Derms Recommend Benzoyl Peroxide for Acne—Find Out Why & Get Their Favorite Face Washes (2024)

Our Top Picks

Why We Recommend It

This all-star cleanser from Differin packs a strong yet non-irritating punch of acne-fighting power thanks to 5% benzoyl peroxide. It's still gentle enough for most people to use daily without stripping the skin (though those with ultra-sensitive skin may want to start with weekly use) and contains hydrating ingredients like glycerin to help counteract any drying effects.

We love how this once prescription-only brand is now an affordable drugstore staple. Before-and-after photos suggest this cleanser can clear up even some of the toughest acne cases.

Keep in Mind

The percentage of benzoyl peroxide and the cleanser's scent may irritate some users.

^{Key Specs:
Active Ingredients: Benzoyl Peroxide | Size: 4 ounces | Concentration: 5%}

Why We Recommend It

You don't want to overwhelm your skin—or your wallet—with too many heavy-duty products that can dry out your complexion. AcneFree's Oil-Free Cleanser is a great budget buy that packs 2.5% benzoyl peroxide and nourishing and hydrating ceramides. Those with sensitive skin will love the low concentration of benzoyl peroxide, which can still be effective but isn't as likely to cause irritation.

Keep in Mind

This cleanser does come with some caveats. Some people aren't a fan of the milky texture or the fact that you need to lather up your face for at least five minutes for the formula to work effectively. But if you're looking for an affordable and gentle solution to your acne concerns, this cleanser is a great choice.

^{Key Specs:
Active Ingredients: Benzoyl Peroxide | Size: 8 ounces | Concentration: 2.5%}

Why We Recommend It

As effective as it is in clearing acne, benzoyl peroxide can be pretty harsh—especially if you're dealing with ultra-sensitive skin. That's why we love this cream-to-foam cleanser from CeraVe, which contains a lower concentration of benzoyl peroxide (4%) plus hydrating ingredients. You'll find hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and three essential ceramides in this formula, which help to replenish the skin's natural barrier and protect it from moisture loss. You'll pay more for this cleanser than others on this list, but its gentle formula is worth the splurge.

Keep in Mind

That said, if you don't love the foaming texture or want a higher concentration of benzoyl peroxide, this may not be the cleanser for you.

^{Key Specs:
Active Ingredients: Benzoyl Peroxide | Size: 5 ounces | Concentration: 4%}

Why We Recommend It

When you're struggling with acne on your back, butt, chest, or anywhere other than your face, a higher dose of benzoyl peroxide may be in order—like this 10% concentrated formula cleanser from Dr. Song. Using this much benzoyl peroxide is great for acne caused by excess sweat and bacteria (think, sitting around in your sweaty gym clothes). But it does increase your risk of irritation, so it's good that this wash also contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate your skin and counterbalance any drying effects.

Keep in Mind

While we love that you can use this all-over wash on your face and body, bear in mind that a high concentration may be too harsh for your face. See how your skin tolerates a weekly wash first, then adjust your regimen accordingly. We've noticed that the pump dispenser has a tendency to get stuck, but fortunately, customer service is prompt in sending replacements.

^{Key Specs:
Active Ingredients: Benzoyl Peroxide | Size: 8 ounces | Concentration: 10%}

Why We Recommend It

Using something as strong as benzoyl peroxide—especially every day—is going to result in some dryness. That's why it helps to opt for a low-concentration cleanser like this one from Proactiv that contains not only hyaluronic acid but also chamomile extract, which helps to soothe inflammation. The 2.5% benzoyl peroxide is still strong enough to break down the oil and bacteria that cause acne, while the other hydrating ingredients also keep your skin supple. All in all, this cleanser is an effective and gentle way to fight acne without compromising your skin's health.

Keep in Mind

The price tag might be a bit steep, but you get a generous 90-day supply with this purchase. The packaging can be a bit flimsy and prone to breakage, so it might be a good idea to store it in a jar or other container.

^{Key Specs:
Active Ingredients: Benzoyl Peroxide | Size: 6 ounces | Concentration: 2.5%}

Why We Recommend It

Since most washes are only on our skin for a few minutes or so, sometimes a more intense, longer-lasting treatment is needed. Enter this 10% benzoyl peroxide gel from Perrigo. This high-concentration gel is applied after washing and left on overnight to work its magic.

We love the affordable price tag and this product's immediate impact on existing pimples. On the downside, some people may get skin irritation or redness when using this gel, so it might help to only apply to affected areas instead of your entire face. And if you've never used this high concentration before, start with just a weekly application before increasing your frequency.

Keep in Mind

Because this product is so concentrated and doesn't include many additional ingredients, it will be quite dry—that's why you'll want to use a strong moisturizer in tandem with this product.

^{Key Specs:
Active Ingredients: Benzoyl Peroxide | Size: 2.1 ounces | Concentration: 10%}

Why We Recommend It

If you're prone to acne and dryness, washing your face with a stripping ingredient like benzoyl peroxide may sound like the last thing you want to do. But Replenix's Acne Wash lessens the drying effects benzoyl peroxide can have thanks to its naturally calming aloe vera content. By combining a strong 10% concentration with moisturizing ingredients like aloe and glycerin, this wash helps deliver effective acne treatment while soothing inflammation.This soap- and paraben-free formula makes a pretty good option for sensitive skin, too.

Keep in Mind

But if your skin gets irritated by fragrances, you may want to steer clear because this product does contain some scent. And the price tag is on the higher end, but you do get a decent-sized, 6.7-ounce bottle that works for both your face and body.

^{Key Specs:
Active Ingredients: Benzoyl Peroxide | Size: 6.7 ounces | Concentration: 10%}

Why We Recommend It

A daily wash is great for preventing acne and treating those all-encompassing breakouts. But sometimes, you need a stronger remedy for those bright red spots that not even the thickest foundation can conceal. Enter Neutrogena's Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Treatment. This product utilizes benzoyl peroxide at a 10% concentration to flatten and shrink the size of your pimple while reducing redness.

Neutrogena claims you'll see visible results in just two hours by using this nearly prescription-level formula as a leave-on treatment. While we don't agree that it works that fast, we did notice that it reduced the size of pimples significantly with reapplication over the course of a few days.

Keep in Mind

That being said, this product is incredibly potent and will leave the skin very dry. So it's best used in moderation and with moisturizer when treating isolated spots.

^{Key Specs:
Active Ingredients: Benzoyl Peroxide | Size: 1 ounce | Concentration: 10%}

Why We Recommend It

Cystic acne is difficult to treat. While many factors play a role in who develops those painful, under-the-skin pimples, bacteria is definitely one of the main culprits. PanOxyl's Acne Foaming Wash with Benzoyl Peroxide can help treat and prevent cystic acne by targeting said bacteria and killing over 99% of it.

By using the highest concentration of benzoyl peroxide without a prescription, this fragrance-free cleanser works to reduce sebum production and inflammatory acne. We were impressed with how easily it removed our makeup without leaving residue when we tried it.

Keep in Mind

It might be too potent for those with dry skin. Also, it didn't lather when we used it, which some people may prefer.

^{Key Specs:
Active Ingredients: Benzoyl Peroxide | Size: 5.5 ounces | Concentration: 10%}

Why We Recommend It

When it comes to treating acne-prone skin, an intensive face mask can go a long way. With this versatile Neutrogena product, you get both a bacteria-eliminating face wash and an impurity-dissolving mask in one. Formulated with a gentle dosage of benzoyl peroxide (just 3.5%) and kaolin and bentonite clays, this dual-action formula is great for clearing up inflamed pimples and deep-rooted blackheads alike.

Keep in Mind

Most skin types can tolerate this low dose of BP, but using it daily (especially as a mask) may result in some drying. And while we liked the scent and the cooling sensation it gave, it may not be for everyone did not. All in all, it's a great find if your skin could use a deeper cleanse.

^{Key Specs:
Active Ingredients: Benzoyl Peroxide | Size: 4.2 ounces | Concentration: 3.5%}

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does benzoyl peroxide do?

  According to Chung, benzoyl peroxide has antibiotic and anti-inflammatory capabilities that can treat Propionibacterium acnes, a driver of acne. It also decreases sebum production, which can help treat blackheads.
  

• Are there any downsides of using benzoyl peroxide face washes?

  Benzoyl peroxide—especially in higher doses like 10%—can be very drying, especially for those with sensitive skin. It also has a bleaching effect that can ruin towels, clothes, and even hair.

• Can I use a benzoyl peroxide face wash every day?

  Yes. As long as it isn't irritating your skin or drying you out, you can use a benzoyl peroxide face wash every day.