The 11 Best Benzoyl Peroxide Face Washes To Reduce Acne – 2023
Speed up your new skin cell growth to eliminate your acne scars and pimples.
Marina SominskyRegistered Nurse
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Marina Sominsky is a highly skilled registered nurse and the owner of Capital Aesthetics. She has over seven years of experience in the field of medical esthetics and specializes in the administration of neuromodulators, injectables, and hy... more
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Sakshi Bahal is a commerce writer with a master's degree in English Literature from Calcutta University. She was a part of the editorial team of her school magazine. Her love for writing inspired her ... more
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Rajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication fro... more
Krati DarakCertified Skin Care Coach
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Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years o... more
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Since acne is a common concern to most of you, keeping your face clean and clear of debris can help you get rid of it. In this condition, benzoyl peroxide appears to play a significant role. Therefore, you must consider switching to the best benzoyl peroxide face wash instead of your regular cleansers!
Benzoyl peroxide has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which help eliminate germs and dry up acne. It exfoliates your skin and speeds up the rate of cell turnover. This can help remove acne scars and reduce pimple inflammation.
In this article, we have compiled a list of the top 11 benzoyl peroxide face cleansers. These products help treat mild to moderate cases of acne and boost skin health. Keep scrolling for more information!
In This Article
11 Best Benzoyl Peroxide Face Washes
1. Best For Cystic Acne:Dr. Song Benzoyl Peroxide Wash 10% Acne Treatment
Image: Dr Song Dr. Song Benzoyl Peroxide Wash can be used both as a face wash and a body wash. Its benzoyl peroxide formula helps your skin fight breakouts. It has a non-irritating formula and contains deep penetrating medical-grade micro-benzoyl peroxide. In addition to using it for face acne, acne spots, and cystic acne, you can use it for back acne and body acne. As per the reviews online, you can see visible results in 2 weeks with regular usage of the product. Further, it has not been tested on animals.
Pros
- Can be used as a face wash and body wash
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Hygienic pump packaging
Cons
None
Pro TipGently massage the affected areas for 30 seconds, for adequate contact with the active ingredients in the face wash.
2. Best Oil Free Formula:EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser
Image: Eltamd EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser contains an enzyme and amino acid blend that can help in loosening makeup and other impurities, including the oil in the pores and on the skin. The foam helps improve skin clarity and it gently lifts the impurities and rinses them away to minimize pore size. This dermatologically tested cleanser makes your skin feel balanced and clean. This video review will give you a deeper understanding about the features and benefits of this product along with the reviewer’s experience of using it.
Pros
- Gentle
- Oil-free
- Paraben-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
None
3. Best Cruelty-Free Formula:Humane Face & Body Acne Wash
Image: Humane This face and body wash uses the healing powers of potent, clinically backed ingredients to offer the best results. It contains 10% benzoyl peroxide and is a dermatologist-tested maximum strength acne treatment for women and teens with mild to moderate acne. The product is guaranteed to bestow you with flawless skin and in return boost your confidence. It releases oxygen directly into the pores and targets the acne-causing P. acnes bacteria. It also helps lighten blemishes and clear up spots. The best part about this face wash is its clean, safe, sustainable, and cruelty-free ingredients. Check out this review for a closer look into the features of this product.
Note: This product is not for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Treats blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and cysts
- Dermatologist-tested
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- No synthetic colors or fragrance
Cons
None
4. Best For Moisture Balance:Acne Free Oil-Free Acne Cleanser
Image: Acnefree The Acne Free Oil-Free Cleanser from a dermatologist-recommended brand is a medicated cleanser that contains advanced micronized benzoyl peroxide in 2.5% concentration. It penetrates deep within the skin, unclogging pores and clearing acne-causing bacteria. The gentle formula helps cleanse the face without over-drying the skin. It is infused with ceramides that help maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier for better hydration. It can be used for face and body acne. It is ideal for teenagers and adults who have acne-prone skin.
Pros
- Light texture
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Gentle on skin
- Hydrates skin
- Prevents blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and cystic acne
Cons
- Tends to leak.
5. Best For Daily Use:Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Face Wash
Image: Neutrogena The Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Cleanser is formulated with maximum strength benzoyl peroxide (10%). It claims to reduce redness and the size of stubborn pimples in just one day. It cleanses and treats the skin to fight acne and prevent future breakouts. The dermatologist-recommended product exhibits a hydrating effect and thus can be a part of your regular skincare routine for both morning and night. Regular use can give you healthier and clearer skin. To find out the details of this product through the tester’s experience, check out this video.
Pros
- Contains maximum strength benzoyl peroxide
- Suitable for daily use
- Makes skin clearer and healthier with use
Cons
- May not suit all skin types
6. Best For Scar Treatment:Walgreens Acne Treatment Cleansing Bar
Image: Walgreens Walgreens Acne Treatment Cleansing Bar contains 10% benzoyl peroxide. It also contains vitamin A, vitamin E, and sea whip extract as active ingredients. It can be used on the face and the body. Not to mention, the product also helps fade acne marks.
Note: Avoid this product if you have sensitive skin or are sensitive to benzoyl peroxide.
Pros
- Vitamins A and E nourish your skin.
- Clears your skin of acne and scars
Cons
- Has an off-putting smell.
7. Best For Uneven Skin Tone:PCA Skin BPO 5% Cleanser
Image: Pcaskin PCA Skin BPO 5% Cleanser contains a clarifying formula with 5% benzoyl peroxide that acts as a pore cleanser, eliminates acne-causing bacteria, and heals and prevents breakouts. Gluconolactone moisturizes your skin and helps improve skin tone, while phytic acid exfoliates your skin gently. It also contains aloe, chamomile, cucumber, and nettle extracts that calm inflammation and soothes the skin leaving it looking bright and refreshed.
Pros
- Offers antibacterial as well as exfoliation benefits
- Calms and soothes acne
- Reduces inflammation
- Evens out skin tone
- No fragrances
- No synthetic dyes
- No animal testing
Cons
- Can be too drying for some skin types.
Pro TipFollow up the cleanser with a generous amount of sunscreen lotion to prevent tanning.
8. Best For pH Balance:Replenix Benzoyl Peroxide Wash
Image: Replenix This therapeutic, soap-free face wash was specially developed for use in dermatology offices. It contains finely milled benzoyl peroxide of the highest medical grade that helps effectively clear acne on the face. It is available in benzoyl peroxide concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 10% with aloe vera extract. It gently exfoliates and clears the skin of dirt, oil, and skin-dulling impurities. This face wash is the perfect adjunct therapy for topical and oral antibiotics and has been proven to deliver visible results in 6 weeks of consistent use.
Pros
- Does not leave a white chalky residue on the face
- Non-drying
- Controls shine
- Supports breakout prevention
- Non-irritating
- Soap-free
- pH balanced
- Paraben-free
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Changed formulation isn’t effective.
9. Best Non-Comedogenic Formula: Obagi Medical CLENZIderm M.D. Therapeutic Lotion
Image: Obagi The Clenziderm M.D. Therapeutic Lotion by Obagi is a fast-acting, medicated anti-acne formula that helps clear acne and prevents future breakouts. It contains a blend of active ingredients, like 5% benzoyl peroxide, that work together to penetrate deep into the pores and reduce acne-causing bacteria.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Improves skin texture
- Scientifically backed formulation
- Lightweight
- Inhibits acne-causing bacteria
Cons
- May dry your skin
10. Best Cruelty-Free: PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash
Image: Panoxyl The PanOxyl Foaming Wash is an effective acne treatment that contains 10% benzoyl peroxide. It is a foaming wash that helps to clean the skin and remove dirt and oil that can contribute to acne breakouts. The product contains antimicrobial ingredients that aid in the prevention of bacterial growth on the skin. You can use it on the face, chest, and back. It is best suited for people with mild to moderate acne.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- Maximum strength
- Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
- Might have an off-putting smell
- Can be too drying for some skin types
11. Best Lightweight: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment
Image: La Roche Posay The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment cream contains 5.5 percent benzoyl peroxide and micro-exfoliating LHA that penetrate your skin and unclogs pores to clear blackheads and whiteheads. It also contains glycerin that hydrates the skin and lipo-hydroxy acid, which is known for its skin-exfoliating properties. This dermatologist-tested, oil-free, lightweight formula helps treat severe acne without drying the skin and is safe for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin
- Skin-soothing ingredients
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Lanolin-free
Cons
- May cause skin some irritation initially
Infographic: Things To Remember When Using A Benzoyl Peroxide Face Wash
Benzoyl peroxide face washes are a popular choice for acne-prone skin due to their effectiveness in combating breakouts. However, it is essential to use them safely to avoid potential side effects. Check the infographic below for a few precautions to take when using a benzoyl peroxide face wash.
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The Bottom Line
Acne is a common skin concern for most of us. There are several ways to get rid of acne, and benzoyl peroxide is one such. It helps eliminate the germs and dry up acne to help remove acne scars, reduce inflammation, and boost skin health. It exfoliates your skin and speeds up the recovery process too. The Dr. Song Benzoyl Peroxide Wash 10% Acne Treatment not only helps clear your face acne but also your back and body acne. The EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser is another gentle yet effective formula to improve skin clarity. If you are searching for a clean, safe, sustainable, and cruelty-free product, then the Humane Face & Body Acne Wash is the best bet. However, some may feel extremely drying, and it may cause breakouts in sensitive skin types. Remember, benzoyl peroxide can dry out your skin, so it is important to keep your skin moisturized.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Sakshi Bahal, is a skincare enthusiast who loves trying out skincare products. She relies on Benzoyl Peroxide face washes to reduce pimple outbreaks and gently cleanse her skin. They are a must for anyone dealing with acne and stubborn spots on the skin. She has carefully researched products and spoken dermatologists to help her readers buy the best ones. This face wash not only eliminates the germ and buildup but also dries acne and helps you flaunt your naturally glowing skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of benzoyl peroxide is the best for acne?
2.5% of benzoyl peroxide is the best for treating acne. Higher concentrations than this may irritate and dry out the skin. However, if you have severe acne, consult your dermatologist to know what percentage will suit you the best.
Can you use benzoyl peroxide face wash while pregnant?
Using a limited amount of benzoyl peroxide during pregnancy and lactation is safe. However, avoid using it on the breast, and make sure you wash your hands before feeding the baby.
Does benzoyl peroxide face wash exfoliate?
Yes, benzoyl peroxide face wash can exfoliate your skin mildly.
How often should I use benzoyl peroxide face wash?
You can use benzoyl peroxide face wash once or twice a day to remove excess oil and dead skin cells from the skin’s surface.
How long does benzoyl peroxide face wash take to work?
The benzoyl peroxide face wash takes around a month to show visible results. If you have severe acne, you will have to use it for 2-4 months to see satisfactory results.
What should I not use with benzoyl peroxide face wash?
It is better to avoid applying drying elements like alcohol-containing products on your skin while using a benzoyl peroxide face wash.
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