10 Best Benzoyl Peroxide Products To Prevent Acne – 2023
Treat acne and draw out excess oil and dirt from your face and get smooth, clear skin.
Oyendrila Kanjilal Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 2 years
Oyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience,... more
Shiboli ChakrabortiCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 4 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce edito... more
Anjali SayeeCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Hairstyles, Hair Care, & Skin Care
Experience: 7 years
Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy ... more
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If you are constantly battling with acne and need something to save you from them, you need the best benzoyl peroxide products to come to your rescue. Commonly recommended by dermatologists to treat acne, benzoyl peroxide fights the acne-causing bacteria, reduces excess oil and dirt from your pores, and removes dead cells from your skin. This treats your acne marks and prevents further development of acne. Take a look at our list of the top benzoyl peroxide products you can purchase. Scroll down to know more!
In This Article
10 Best Benzoyl Peroxide Products
1. Best For Teens:Dr Song Benzoyl Peroxide Wash
Image: Dr Song The Dr Song Benzoyl Peroxide Wash can be used as an acne face wash and as a benzoyl peroxide body wash. This exfoliating wash contains medical grade micro-benzoyl peroxide that penetrates deep into the skin. It has a non-irritating formula. It is paraben- and cruelty-free.
This anti-acne product is great for treating back acne, face acne, and body acne. It also works for treating spot acne, cystic acne, and acne in teens and adults.
Benzoyl Peroxide Quantity:10%
Used As: Face wash and body wash
Pros
- Good for sensitive skin
- Moisturizes skin
Cons
- Overwhelming scent
2. Best For Oily Skin: Kate Somerville Anti Bac Acne Clearing Lotion
Image: Kate Somerville The Kate Somerville Anti Bac Acne Clearing Lotion contains 5% benzoyl peroxide. It is non-comedogenic, lightweight, and can be used on oily skin. This scientifically formulated product has natural essential oils such as cypress, geranium, and bergamot that treat acne without making the skin dry or oily. This acne-prevention product also works to prevent future breakouts due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces blackheads and helps minimize acne scars. This skin care product has a gentle formula and works great on large pores.
Benzoyl Peroxide Quantity: 5%
Used As: Face lotion
Pros
- Strong and effective
- Minimizes excess oil production
- Treats blackheads
- Soothes acne flare-ups effectively
Cons
- Very drying
3. Best For Spot Treatment: Obagi Medical CLENZIderm M.D. Therapeutic Lotion
Image: Obagi The Obagi Medical CLENZIderm M.D. Therapeutic Lotion is a dermatologist formulated for treating acne and skin discoloration. It contains benzoyl peroxide that helps kill bacteria and treat active acne lesions. It works great on acne scars and blackheads and offers acne blemish control. This scientifically formulated fast-acting product is easily absorbed into the skin. It hydrates and penetrates the skin to reach bacteria in the pores and eliminate those. This acne medication can also be used as a spot treatment. It does not contain parabens or fragrances, which makes it great for sensitive skin.
Benzoyl Peroxide Quantity: 5%
Used As: Face lotion
Pros
- Gets absorbed quickly
- Antibacterial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Penetrates deep
- Prevent future breakouts
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Expensive
Quick Tip4. Best Cruelty-Free:DRMTLGY Acne Spot Treatment
The DRMTLGY Acne Spot Treatment helps treat acne breakouts and reduces pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. It is also known to dissolve pore-clogging oils without over-drying your skin. This effectively reduces future breakouts.
The acne-control serum also contains glycolic acid that has a proven efficacy of gently exfoliating your skin. It increases cellular turnover and removes cellular debris. This also provides a clear complexion and reduces acne scars. This cruelty-free serum is free of parabens and sulfates. Here’s a review video of this tester’s experience of using the DRMTLGY Acne Spot Treatment.
Benzoyl Peroxide Quantity: 5 %
Used As: Face serum
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Lightweight
Cons
- May cause allergy in some skin types.
5. Best Hydrating:Paula’s Choice CLEAR Extra Strength Skin Clearing Treatment
This Paula’s Choice treatment is a light and oil-free acne treatment. It helps minimize stubborn acne and calms redness. It also controls excess oil and hydrates skin. This diminishes the unsightly flaking.
The benzoyl peroxide in the oil-control product helps fight existing acne breakouts and may also prevent future breakouts on the face and body. The lotion gives a matte finish and looks great under makeup.
Benzoyl Peroxide Quantity: 5 %
Used As: Face lotion
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Lightweight
Cons
- May dry the skin out in some individuals.
6. Best Vitamin-Enriched Formula:CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
The CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser helps clear acne, pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads from your face. The cleanser also helps prevent the formation of new acne. It has a unique light cream-to-foam texture that removes dirt, excess oil, and makeup from the skin’s surface.
It contains hyaluronic acid that helps skin retain its natural moisture. The niacinamide in the cleanser helps calm the skin. It contains three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) that cleanse, hydrate, and help maintain the protective skin barrier. The cleanser is paraben- and fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. Need more information? Watch this video to make an informed decision about the product.
Benzoyl Peroxide Quantity: 4 %
Used As: Face foaming cream cleanser
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid
Cons
None
Caution7. Best For Daily Use:AcneFree Oil-Free Acne Cleanser
The AcneFree Oil-Free Acne Cleanser is suitable for facial and body acne. It clears and prevents breakouts, including pimples, cystic acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. The micronized benzoyl peroxide in the cleanser penetrates deep inside the pores and cleanses and removes acne-causing bacteria. It can be used during the day and at night. The cleanser also contains ceramide that maintains the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Benzoyl Peroxide Quantity: 2.5 %
Used As: Face cleanser
Pros
- Good for sensitive skin
- Contains ceramide
Cons
None
8. Best Dermatologist Recommended:Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Face Wash
The Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Face Wash fights acne and helps prevent future breakouts. It may rapidly reduce redness and the size of stubborn acne. It contains 10% benzoyl peroxide that is recommended by dermatologists.
The cleanser is gentle for daily use, both in the morning and at night. You can start using it once a day and then gradually increase it to 2-3 times per day as needed.
Benzoyl Peroxide Quantity: 10 %
Used As: Face wash
Pros
- Good for sensitive skin
- Suitable to be used 2-3 times in a day
Cons
- Drying
9. Best Antimicrobial Properties:PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash
The PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash is a gentle formula that contains 4% benzoyl peroxide. This face wash has antimicrobial properties. It targets and kills acne-causing bacteria upon contact. It also lifts the dirt from pores and makes skin clearer.
The pH of the wash is balanced with four humectants and three emollients. These increase the hydration levels of your skin. The face wash can also be used on the chest and back. It is an excellent skin blemish remover that also helps prevent the formation of new blemishes.
Benzoyl Peroxide Quantity: 4 %
Used As: Face wash
Pros
- Good for sensitive skin
- Contains 4 humectants and 3 emollients
- Hydrates skin
- Has antimicrobial properties
Cons
None
10. Best Deep Cleanse:Nixa Skincare Acne Wash
The Nixa Skincare Acne Wash deeply penetrates the skin and unclogs pores. This perfect acne solution treats moderate to severe cases of acne and cystic acne. It works well to treat moderate to severe cases of acne and cystic acne. It is easy to use and gives clearer looking skin. For best results, you can use an oil-free moisturizer after cleansing your skin with this face wash.
Benzoyl Peroxide Quantity: 10 %
Used As: Face wash
Pros
- Good for sensitive skin
- Helps treat acne and cystic acne
- Moisturizes skin
Cons
- Faulty pump
Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most common and effective treatments for acne. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that help with deep cleansing and nourishment of the skin. This salicylic acid alternative is gentle on acne-prone skin. If you are in the market for some benzoyl peroxide product, check out the buying guide below. We bring you all the factors you can consider while buying benzoyl peroxide products.
What To Consider While Buying Benzoyl Peroxide Products – Buying Guide
Ingredients: Choose a formula containing clinically proven ingredients that hydrate the skin deeply and control excess sebum production. You also choose ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and vitamin E, which exfoliate and nourish the skin while addressing other skin conditions. Start with a lower concentration of benzoyl peroxide and increase it as you build more tolerance. Consult your dermatologist for the best advice.
Chemical Content: When you have acne, the last thing you want is to have an ingredient in your acne and pimple treatment that further irritates the skin. This is why be extra careful to avoid formulas containing chemicals like paraben, alcohol, phthalate, GMO, and artificial fragrance.
pH Balance: Go for a product with a pH level of 4.6 to 5.5. Anything higher or lower can irritate the skin. While mild exfoliants do have a higher pH that helps you get rid of accumulated dirt and dead skin cells if the pH level of the formula is too high and it can deteriorate the skin further. So, go for a product that is pH-balanced.
Sun Protection: When you have acne, it is of utmost important to protect your skin from the elements. So, if you plan to wear your acne treatment during the day, look for acne spot gels, serums, and cleansers with a formula that contains SPF PA++ to protect you from UV rays. Products containing ceramides also help strengthen the skin barrier which, in turn, gives you better protection from the elements. Ensure that you go through various customer reviews to get a better understanding before choosing the right product for your skin.
The Bottom Line
Benzoyl peroxide products help reduce the accumulation of excess oil while removing bacteria that cause acne. These products don’t allow acne-causing germs to stay on your face while removing the further development of pimples. These products have non-irritating formulas that make them suitable for sensitive skin as well. The Dr Song Benzoyl Peroxide Wash makes an effective acne treatment with a gentle formula, the Paula’s Choice CLEAR Extra Strength Skin Clearing Treatment reduces skin inflammation, and the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser helps cleanse the skin thoroughly. You should try benzoyl peroxide products that hydrate and moisturize your skin while attempting to improve the skin’s texture. However, you should choose dermatologically tested benzoyl peroxide products that can treat back acne and body acne along with facial acne.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a certified skin care coach who loves trying out different products. She has researched the best benzoyl peroxide products and checked online reviews to curate a perfect list for her readers. Her well-researched article ensures high-quality benzoyl peroxide products that not only prevent acne but also treat your acne marks while removing dirt and excess oil from your pores.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of acne does benzoyl peroxide treat?
Benzoyl peroxide is effective against all types of acne.
What are the side effects of benzoyl peroxide?
The side effects of benzoyl peroxide include burning sensations, blistering, redness, swelling, peeling, dryness, rashes, and itching. If you experience any of these side effects after using benzoyl peroxide, stop using the product and consult your doctor.
Is benzoyl peroxide bad for the skin?
Benzoyl peroxide is generally good for the skin, including sensitive skin. However, certain individuals may experience reactions.
Is 10% benzoyl peroxide too much?
Check how your skin reacts to a product with a lower concentration of benzoyl peroxide.
Can I use benzoyl peroxide every day?
Yes, you can use benzoyl peroxide every day.
Does benzoyl peroxide darken the skin?
Benzoyl peroxide may cause bleaching in some individuals. However, there are no cases stating that it may darken the skin.
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