Chances are you’ve seen cleansers and body washes made with benzoyl peroxide while shopping for skin care products — after all, it’s one of the most popular ingredients for treating acne-prone skin. If you’re dealing with stubborn blackheads or a mild breakout, I spoke to board-certified dermatologists about how benzoyl peroxide can help to heal your skin and rounded up their product recommendations for you to shop.
SKIP AHEAD What is benzoyl peroxide? | How I picked the best benzoyl peroxide products | The best benzoyl peroxide products | How to shop for benzoyl peroxide products
What is benzoyl peroxide?Benzoyl peroxide is an over the counter, FDA-approved active ingredient used primarily for the treatment of acne, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marguerite Germain. This ingredient is bactericidal, meaning it can directly kill the bacteria most commonly involved in acne (Cutibacterium acnes). It is also sebostatic, which means it can help reduce oil production, and keratolytic, which means it can help remove dead skin cells that clog pores, according to Sadeghpour. It’s also especially great because C. acnes doesn’t build a tolerance to benzoyl peroxide as it would with other active antibiotic treatments, says Germain.
On the other hand, it can be irritating, causing dryness, redness, and scaling, especially for those with sensitive skin. This is usually overcome by using a lower strength, decreasing the frequency of use, or using it short term and returning to another treatment, says Germain. A moisturizer often will remedy much of the issue, she says. In addition to its drying and irritating side effects, it can also have bleaching qualities, causing it to discolor colored fabrics and towels, says Sadeghpour.
Selected.Our top picks
Experts recommend considering the following when shopping for a skin care product with benzoyl peroxide as its main ingredient:
- Formulation: Benzoyl peroxide can be found in different formulations, including cleansers, body washes, gels, spot treatments and more. In general, the longer a chemical ingredient stays in contact with the skin, the more potent its effect can be — for example, cleansers are rinsed off quickly while spot treatments dry and stay on the skin. But the longer it stays on your skin, the higher the risk for irritation, says Dr. Mona Sadeghpour. More on how to approach formulations below.
- Additional ingredients: Since benzoyl peroxide can be drying, it should be combined with hydrating and soothing ingredients in a product to help prevent any potential irritation. This includes hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides and niacinamide, according to our experts.
- Concentration: The strength of your over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide will range from 2.5% to 10%. The strength you use will depend on your skin type and its tolerance. For example, if you have sensitive or dry skin, you may want to use a product with a smaller concentration to avoid irritation and excessive dryness, according to our experts. Also, if you’re introducing this ingredient to your skin, consider starting with the lowest amount at first, says Germain.
- Price: My roundup includes products as low as $10 and as high as $56.
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Listed below are expert-recommended benzoyl peroxide products that can help treat facial and body acne. I also included highly rated options that align with the dermatologists’ guidance.
Best facial cleanser: Cerave Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
What we like
- Soothing
- Non-drying
- Skin feels soft after
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
This cleanser’s 4% benzoyl peroxide formulation is high enough to pack an acne punch and is combined with ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to help calm the skin and retain moisture, according to Sadeghpour.
Best for cystic acne: Paula’s Choice Regular Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment
What we like
- Soothing
- Sits under makeup nicely
- Suitable for all skin types
Something to note
- Higher price point
If you have cystic acne or mild to moderate acne, consider using this lightweight lotion, which has a 4.6-star average rating from over 2,900 reviews on Amazon. Aside from helping to control oil and breakouts, this treatment has bisabolol and allantoin to help soothe the skin and reduce redness, according to the brand. For the best results, apply the matte-finish lotion to your skin after cleansing twice daily.
Best body wash: PanOxyl 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Body Wash
What we like
- Maximum strength
- Safe for face and body
- Prevents breakouts
Something to note
- Can stain linens
- May be drying
This drugstore body wash is an effective treatment for body acne or folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles) because of its high concentration of benzoyl peroxide, according to Sadeghpour. It’s available in two strengths, so you can choose which one would be best for the severity of your acne and your skin’s tolerance level, she says.
Best for skin barrier health: Kate Somerville Anti Bac Acne Clearing Lotion
What we like
- Non-irritating
- Lightweight
- Supports the skin barrier
Something to note
- Higher price point
You can use this lotion as a spot treatment on pimples and blackheads up to three times a day in order to help minimize the appearance of pores and reduce oil, according to the brand. Reviewers say that even their sensitive skin can tolerate it, and there is a noticeable difference within a few days of applying it regularly. They also say it can be quite drying, so be sure to follow it up with a moisturizer. This treatment has a 4.5-star average rating from over 600 reviews at Sephora.
Best for moisturizing: Cetaphil Gentle Clear Complexion-Clearing BPO Acne Cleanser
What we like
- Suitable for all skin types
- Maintains moisture
- Soothing
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
Aside from being formulated to clear acne within one week of consistent use, this creamy cleanser also hydrates and soothes the skin with the help of glycerin and licorice root. The licorice root also helps reduce any redness linked directly with acne, according to the brand. Reviewers say that while it’s an effective treatment and reduces irritation, it does have a slight scent that isn’t masked by artificial fragrances.
Best spot treatment: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment
What we like
- Suitable for all skin types
- Quick results
- Fast-absorbing
Something to note
- Higher price point
This spot treatment comes recommended by Sadeghpour because it has a combination of micronized BPO and lipo-hydroxy acid (a derivative of salicylic acid). This allows for deeper penetration and skin exfoliation while glycerin in the formula allows for hydration and better tolerability, she says. Add a thin layer of the lightweight lotion to the affected area one to three times a day, says the brand.
Best soothing treatment: Avène Cleanance Acne Medicated Clearing Treatment
What we like
- 60 uses in one bottle
- Soothing
- Reduces discoloration
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
This cleanser is non-irritating because it has soothing and calming thermal spring water to counteract any irritation that benzoyl peroxide might cause, according to the brand.
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Using a product with benzoyl peroxide can be a great first step to preventing and treating acne. Below are factors our experts recommend considering when shopping for one. Some factors can be based on personal preference, while others may benefit from a discussion with a board-certified dermatologist.
FormulationBenzoyl peroxide is available in different formulations, including gels, cleansers, masks, spot treatments and lotions. The option you choose will depend on your preference, whether you want to target a large or small area, and whether you want a leave-on or rinse-off treatment, says Germain.
Cleansers and body washes: Cleansers (especially those with lower concentrations of BPO) are “easier” on the skin because they can be quickly washed off, says Sadeghpour. They also provide wide protection from new breakouts and control oil over the whole area to which they are applied, according to Germain. Dermatologists frequently recommend BPO washes as part of a multimodal treatment plan for managing acne.
Masks and lotions: Masks and lotions stay in contact with the skin longer and can be great for combatting acne and covering a large surface. This formulation may be appropriate for someone with oily skin. Those with sensitive skin may have a harder time tolerating these, says Sadeghpour.
Spot treatments: Using a spot treatment (whether it’s in gel or lotion form) is the best way to test how your skin reacts to BPO.These allow you to target the acne lesion itself without exposing the surrounding skin to potential irritation, she says. If you use a gel spot treatment, use it sparingly and rub it in well — if you see white spots, you are using way too much, says Germain.
ConcentrationWhen shopping for a skin care product with benzoyl peroxide, you’ll notice it has different percentages, including 2.5%, 5% and 10%. It’s important to remember the following when deciding which level of concentration is best for you.
Affected area. Different parts of the body may vary in how well they can tolerate lower or higher percentages. For example, even those with sensitive skin may be able to tolerate a higher percentage of BPO for body acne because the skin in those areas (back, chest, extremities) is thicker, whereas they may need to stick to lower percentages for treating acne on their face and neck where skin is thinner. A board-certified dermatologist can help you select the ideal percentage based on your skin type.
Higher is not always better. According to studies, lower percentages, such as 2.5%, can be just as effective as higher percentages without the added higher risk of irritation that comes with higher percentages, says Sadeghpour.
Additional ingredientsMany times, benzoyl peroxide is formulated with other ingredients to balance out any dryness and irritation that can commonly occur. Some soothing and hydrating ingredients include hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides and glycerin.
There are also ingredients you don’t want to use in conjunction with benzoyl peroxide. This includes retinoids since it will make them less effective by degrading them, according to Germain. However, there are current studies being conducted that are showing BPO and tretinoin degradation not occurring when there is an optimized formula, says Sadeghpour. When in doubt, consult a board-certified dermatologist to determine whether or not you can mix certain skin care products together as part of your treatment plan.
Also, the antibiotic medication dapsone (also known as aczone) and hydroquinone (a topical bleaching cream) can cause skin discoloration when combined with BPO at the same time, according to Sadeghpour.
Frequently asked questions
Benzoyl peroxide is great for those with oily or acne-prone skin, according to our experts. However, if you have low oil production and decide to use this ingredient in your skin care routine, you run the risk of dryness and irritation, especially those with sensitive skin, says Sadeghpour.
Benzoyl peroxide is FDA-approved for acne treatments in individuals aged 12 and older. Depending on the severity of acne and other skin care conditions, it can be used in those younger than 12 years of age under the guidance and recommendation of a board-certified dermatologist, according to Sadeghpour.
In general, for individuals 12 years and older, benzoyl peroxide can be used 1-2 times a day, according to Sadeghpour. However, this will vary from person to person, depending on your skin’s tolerance. For example, if your skin is more sensitive, a board-certified dermatologist may recommend less frequent applications, she says.
The 2023 study by Valisure showed that when BPO products were left at 37°C (body temperature) and higher temperatures of 50°C and 70°C, BPO degraded into increasing amounts of benzene, a known carcinogen, over the course of 3-4 weeks. This then resulted in Valisure sending a citizen petition to the FDA requesting a recall and suspension of benzoyl peroxide products.
“There are still a lot of questions that need to be answered regarding Valisure’s findings, including the safety and stability of benzoyl peroxide in real-world settings, where the study’s high temperatures are not always present,” says Sadeghpour. “Until we have more answers and more data is revealed, users should air on the side of caution and make sure their benzoyl peroxide is stored in cooler temperatures and that they are not used past their expiration date.”
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Marguerite Germain is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Germain Dermatology in South Carolina.
- Dr. Mona Sadeghpour is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a board-certified dermatologist in Pennsylvania.
Bianca Alvarez is an associate reporter and has been covering beauty, including the best exfoliating products and retinol alternatives. For this piece, she interviewed dermatologists about the benefits and drawbacks of benzoyl peroxide. She also compiled a list of product recommendations based on their guidance.
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Bianca Alvarez
Bianca Alvarez is an associate reporter at NBC Select, where she covers the latest product launches and all things relating to beauty and wellness.
