Say goodbye to angry, red pimples with these expert-approved picks.
When it comes to treating angry red pimples, chronic acne sufferers know that there’s often nothing more effective—and life-saving—than the best benzoyl peroxide products. As one of the top FDA-approved and dermatologist-recommended ingredients for treating acne, benzoyl peroxide is often found in many over-the-counter and prescription acne treatments. But how exactly does this miracle ingredient work?
“[Benzoyl peroxide] is an effective acne-fighting ingredient because it has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and prevents the formation of clogged pores,” explains Brendan Camp, M.D., a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in Manhattan and Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. Products containing benzoyl peroxide can range from daily cleansers and face washes to topical treatments, like creams and gels. “As a cleanser it can be used to effectively treat acne on the face, chest, and back,” says Camp—while as a cream or gel, it “may be used as a spot treatment or applied more generally to an affected surface after cleansing.”
With so many different options for benzoyl peroxide products out there—including different concentrations or strengths—it can be hard to find the right one for your specific needs. Luckily, we’ve rounded up the best skincare products containing benzoyl peroxide as recommended by dermatologists right here.
Ready to finally achieve clear, acne-free skin? Check out our top, expert-approved picks for benzoyl peroxide products below.
1
BEST FAST-ACTING
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Treatment Gel
Looking for a fast-acting spot treatment? Dr. Camp recommends this top-rated pick from Neutrogena, which he notes is formulated with 10% benzoyl peroxide to address stubborn acne blemishes. The gel promises to reduce pimples and redness in as little as two hours—and reviewers say it actually does work that fast. “I put this cream on a pimple and in 2 hours it was noticeably smaller,” writes one reviewer. “Within a day the pimple had dried up almost completely.”
2
BEST OVERALL
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Spot Treatment Cream
Dr. Camp recommends this popular multi-tasking cream from La Roche-Posay as it is “formulated with both benzoyl peroxide (5.5%) and lipo-hydroxy acid to target blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples”—not to mention, it also contains glycerin to help combat dryness. The cream can also be used spot treatment or an all-over treatment depending on your needs. Boasting over 4,000 five-star ratings, one reviewer raves that it’s a “miracle worker,” writing, “This cleared up any and all adult acne I’ve been consistently struggling with. My skin was clear within days.”
3
BEST CLEANSER
PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash
Recommended by Dr. Zeichner, this affordable pick from PanOxyl is an antimicrobial wash that can be used on both your face and body. “This wash contains maximum strength 10% benzoyl peroxide, and can be used on the face, chest, and back without causing irritation,” he says. “The lathering formula both treats breakouts and removes soiling from the skin.”
In fact, a whopping 43,000 shoppers gave it a perfect rating on Amazon. Raves one reviewer: “This is single-handedly one of the best skin care products I have purchased…In less than two weeks I’ve noticed that my skin is clearer, less textured, and brighter.”
4
BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Face Cleanser
“This foaming cleanser contains benzoyl peroxide to treat acne, hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin, and niacinamide to fight inflammation,” says Dr. Camp. Thanks to these extra ingredients that make the formula extra soothing, this pick is a great option for sensitive skin. “I have the most sensitive skin, have suffered from hormonal cystic acne majority of my life now, and this is the only acne targeting face wash I’ve ever used that actually works,” raves one reviewer. “It’s strong enough to target what’s there and gentle enough to maintain the natural skin barrier without irritating my skin that’s not broken out.”
5
BEST FACE WASH
Differin Daily Deep Cleanser
This affordable cleanser from Differin is highly-rated for its powerful formula: Not only does the 5% micronized benzoyl peroxide easily penetrate deep into pores to absorb excess oil, it also offers a gentle moisturizer formulated with glycerin to help hydrate and soothe skin. Reviewers rave that consistently using this cleanser truly makes a difference in their skin, with one shopper writing, “This is the best face wash ever! It’s super gentle but works very deep in your skin to get rid of dirt. It makes my face so clear and prevents me from getting acne.”
6
BEST NON-IRRITATING
Cetaphil Gentle Clear Complexion-Clearing BPO Acne Cleanser
“This cleanser is formulated with 2.6% micronized benzoyl peroxide, which has been shown to be less irritating than traditional preparations,” notes Dr. Camp. The formula also contains ingredients like zinc and licorice root, which help soothe skin and reduce excess oil. “This face wash has helped my oiliness and definitely has stopped incoming breakouts,” writes one satisfied shopper on Amazon.
7
BEST MULTI-PURPOSE
Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask (Pack of 3)
With 3.5% benzoyl peroxide, this multi-purpose product from Neutrogena can be used as both a daily wash or a deep cleaning mask to remove dirt, oil, residue, and bacteria, depending on your specific needs, says Dr. Camp. Reviewers rave that it “leaves skin feeling soft and fresh” in addition to helping clear up acne. One long-time customer, who’s been using the product for more than six years, writes: “I love this cleanser/mask. It’s very refreshing and I feel so clean after I wash my face.”
8
BEST MASK
JORI Daily Leave-On Acne Treatment Mask
If you’re looking for an acne treatment mask, Dr. Zeichner recommends this pick from Jori, which contains 2.5% micronized benzoyl peroxide. “This ultralight water-gel mask drives invisibly on the skin,” he says. “The non-irritating formula can be used daily and contains a blend of botanicals that address contributing factors to adult breakouts. It can be applied directly to pimples that you have, or used to the entire area that tends to break out to prevent new ones from developing to begin with.”
9
BEST SPLURGE
Rodan+Fields UNBLEMISH Dual Intensive Acne Treatment
Formulated specifically for adult skin, tnhis acne treatment from Rodan+Fields not only contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide to help clear and prevent blemishes, it also helps plump, hydrate, and achieve more youthful-looking skin with the help of nourishing ingredients like glycerin, allantoin, niacinamide, and ceramides. “I had struggled to find a face care system that actually helped my adult hormonal acne and this has!…The tone of my skin has improved dramatically,” writes one reviewer, who also notes that “a little goes a long way.”
10
BEST SPOT TREATMENT
Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief
This compact, pocket-sized spot treatment gel is perfect for fighting unexpected pimples on the go. With a powerful dose of benzoyl peroxide, it goes on invisibly and helps absorb excess oil. Plus, it boasts over 4,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, with reviewers raving that it’s long-lasting and fast-acting. “This tiny tube will last me a very long time. As soon as I feel that a pimple is going to appear—I put a little dab of this on it and usually stop the zit from coming out,” writes one shopper. “On the few occasions when the pimple arrives, I continue applying a dab of the cream for a day or two and it’s gone!”
11
BEST GEL
Paula’s Choice CLEAR Daily Skin Clearing Treatment
Formulated with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, this highly-rated treatment gel from Paula’s Choice also delivers skin-nourishing plant extracts like bisabolol, which soothes irritation, as well as allantoin, which calms redness and sensitivity. It’s suitable for all skin types, including for skin prone to cystic acne. One reviewer calls it a “godsend,” writing, “My acne has gone away completely, and it helps maintain my skin so that acne stays away, even when my hormones flare up.” However, users also note that because the formula drying, it’s best used with a moisturizer.
12
BEST LOTION
Kate Somerville Anti Bac Acne Clearing Lotion
If you’re looking for a hydrating lotion that contains benzoyl peroxide, try this pick from Kate Somerville, which is clinically formulated to be gentler on acne-prone skin and doesn’t over-dry skin. “I’ve always had difficulty finding an effective spot treatment that wouldn’t destroy the surrounding skin or leave a dark spot after drying out the pimple. This is the perfect balance of effectiveness and gentleness,” writes one reviewer on Amazon.
How to choose the best benzoyl peroxide products
Check the concentration of benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is typically available in concentrations ranging from 2.5% to 10%—but despite popular belief, more is not necessarily better, according to Dr. Zeichner. “In fact, studies have shown that 2.5% is as effective but less irritating than higher concentrations,” he says. For that reason, it’s best to always start off with a low dosage and work your way up if needed, especially if you have sensitive skin. However, Dr. Zeichner notes one exception to the rule: Higher concentrations may be better for cleansers, as they sit on the skin for only a short period of time. “In order for them to do their jobs, they need to be applied to the skin and left in place for enough time for the active ingredient to penetrate into the skin,” he explains, noting that he usually recommends letting the cleanser sit and lather before rinsing off.
Look for hydrating ingredients. Benzoyl peroxide can be drying to your skin—so if you have sensitive or dry skin, it’s best to look for a formula that also contains hydrating and soothing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and allantonin, all of which are humectants that can help soothe and hydrate skin.
Opt for products that contain micronized forms of benzoyl peroxide. “Micronization is the process of bringing the particle size of the down to smaller than the opening of the pore. This allows benzoyl peroxide to penetrate deep into the skin where acne begins,” says Dr. Zeichner.
What skin type is benzoyl peroxide good for?
“Benzoyl peroxide can be used to acne on all skin types, though it should be used with caution in those with dry or sensitive skin,” says Dr. Camp. If you have sensitive skin, it is a good idea to stick to lower concentrations of benzoyl peroxide and combine it with a moisturizer, says Dr. Zeichner. “For people who are generally dry or more sensitive, I recommend applying a moisturizer to the skin first to prime and hydrate the outer skin layer. Then apply the benzoyl peroxide containing product on top of it,” he advises. “This can help minimize potential irritation without affecting the penetration of the product. So long as you’re not using a heavy occlusive moisturizer, it should not interfere with penetration of the benzoyl peroxide side through the skin.”
Can I use other products with benzoyl peroxide?
Unfortunately, there are some ingredients that benzoyl peroxide is best not combined with, including retinol and vitamin C. “It cannot be combined with retinol, because it will break it down,” Dr. Zeichner says. However, “retinol can be used in the same routine as a benzoyl peroxide if they are used an alternating days or used on different areas of the face.”
Other ingredients can lead to skin irritation when used together with benzoyl peroxide. “While benzoyl peroxide can be combined with exfoliating ingredients like salicylic or glycolic acid, you should be cautious in doing so as the combination can lead to extra skin irritation,” warns Dr. Zeichner.
How we chose the best benzoyl peroxide products
We consulted Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in the department of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, as well as Brendan Camp, M.D., a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in Manhattan and Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. We also combed through countless ratings, reviews, and product specs to narrow down the best benzoyl peroxide products.
