Have you been wanting to give skin care products with benzoyl peroxide a go but don’t know where to start? Benzoyl Peroxide is one of the most effective ingredients for fighting acne, but it can be difficult to find the right products to incorporate due to its naturally drying nature. In this list, you’ll find an option for every skin type to tackle that stubborn acne without turning your face into the Sahara Desert.
Most of us have probably heard of how effective skin care products with benzoyl peroxide can be for combatting acne. And if you’re anything like me, you want to do your research to make sure you’re finding the best formulations available that work, but won’t wreck your skin barrier in return.
As someone who has struggled with hormonal acne for 4+ years, and spent more money than she cares to admit, these are the best benzoyl peroxide skin care products I’ve tested that help keep all kinds of breakouts at bay.
In this article you’ll find benzoyl peroxide spot treatments, all-over-treatments, benzoyl peroxide cleansers, creams, and gels.
After reading about these treatments and the range of formulas that they’re available in, you’re sure to find one that works for your unique zit-zapping concerns. And remember, start slowly even if you aren’t new to the ingredient!
This post is all about the best benzoyl peroxide skin care products for acne.
Best Skin Care Products With Benzoyl Peroxide for Acne
1.) Benzoyl Peroxide Face Wash
We all know the cult-favorite brand CeraVe, and they’ve struck gold once again with this Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser.
Along with 4% benzoyl peroxide to treat existing acne and prevent new acne from forming, this cleanser also contains ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to help maintain the skin barrier and mitigate any drying or flaking that might occur.
It’s fragrance free, non-stripping, and ideal for even the most sensitive types that want to give benzoyl peroxide a go. You can’t get much gentler than this in a face wash with benzoyl peroxide.
Bonus: It can also work as a mask! Apply to damp skin and leave on for 5 minutes then rinse!
Another great option for a benzoyl peroxide cleanser is Differin’s Daily Deep Cleanser formulated with 5% benzoyl peroxide. This is the same brand that makes the famous Differin Adapalene Retinoid Gel- one of the most recommended topical acne retinol treatments ever- so you know this cleanser was crafted with the same intention behind it. Dispense a small dollop, massage in for 20-30 seconds, expect improvement.
2.) Benzoyl Peroxide Spot Treatment
Clean and Clear gets a bad rap ( and it’s not ALL for no reason, some of their products do tend to be unnecessarily harsh) but their persa-gel 10 benzoyl peroxide spot treatment is a genuine all-star. It has the maximum strength of benzoyl peroxide available in a product. And it kills erupting cysts in a flash.
It is, however, crucial that you only use this as a spot treatment as intended. A 10% benzoyl peroxide formula used all over the face is too much for even the most tolerable of skin types. If I feel a massive cyst forming, I pop a small amount of this on and it cuts its life cycle in half. Only 5 bucks too.
La Roche-Posay is a cult-favorite French skin care brand known for their highly effective products, and no bs approach. Their Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment is a top favorite skin care product with benzoyl peroxide for its ability to quell the size and redness of swollen spots without compromising the integrity of the skin barrier.
Its micronized (fancy for broken down into smaller particles so it’s more easily tolerated but not less effective) 5.5% benzoyl peroxide reduces the size and severity of breakouts. It also includes LHA( Lipo-Hydroxy Acid) to gradually smooth skin texture and reduce pigmentation left by breakouts over time.
You can use this as an all-over acne treatment, but I recommend starting out with it as a spot treatment to begin with before going all-out!
3.) Benzoyl Peroxide Cream/ All-Over Treatment
Neutrogena’s Stubborn Acne Benzoyl Peroxide AM Treatment is a fantastic choice if you want to incorporate the ingredient for upkeep in a routine. Or if you’re new to it.This benzoyl peroxide cream isn’t as strong as the previous options, so it’s ideal for use several times a week as a prevention measure rather than for eliminating large, swollen pimples.
This leave on cream contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide and it’s a thin, rapid-absorbing formula that leaves no residue behind whatsoever. This makes it easily layer-able into an already-existing routine. And the fact that it’s only 10 dollars doesn’t hurt either.
Kate Somerville’s Anti Bac Acne Clearing Lotion has been around for a looooong time. It’s also my personal favorite. I genuinely like all of these products, but this one is my holy grail. It’s a lightweight, but still moisturizing 5% benzoyl peroxide cream. It diminishes existing blemishes, prevents new ones, and absorbs excess oil.
This can be used similarly to the Neutrogena one, as upkeep. But I like to mix this one in directly with my moisturizer as opposed to its own layer. It blends seamlessly, does not pill, and never leaves you feeling dried out. I credit a lot of my progress to this product. Works great on chest and back acne too!
Use Urban Skin Rx’s Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment just like it says. As a spot treatment or as an all-over serum. It’s strong stuff, so starting out with it as a spot treatment or a very thin layer a couple times a week to start is a good idea.
5% benzoyl peroxide and 5% glycolic acid treat both active acne and the discoloration that can be left over after the breakouts heal. It’s also formulated with Arnica, Echinacea, and Willow Bark extract to combat inflammation. This product is packed with potent stuff. Build up to regular use gradually and expect a brighter, more clear complexion overall.
This post was all about the best skin care products with benzoyl peroxide for treating acne.
