The best benzoyl peroxide products, according to dermatologists
If you have acne-prone skin, one of these treatments could help to heal your next breakout.
Avène Cleanance Acne Medicated Clearing Treatment
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Experts recommend considering the following when shopping for a skin care product with benzoyl peroxide as its main ingredient:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Benzoyl 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.
When 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.
Many 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.
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.
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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