What does benzoyl peroxide do?

"Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial agent. It helps to kill P. acnes, the bacteria that have been implicated to play a role in the development of acne," says dermatologist Arielle Nagler, MD. "It also helps to prevent small pimples called comedones." And according to dermatologist Arielle N.B. Kauvar, MD, some people may see results as early as five days after starting use.

Why should I use benzoyl peroxide in my skincare routine?

If you have inflammatory acne—often identified by red, painful bumps and blemishes—benzoyl peroxide could be helpful in treatment and prevention. Regular use may even help prevent acne scars from forming.

How often should I use benzoyl peroxide?

You can typically use benzoyl peroxide as often as twice daily. But if you’re applying it during the day, Nagler advises pairing with a strong SPF.

The 13 Best Benzoyl Peroxide Products of 2023

The 12 Best Benzoyl Peroxide Products of 2022 — Byrdie / Chloe Jeong

Anyone who’s ever had the misfortune of dealing with a major breakout situation is probably familiar with benzoyl peroxide; it tops the list of choice acne-fighting ingredients for several reasons. First and foremost, it inhibits the growth of p.acnes, the bacteria that causes acne, explains Chicago dermatologist Jordan Carqueville, MD. That’s impressive in and of itself, but the benefits don’t stop there.

“Benzoyl peroxide also reduces excess oil on the skin and removes dead cells that can clog pores,” she adds. This trio of attributes makes it ideal for those with inflammatory acne—red, painful bumps and blemishes. (FYI, if it’s just a few whiteheads and blackheads you’re dealing with, it’s probably not the best ingredient for you, since it can be quite drying.) “It can be very effective at both treating active acne lesions and preventing new ones, especially if you pair it with a retinoid and/or salicylic acid,” says Carqueville. The other nice thing? BPO, as it’s often called, comes in a host of different formulas and products, from cleansers to creams.

We conducted hours of research to find the best benzoyl peroxide products, evaluating the highest-rated options on the market based on their benefits and other active ingredients. We also paid attention to the concentration of benzoyl peroxide in each product and how effective they were at fighting acne. After consulting dermatologists and considering dozens of options, we landed on these top-rated picks.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Drugstore:

Differin Daily Deep Cleanser at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Mask:

Neutrogena Rapid Clear Leave-On Mask at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Body Wash:

PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Sensitive Skin:

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Spot Treatment:

DermaQuest DermaClear Spot Treatment at Dermstore

Jump to Review

Best Moisturizer:

Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Therapeutic Lotion at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Cleanser:

Glytone Acne BPO Clearing Cleanser at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Two-in-One:

Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask at Amazon

Jump to Review

Editor's Pick:

Paula's Choice Regular Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What To Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

4.9

Amazon

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What We Like

Strong formula
Reduces excess oil

What We Don't Like

Can be drying

This is a top choice for New York City dermatologist Morgan Rabach, MD, who lauds it for pairing BPO with a lipo-hydroxy acid to help exfoliate the skin and clear out pores. Carqueville is also a fan of this dual-action and adds that it’s especially great as a localized treatment, given that it does have a slightly higher concentration of benzoyl peroxide. (To that point, many reviewers note that a little goes a long way, so one tube should last you quite a while.) As if that weren’t endorsement enough, this is also a team Byrdie fan favorite, including a go-to for Jessica Mahgerefteh, Byrdie’s Commerce Editorial Director.

Price at time of publish: $37

Active Ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide, glycerin, vitamin E | Size: 1.35 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No

4.4

Amazon

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Differin Daily Deep Cleanser Review

What We Like

Strong formula
Reduces excess oil

What We Don't Like

Can be drying

This formula boasts a 5% concentration of a micronized benzoyl peroxide meant to penetrate deep into pores, killing bacteria and absorbing excess oil. At the same time, however, it also releases a gentle moisturizer meant to help balance your skin and prevent unwanted dryness. Reviewers repeatedly note how well it’s helped clear their skin, and the affordable price doesn’t hurt, either.

Price at time of publish: $11

Active Ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide, glycerin | Size: 4 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No

What Our Testers Say

"I used the cleanser once a day for about a week, and during that time I didn’t experience any new breakouts, and the ones I already had seemed to clear up quicker than usual." — Joline Buscemi, Product Tester

Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Daily Leave-On Mask

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Strong formula
Easily accessible at drugstores

What We Don't Like

Can be drying

This leave-on treatment has a gel-like texture and clear finish. So yes, it’s a mask, but one that you can apply and leave on all day, even layering moisturizer and/or makeup over it. (Although you should start to see some results in as little as four hours, according to the brand) It contains a 2.5% concentration of BPO, likely enough to be effective, but not so much that you risk unwanted irritation or dryness.

Price at time of publish: $33

Active Ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide | Size: 2 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No

4.3

Walmart

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What We Like

Strong formula
Moisturizing
Can be used on face and body

What We Don't Like

Can be runny

Rabach and Carqueville both recommend this cleanser for treating body acne on areas such as your back, chest, and booty (because yes, you can break out on your butt). Credit the foaming action, which makes it easy to apply all over these larger surfaces. It contains 10% BPO, which might be a bit too much on the face for some people, but is usually well-tolerated on the body, says Carqueville.

Price at time of publish: $10

Active Ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide | Size: 5.5 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Ulta

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Target

What We Like

Non-irritating
Moisturizing
Gentle formula

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note it doesn't lather well

Key Ingredients

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in the human body. It acts as a cushioning and lubrication agent for our joints, nerves, hair, skin, and eyes. When used in skincare, it acts as a moisture binder, which means that it will attach itself to the water in the cells (while also attracting and holding water from the air) giving them a plumping effect.

If your complexion skews towards sensitivity, it’s important to proceed with caution when it comes to any kind of potent skincare ingredient, BPO included. That’s why we appreciate this formula, specially formulated to be ultra-gentle on skin. It has that acne-fighting benzoyl peroxide, yes, but it also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid, soothing niacinamide, and three different ceramides meant to keep the skin barrier healthy and intact (the secret to minimizing irritation.) It goes on creamy but transforms into a foam, you still get that satisfying lather and clean feel that’s lacking with many other cleansers geared towards sensitive skin.

Price at time of publish: $14

Active Ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide, ceramides | Size: 5 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Dermstore

View On Dermstore

What We Like

Works quickly
Contains other powerful acne-fighting ingredients
Easy to use

What We Don't Like

Unhygienic container

When a big ol’ pimple pops up at the least opportune time, reach for this guy. It pairs benzoyl peroxide with tea tree oil and willow bark, working to shrink your zit overnight. The convenient size and applicator make it easy to use anytime, anywhere; simply swipe the wand over said zit whenever needed.

Price at time of publish: $44

Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Therapeutic Lotion

Amazon

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What We Like

Strong formula
Moisturizing
Lightweight

What We Don't Like

May be too strong for sensitive skin types

Those who are always looking for ways to minimize the number of steps and products in their routine will appreciate this one-stop skin-clearing shop. There’s 5% benzoyl peroxide in this lightweight, double-duty moisturizer, which absorbs quickly yet still feels hydrating. Use it once daily, topping it with sunscreen if you’re applying it in the AM.

Price at time of publish: $90

Active Ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide, squalane | Size: 1.6 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Lovelyskin.com

What We Like

Strong formula
Moisturizing

What We Don't Like

Shouldn't be used in the AM

Using a face wash with benzoyl peroxide daily is an easy way to try to prevent future pimples from popping up and keep skin clear. Use it just once daily, alternating with a more mild cleanser, to minimize the likelihood of dryness.

Price at time of publish: $38

Active Ingredients: Encapsulated benzoyl peroxide | Size: 6.7 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Recite the alphabet as you apply it to ensure the active ingredient has enough contact time with your skin to do its thing.

Amazon

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What We Like

Effective without over-drying
Refreshing feel
Reduces excess oil
Works as a cleanser or mask

What We Don't Like

Contains fragrance

“This is a great product because you can use it as either a mask or a cleanser,” says Rabach. If your skin is super sensitive or you’re trying to ward off future breakouts, use it as a cleanser. Otherwise, leave it on for five minutes as a mask (bonus points for the refreshing cooling sensation it delivers). Carqueville also likes this formula, noting that it contains 3.5% benzoyl peroxide, a good potency for use on the face.

Price at time of publish: $8

Active Ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide, glycerin, kaolin clay | Size: 4.2 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Paula's Choice CLEAR Regular Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Dermstore

What We Like

Strong formula
Clears pores
Moisturizing

What We Don't Like

May be too strong for sensitive skin

If your skin is a bit problematic or you’re just trying to keep it clear, this is a great option to add to your routine—just ask Byrdie senior editor Hallie Gould, who says it's super effective. The featherweight lotion dries clear and matte and can be used on either face and/or body. It’s effective but gentle enough to use twice a day, thanks to the addition of soothing plant extracts meant to combat the dryness the benzoyl peroxide could cause.

Price at time of publish: $22

Active Ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide, bisabolol, allantoin | Size: 2.25 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Clean & Clear PERSA-GEL10 Acne Medication

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walgreens

What We Like

Strong formula
Easily accessible at drugstores
Few inactive ingredients

What We Don't Like

Can be drying

This boasts the highest concentration of benzoyl peroxide that you can get without a prescription, 10%. That can be a lot for some, so start by using it only once a day; you can gradually work up to three times daily if your skin can tolerate it. It’s also a good move to save it as a treatment for the smaller areas where you’re prone to breakouts, think the chin or forehead, versus applying it all over your face.

Price at time of publish: $8

Active Ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide | Size: 1 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Kate Somerville Anti Bac Acne Clearing Lotion

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

Strong formula
Soothing ingredients
Reduces excess oil

What We Don't Like

Makes skin more sensitive to the sun

In case we haven’t made it clear by now, dryness is one of the most common side effects that can come with using benzoyl peroxide. That’s why we appreciate that this has a unique delivering system that gets the ingredient into affected areas, without overdrying it. There are also ceramides to minimize water loss and further keep skin hydrated.

Price at time of publish: $56

Active Ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide, advanced liposomes, argan extract | Size: 1.7 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Urban Skin Rx Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment

Amazon

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What We Like

Absorbs quickly
Strong formula
Soothing

What We Don't Like

Small amount

If you're looking for one benzoyl peroxide product that can do it all, try this pick from Urban Skin Rx. It works as an all-over acne treatment that can be applied to the face and neck daily, or as a spot treatment that can heal and shrink pimple overnight. Alongside 5% benzoyl peroxide is glycolic acid, willow bark extract and niacinamide to banish blemishes for good.

Price at time of publish: $19

Active Ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, willow bark extract | Size: 1 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Final Verdict

Because it helps to combat blemishes in several different ways, benzoyl peroxide is a fan-favorite acne-fighting ingredient among dermatologists. The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo is a great BPO product to try, a great spot treatment. Shopping at the drugstore? Pick up the Differin Daily Deep Facial Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin, a great daily cleanser, or the Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Daily Leave-On Mask, a clear mask that can be layered under makeup. Generally speaking, benzoyl peroxide can be a potentially-irritating ingredient for those with sensitive skin, but the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser combines it with plenty of soothing and hydrating ingredients to mitigate the likelihood of irritation.

Meet the Expert

Jordan Carqueville, MD, is a Chicago-based dermatologist and dermatopathologist. Specializing in both cosmetic, surgical, and general dermatology, she frequently treats acne patients. Dr. Carqueville is also a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at Cook County Hospital.
Morgan Rabach is a board-certified dermatologist, the co-founder of LM Medical in New York City, and a media expert on all things skin. She’s also an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

What To Look For in a Benzoyl Peroxide Product

The concentration of benzoyl peroxide

Not all products are created equal. Benzoyl peroxide is most often found in concentrations ranging from 2.5% to 10%. Since the ingredient may be drying, it’s always best to err on the lower side and gradually work your way up. If you're looking for one with a lower percentage, we recommend the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser, which has a 4% concentration of the ingredient. A stronger option would be the Clean & Clear PERSA-GEL10 Acne Medication, which has 10% benzoyl peroxide.

FAQ

What does benzoyl peroxide do?

"Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial agent. It helps to kill P. acnes, the bacteria that have been implicated to play a role in the development of acne," says dermatologist Arielle Nagler, MD. "It also helps to prevent small pimples called comedones." And according to dermatologist Arielle N.B. Kauvar, MD, some people may see results as early as five days after starting use.
Why should I use benzoyl peroxide in my skincare routine?

If you have inflammatory acne—often identified by red, painful bumps and blemishes—benzoyl peroxide could be helpful in treatment and prevention. Regular use may even help prevent acne scars from forming.
How often should I use benzoyl peroxide?

You can typically use benzoyl peroxide as often as twice daily. But if you’re applying it during the day, Nagler advises pairing with a strong SPF.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. Fun fact: She’s legitimately allergic to benzoyl peroxides, so she relied on expert input, lots of product reviews, and input from family and friends when writing this article.

The 21 Best Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin of 2023

Updated by Shannon Stubbs

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

Yang Z, Zhang Y, Lazic Mosler E, et al. Topical benzoyl peroxide for acne. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;3(3):CD011154. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011154.pub2
Lubart R, Yariv I, Fixler D, Lipovsky A. Topical hyaluronic acid facial cream with new micronized molecule technology effectively penetrates and improves facial skin quality: results from In-vitro, Ex-vivo, and In-vivo (open-label) studies. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2019;12(10):39-44.
Levin J, Momin SB. How much do we really know about our favorite cosmeceutical ingredients?. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010;3(2):22-41.
Spada F, Barnes TM, Greive KA. Skin hydration is significantly increased by a cream formulated to mimic the skin's own natural moisturizing systems. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:491-497. doi:10.2147/CCID.S177697
Mills OH Jr, Kligman AM, Pochi P, Comite H. Comparing 2.5%, 5%, and 10% benzoyl peroxide on inflammatory acne vulgaris. Int J Dermatol. 1986 Dec;25(10):664-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-4362.1986.tb04534.x. PMID: 2948929.
Dréno B, Bissonnette R, Gagné-Henley A, Barankin B, Lynde C, Kerrouche N, Tan J. Prevention and Reduction of Atrophic Acne Scars with Adapalene 0.3%/Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel in Subjects with Moderate or Severe Facial Acne: Results of a 6-Month Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled Trial Using Intra-Individual Comparison. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2018 Apr;19(2):275-286. doi: 10.1007/s40257-018-0352-y. PMID: 29549588; PMCID: PMC5978908.
McKeage K, Keating GM. Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide gel (BenzaClin): a review of its use in the management of acne. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2008;9(3):193-204. doi: 10.2165/00128071-200809030-00010. PMID: 18429651.

Best Overall

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo

Best Drugstore

Differin Daily Deep Cleanser

Best Mask

Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Daily Leave-On Mask

Best Body Wash

PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash

Best for Sensitive Skin

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

Best Spot Treatment

DermaQuest DermaClear Spot Treatment

Best Moisturizer

Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Therapeutic Lotion

Best Cleanser

Glytone Acne BPO Clearing Cleanser

Best Two-in-One

Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask

Editor's Pick

Paula's Choice CLEAR Regular Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment

Best Extra-Strength

Clean & Clear PERSA-GEL10 Acne Medication

Best for Dry Skin

Kate Somerville Anti Bac Acne Clearing Lotion

Best Multi-Use

Urban Skin Rx Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment

Related Stories

The 13 Best Benzoyl Peroxide Products of 2023 to Fight Acne

Best Overall

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo

Best Drugstore

Differin Daily Deep Cleanser

Best Mask

Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Daily Leave-On Mask

Best Body Wash

PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash

Best for Sensitive Skin

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

Best Spot Treatment

DermaQuest DermaClear Spot Treatment

Best Moisturizer

Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Therapeutic Lotion

Best Cleanser

Glytone Acne BPO Clearing Cleanser

Best Two-in-One

Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask

Editor's Pick

Paula's Choice CLEAR Regular Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment

Best Extra-Strength

Clean & Clear PERSA-GEL10 Acne Medication

Best for Dry Skin

Kate Somerville Anti Bac Acne Clearing Lotion

Best Multi-Use

Urban Skin Rx Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment

Final Verdict

What To Look For in a Benzoyl Peroxide Product

The concentration of benzoyl peroxide

Why Trust Byrdie

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