences and skin type.

• Oily and acne-prone skin: Those with oily and acne-prone skin may want to look for all-over facial products with benzoyl peroxide, like cleansers and exfoliants, to both treat and prevent breakouts on an ongoing basis, according to Dr. Engelman. Dr. Ansell prefers a cleanser for the body, and a cream or gel formula for the face. You'll also want to make sure you choose a product that has a high percentage of benzoyl peroxide in it. Over-the-counter products typically contain 2.5 to 10 percent benzoyl peroxide in them, so Dr. Ansell says to get something with five percent or higher for oily/acne-prone skin.

• Normal, dry, and sensitive skin: For people with normal, dry, and sensitive skin, using benzoyl peroxide regularly might be too irritating for your skin, so Dr. Ansell recommends opting for a spot treatment instead. That way you only use it on the specific spot that needs it when it needs it. You should also just be mindful of the concentration of benzoyl peroxide that's in the product you choose. Opt for something around 2.5 percent for more sensitive skin on the face. You can always do five to 10 percent for the whole body, says Dr. Ansell.

How often should you use benzoyl peroxide in your skincare routine?

How often you use benzoyl peroxide in your skincare routine depends on how sensitive your skin is, says Dr. Ansell. Generally, when starting out, you can use it two to three times per week while working your way up to daily use, adds Dr. Tolpinrud.

"People with oily and acne-prone skin may benefit from using benzoyl peroxide one to two times a day to control and prevent breakouts," Dr. Engelman says. If you're using it as a spot treatment, follow the product's directions until the pimple is gone. If any dryness comes as a result, go back to using it two or three times a week, she adds.

What else should I know about using benzoyl peroxide products?

Two things: first, BP can potentially make your skin more sensitive to the sun, says Dr. Camp, so make sure to use a good SPF before and after you use benzoyl peroxide products.

Second, benzoyl peroxide can bleach textiles, says Dr. Tolpinrud. It's a good idea to use benzoyl peroxide-resistant sheets and towels or just white sheets and towels, the experts say. So, make sure to rinse your face well post-use. "Additionally, when benzoyl peroxide is used in conjunction with hydroquinone, it may cause a temporary staining of the skin and nails," Tolpinrud adds. Noted!

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