What Makes Benzoyl Peroxide for Acne So Effective? A Derm Weighs In
But being the heavy-hitting ingredient that it is, using benzoyl peroxide for the first time often requires a little bit of prep and some getting used to. And for that, we spoke with a dermatologist to help us break down everything you need to know about this skin hero—including how it works, how best to use it, and how to choose the best products for your skin type.
Meet the Expert
Dr. Ashley Magovern - Board-certified Dermatologist and member of Dermstore's Medical Advisory Board
Derm Insights:
What it is: A beta hydroxy acid
Skin Benefits: Exfoliation
Target Concerns: Acne & blemishes, Dark Spots
Common Product Types: Cleansers, Creams,
Dermatologist-Recommended: Yes
In this Article
- What is salicylic acid?
- What does salicylic acid do?
- Benefits of Salicylic Acid
- Ingredients to Pair with Salicylic Acid
- How to Use Salicylic Acid in Your Skincare Routine
- Salicylic Acid for Blackheads: Does it Help?
- Salicylic Acid vs. Benzoyl Peroxide: How they Differ
What is Benzoyl Peroxide?
There’s a good reason benzoyl peroxide is one of the most universally trusted acne-fighting ingredients. It’s FDA-approved, widely available whether over the counter or by prescription, and comes in a range of formats and strengths.
As an acne treatment, benzoyl peroxide works on two fronts. First, it harnesses its potent antimicrobial properties and kills off acne-causing bacteria. In doing so, it not only clears existing blemishes but also keeps new ones from forming. Second, it calms the redness and inflammation that often make pimples look and feel worse than they are. The result? Clearer skin, fewer flare-ups, and a treatment that goes straight to the source instead of just putting out fires.
When it comes to skin types, most people with oily or combination skin tolerate benzoyl peroxide well. It can be especially effective for those prone to breakouts. For people with normal skin, it’s typically not a problem—though dryness and mild irritation are common at the start. Dry or sensitive skin, on the other hand, is another story. That’s because benzoyl peroxide can be quite drying and irritating, especially if your skin barrier is already compromised or you’re using other strong actives.
What Does Benzoyl Peroxide Do?
Benzoyl peroxide for acne is the go-to when it comes to killing off and inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria. It works by filling pores with oxygen, effectively creating an inhospitable environment for bacteria to thrive. Benzoyl peroxide also has an exfoliating effect that helps clear pores of dead skin cells and excess oil. And lastly, it has anti-inflammatory properties that reduces redness and irritation, speeding up the healing process and promoting clear skin over time.
Is Benzoyl Peroxide Okay to Use for All Types of Acne?
Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most trusted ingredients in managing breakouts. It is particularly effective in treating inflammatory acne like pustules and papules—those red, swollen bumps or pus-filled lesions that seem to pop up overnight. It can also be helpful for mild cases of cystic acne, and its exfoliating powers can help keep blackheads and whiteheads under control by stopping oil and debris from clogging your pores.
That said, benzoyl peroxide alone may not be enough to clear up more severe breakouts, particularly extensive cystic acne. These concerns typically require professional management and additional treatments. A dermatologist may recommend a comprehensive treatment plan that combines benzoyl peroxide with other therapies, including topical retinoids and even oral medication, to achieve the best outcome.
How to Use Benzoyl Peroxide in Your Skincare Routine
Like with other highly potent skincare ingredients, you don’t just jump into using benzoyl peroxide for acne without first understanding what it does and how to prep your skin. Follow these tips to safely incorporate benzoyl peroxide in your routine and minimize side effects.
1, Cleanse Gently: Every skincare routine starts with cleansing, and it’s even more important when you’re dealing with acne.
2. Start Slowly: Higher concentration doesn’t always mean better, especially if you’re new to benzoyl peroxide. Start at lower concentrations—2.5% to 5%, typically—to reduce the chances of irritation and allow your skin to adjust naturally.
3. Increase Gradually: For first-time users, only apply benzoyl peroxide once daily (at night). Observe how your skin reacts, and once you’re confident with its tolerance, increase to twice daily use.
4. Double Down on Hydration: High-performing actives and treatments can sometimes cause dryness and irritation, especially on dry or sensitive skin. If you’re using benzoyl peroxide for acne, make sure you amp up your skin’s hydration to counter any unwanted side effects.
5. Mix with Other Treatments Carefully: Sometimes, treating acne is a two-ingredient job (or three), but piling on workhorse ingredients at full strength, all at once, can backfire, and you could end up with redness, peeling, or even worse breakouts. If you want to use two or more treatments in the same routine, try applying them on alternate days, or using one in the morning and the other at night.
6. Always Use SPF: Acne or not, sun protection is non-negotiable, but if you’re using benzoyl peroxide, your skin becomes even more sensitive to sunlight.
How to Choose the Right Benzoyl Peroxide Product
When choosing which benzoyl peroxide for acne product to choose—especially when using it for the first time—the decision comes down to matching your skin type and specific acne concern with the right formula and concentration.
If you have oily skin, lightweight gels or foaming cleansers with benzoyl peroxide are usually the best bet to help control excess oil without feeling heavy. For dry or sensitive skin, creamy formulations that include hydrating ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid are often more comfortable and less likely to trigger irritation. If your skin is combination, look for gentle cleansers or lightweight lotions that strike a balance between hydration and acne-fighting power.
Likewise, concentration is just as crucial as texture. Lower strengths (2.5% to 5%) are generally better tolerated, especially if your skin is sensitive or if you’re just starting out. For severe breakouts that just won’t quit, higher concentrations (up to 10%) are also available. However, they can be more drying and are not always the right fit for every skin type.
Best Benzoyl Peroxide Skin Care
1. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Acne Face Wash With 4% Benzoyl Peroxide
$19.99
With its dual-action formula, this cleanser is designed to control oil and clear acne blemishes while smoothing skin texture. Gently foaming and non-stripping, it targets breakouts and prevents new acne formation while renewing your complexion.
Key Ingredients: 4% Benzoyl Peroxide, Micro-Exfoliating LHA
Skin Type: Oily, Acne-Prone
Skin Benefits: Clears and prevents blemishes, evens texture, controls oil
Beauty Insider Tip: Gently massage all over face while avoiding eyes, lips, and mouth. Follow with a lightweight and oil-free moisturizer.
2. Jan Marini Benzoyl Peroxide 5%
$59.00
A silky, micronized benzoyl peroxide cream, this acne treatment penetrates deeply to fight acne without the harsh dryness that often comes with potent ingredients. It’s designed to balance moisture while treating breakouts.
Key Ingredients: 5% Benzoyl Peroxide
Skin Type: Oily, Dry, Combination, Normal
Skin Benefits: Clears and prevents acne, minimizes sensitivity and irritation, balances hydration
Beauty Insider Tip: Use a pea-size amount on affected areas once daily, followed by a gentle barrier-repair moisturizer for best results.
3. Obagi Medical CLENZIderm M.D. Therapeutic Lotion 5% BPO
$95.00
This acne treatment doubles as an intensive moisturizer that clears and prevents breakout while keeping oil production in check. Its ultra-hydrating formula makes sure your skin’s moisture levels are always balanced, ensuring your skin doesn’t over-produce oil and countering any potential dryness from high-performing actives.
Key Ingredients: Benzoyl Peroxide 5%, SoluZyl Technology 2%
Skin Type: Oily, Acne-Prone, Combination
Skin Benefits: Unclogs pores, controls oil production, neutralizes acne-causing bacteria, reduces breakouts and inflammation without over-drying
Beauty Insider Tip: Apply thinly to the entire face while avoiding eyes, nose, and mouth. If dryness starts, switch to every other night and include a hydrating serum.
4. CeraVe Foaming Cream Wash 10% Benzoyl Peroxide
$19.99
Formulated with maximum-strength 10% benzoyl peroxide, this creamy and foaming full-body and face wash clears blemishes without stripping, over-drying, or causing irritation. It’s also infused with a patent-pending blend of ultra-nourishing ingredients to strengthen barrier function.
Key Ingredients: 10% Benzoyl Peroxide, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Ceramides
Skin Type: Oily, Acne-Prone
Skin Benefits: Clears face and body acne, pimples, and blackheads; gentle on skin and strengthens moisture barrier; calms and hydrates
Beauty Insider Tip: Use as a body wash in the shower to treat body acne and follow with a ceramide-rich lotion while skin is still damp.
5. Replenix Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Wash 5%
$29.50
Blending benzoyl peroxide with soothing aloe vera, this soap-free cleanser is designed to clear cystic and hormonal acne gently with its pH-balanced, non-irritating formula.
Key Ingredients: 5% Benzoyl Peroxide, Aloe Vera
Skin Type: Acne-Prone, Oily, Combination
Skin Benefits: Soothes inflammation, reduces breakouts, alleviates future breakouts
Beauty Insider Tip: For best results, apply on wet skin and massage in for 30 seconds before rinsing thoroughly. Use twice daily or stick to a nightly routine if experiencing dryness or peeling.
6. PCA SKIN BPO 5% Cleanser
$46.00
We love how this cleanser balances its potent acne-fighting formula with gentle botanical extracts to eliminate dirt, debris, and bacteria. It heals and clears breakouts and promotes a clearer, more refreshed complexion over time.
Key Ingredients: 5% Benzoyl Peroxide, Aloe Vera, Cucumber, Nettle, Chamomile Extracts
Skin Type: Oily, Acne-Prone, Combination
Skin Benefits: Clears and heals blemishes, calms inflammation, maintains skin-surface integrity, promotes clearer complexion
Beauty Insider Tip: Massage onto skin for one to two minutes before rinsing to allow active ingredients to maximize their effect.
7. Glytone Acne BPO Treatment Gel
$36.00
Featuring micronized slow-release benzoyl peroxide, this non-irritating acne gel treats and prevents acne blemishes while gently reducing redness without dehydrating the skin. Plus, it has a unique matte finish that blurs the appearance of pores and reduces shine.
Key Ingredients: 5% Benzoyl Peroxide
Skin Type: Oily, Acne-Prone, Combination
Skin Benefits: Clears active acne and prevents future breakouts, soothes irritation, targets acne-causing bacteria, minimizes pores and shine
Beauty Insider Tip: If you have extra dry or sensitive skin, make sure to start with once daily or every other day application and layer a moisturizer on top to avoid tightness and dryness.
8. Jan Marini Age Intervention Duality
$115.00
A sophisticated dual-action cream, this treatment combines maximum-strength ultra-micronized benzoyl peroxide with anti-aging retinol and peptides. Formulated to treat adult acne while improving fine lines, texture, and radiance—all without dryness and irritation.
Key Ingredients: 10% Benzoyl Peroxide, All-Trans Retinol, Peptides, Green Tea Extract, Hyaluronic Acid
Skin Type: Acne-Prone, Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal, Sensitive, Mature
Skin Benefits: Simultaneously reduces blemishes, fades fine lines, supports collagen, soothes inflammation, hydrates, improves overall skin quality
Beauty Insider Tip: Start with once daily application, then gradually build up to two to three times per day as tolerated. Make sure to use a broad-spectrum SPF during the day.
FAQs
Can Acne Become Worse After Using Benzoyl Peroxide on the Skin?
Benzoyl peroxide may trigger purging and temporarily worsen acne as deeper impurities surface. That said, this is a normal reaction that usually resolves within weeks. It’s important to stick to your routine and stay consistent to improve acne.
Which is Better, Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide?
Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide both treat acne, but they so in different ways. Benzoyl peroxide has strong antimicrobial properties, making it especially effective in targeting inflamed acne and killing off the bacteria that cause it. Salicylic acid, on the other hand, is an exfoliant best suited for non-inflammatory acne, clearing pores, and reducing blackheads and whiteheads. For a well-rounded acne management routine, consider adding both to your regimen.
Are There Potential Side Effects of Benzoyl Peroxide Skincare?
When you’re dealing with highly potent active ingredients, side effects often come with the territory. That’s because your skin needs some time to adjust and get used to strong actives. Common side effects of using benzoyl peroxide for acne include mild dryness, redness, peeling, and increased sun sensitivity. Sure, it can be intimidating, but it’s important to remember that these side effects fade and improve as your skin develops tolerance. You can also minimize these unwanted reactions by introducing benzoyl peroxide slowly, moisturizing regularly, and applying sunscreen.
The Bottom Line
Benzoyl peroxide for acne continues to be a trusted and highly effective solution for managing and preventing breakouts. Its ability to address acne from multiple angles makes it invaluable in many skincare routines. Although it may come with some mild side effects, these can be easily prevented or mitigated by slow and gradual use, beefing up your skin’s moisture levels, and applying sun protection.
Whether you’re dealing with mild or more persistent acne, benzoyl peroxide’s consistent and proper use can significantly enhance skin clarity and overall appearance. All it takes is a little patience, the right support ingredients to enhance and complement its benefits, and a measured and well-rounded skincare routine.
Janeca Racho is a Journalism graduate with over 15 years of writing experience. After getting her start in public relations and advertising, she made the switch to freelance writing and began working for various lifestyle, fashion, and travel brands. Her love for all things skincare has led her to beauty reporting and research for the last ten years. Writing for several hair and beauty blogs, she reports on anti-aging staples, trending brands and products, must-have ingredients, and health and wellness.
