Benzoyl Peroxide Vs. Salicylic Acid: Which Is Better For Acne Treatment?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kendall R. Roehl, MD, FACS
May 3, 2019 by Pratima Ati

When it comes to acne treatment, two ingredients stand out – benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Ask any dermatologist or cosmetician, and they’ll recommend one of these two ingredients to get rid of those pesky pimples. Both do wonders for your skin. But, are they interchangeable? If yes, which one is better? Can you make do with just one of them? Find out answers to all these questions and more. Scroll down!

Benzoyl Peroxide

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What Is Benzoyl Peroxide?

Benzoyl peroxide is an effective non-prescription drug that is extensively used for topical application because of its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties (1). It has anti-inflammatory, keratolytic, and comedolytic properties that help treat mild to moderate acne vulgaris (1). Benzoyl peroxide is used in creams, lotions, and gels in 2.5% – 10% dosages. The prescribed dosage varies depending on the severity of acne that needs to be treated.

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What Are The Benefits Of Benzoyl Peroxide And How Does It Help Treat Acne?

1. Controls Oil Production

Benzoyl peroxide is known to decrease excess sebum production, which is a major cause of acne. Overactive oil glands trigger acne by clogging your pores. Benzoyl peroxide absorbs this excess oil and dries it out.

2. Antibacterial And Anti-inflammatory

The bacteria under the topmost layer of your skin can trigger the spread of acne and lead to other issues like pus, swelling, and bleeding. Topical application of benzoyl peroxide kills these bacteria to treat acne. The oxidizing properties of benzoyl peroxide help eliminate anaerobic bacteria effectively. This ingredient also reduces inflammation and redness and dries out pimples.

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How To Use Benzoyl Peroxide

Note: Don’t ever apply benzoyl peroxide directly to your skin. Use it indirectly through products that contain this ingredient.

Using BP in conjunction with clindamycin or erythromycin can decrease acne significantly (2).

Remove all your makeup before you cleanse your face with a benzoyl peroxide-based cleanser.
Cleanse and tone your skin before applying any serum, gel, or lotion to it that contains benzoyl peroxide.
Start with the minimum concentration of 2.5% benzoyl peroxide before working your way up to 10%.
Consult a dermatologist before using products with a higher potency.
Avoid using it around the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Always do a patch test to check if it can cause any irritation or breakouts.

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Side Effects Of Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is a bleaching agent and can dry out your skin excessively.
It can cause peeling, redness, and flakiness. Therefore, you need to start with a small dosage to see how your skin reacts.
Using BP excessively can cause wrinkles and fine lines because it robs your skin of moisture.
Benzoyl peroxide can cause increased sensitivity to the sun, so it needs to be followed up with a good sunscreen.

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Benzoyl Peroxide Products That You Can Try

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La Roche-Possay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment – Buy it here!
Paula’s Choice Daily Skin Clearing Treatment – Buy it here!
Neutrogena Clear Pore Skin Cleanser/Mask – Buy it here!
Humane Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Acne Wash – Buy it here!
Exposed Skin Care Acne Treatment Serum – Buy it here!

Now that you know everything you need to know about benzoyl peroxide, let’s check out what effect salicylic acid can have on acne.

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Salicylic Acid

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What Is Salicylic Acid?

Dermatologists have been recommending salicylic acid for acne for decades, and it has now become a big part of the skin care industry. Salicylic acid is known to treat acne at the root by scraping off dead skin cells without drying your skin out. It is a natural exfoliant (3). It also promotes comedolytic activity. Most acne treatments contain salicylic acid, and it is usually combined with other ingredients to improve its efficacy (4). Products use anywhere between 0.5- 5% concentration of salicylic acid. Higher concentrations can only be prescribed by a dermatologist.

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What Are The Benefits Of Salicylic Acid?

1. Clears Clogged Pores

Salicylic acid is a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) that permeates your skin easily and breaks down the fatty acids in the excess sebum that your skin secretes (5). By doing this, it unclogs your pores, thereby controlling acne.

2. Keratolytic Agent

Salicylic acid is a keratolytic agent (5). This means that it helps soften a protein called keratin that is a big component of our skin. It permeates and softens the skin that has hardened around clogged pores.

3. Increased Cell Turnover

Salicylic acid helps open up your pores and regenerate new skin cells. It also boosts collagen production, thereby improving the overall texture of your skin.

4. Improves Blood Circulation

Salicylic acid improves blood circulation, which, in turn, helps clear the oil built up in acne-prone areas. It also prevents the accumulation of sebum. Increased blood circulation also leaves you with brighter and clearer skin.

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How To Use Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is found in a range of products – cleansers, serums, gels, lotions, scrubs, and moisturizers.
Use a salicylic acid-based gel or serum twice a day. Remove your makeup and cleanse your face thoroughly before applying it.
Always follow up a salicylic acid serum with a moisturizer as it can dry out skin that is already dry.
Check to see if the concentration of salicylic acid is at least 0.5 to 2%.
If you have sensitive skin, consult a dermatologist before you start using salicylic acid.
Do a patch test to see how your skin reacts to salicylic acid.

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Side Effects Of Salicylic Acid

- It might dry skin that is already dry.
- It takes a few weeks to show results.
- It might cause skin discoloration if used for an extended period.

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Salicylic Acid Products You Can Try

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Murad Time Release Acne Cleanser – Buy it here!
Dermalogica Sebum Clearing Masque – Buy it here!
Biore Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser – Buy it here!
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution – Buy it here!
Mario Badescu Anti-Acne Serum – Buy it here!

Now that you know everything about benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, and how they help treat acne, you must be wondering which one is better. Read the next section to find out!

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Benzoyl Peroxide Vs. Salicylic Acid: Which One Is Better For Acne Treatment?

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Before we declare a clear winner, it is essential to understand that it is a relative comparison and both do different things. Salicylic acid stands out between the two for various reasons – it is gentle on the skin, treats acne at the root by removing dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and controls sebum production. On the other hand, benzoyl peroxide kills the bacteria breeding on your skin’s surface to treat acne. It is also quite harsh on your skin, and its excessive use might lead to other skin issues.

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Remember to research your skin care products and the ingredients in them before you start using them. Topical applications will take a few weeks to show any visible results because acne needs to be treated internally. Have you tried benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid yet? Do you have any more questions about these two ingredients? Let us know in the comments section below.

Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

Q: Is it safe to use both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid at the same time?

A: Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid do different things. Therefore, many spot treatment creams combine them to combat all the issues caused by acne. However, benzoyl peroxide can cause dryness, redness, and peeling. It’s best to use them separately by alternating between night and day creams.

References

“Acne Vulgaris Treatment…” Indian Journal Of Dermatology, US National Library Of Medicine.
“Acne Vulgaris: Diagnosis And Treatment” Clinical Guidance, Federal Bureau of Prisons.
“Over-the-counter Acne Treatments” The Journal Of Clinical And Aesthetic Dermatology, US National Library Of Medicine.
“Efficacy And Tolerance Of A Derivative Of Salicylic Acid…” Clinical Trials, US National Library of Medicine.
“Salicylic Acid As A Peeling… “ Clinical, Cosmetic, And Investigation Dermatology, US National Library Of Medicine.