Do you notice the annoying red acne that is threatening to bring down your glory? Let’s vanish it overnight with some benzoyl peroxide.
How so? Because Benzoyl Peroxide is the ultimate acne warrior!
Why do we say that now? Find out for yourself by scrolling on!
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How does Benzoyl Peroxide function?
When on the skin’s surface, Benzoyl Peroxide transforms into benzoic acid. Then the subsequent release of oxygen results in the removal of micro-organisms, excess oil, and dead skin cells that may have accumulated beneath the skin. This causes the skin to peel, repair comedones, and produce more skin cells. It effectively eliminates inflammatory acne ( pustules, papules, cysts, and nodules).
Who can and cannot use Benzoyl Peroxide?
Don’t use it if you’re suffering from
- Eczema
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Sunburnt skin
- Sensitive skin
- Dry skin
And other than that, don’t use it, if you just want to deal with comedones, blackheads, whiteheads, acne scars, or other minor concerns.
Only use this if your acne is sort of severe. Because many of the aforementioned problems can be easily resolved with other milder ingredients.
Else it can have detrimental consequences and side effects, such as:
- Dryness and skin flaking
- Redness
- Itching
- Peeling
- Rashes
- Bleaching on clothing, (if it comes in contact with them)
How to use Benzoyl Peroxide?
Benzoyl Peroxide comes in OTC and prescription products such as gels, spot treatments, and cleansers. Even with very low concentrations, they are quite powerful. And so to be on the safe side, avoid using these frequently (twice or thrice a week).
Use it directly on the acne-prone area like a spot treatment. You can also use it all over as a lotion.
If it’s a Benzoyl Peroxide Face Wash, use it like you normally use a cleanser. But avoid getting it on your clothing to prevent stains. And be sure to use a soothing ceramide moisturizer to tackle any dryness.
But Before going full throttle, you must patch test. If you find that you can handle it, gradually raise the frequency after starting with a lesser concentration and once every few days.
Benefits of using Benzoyl Peroxide
While it has its own set of drawbacks, Benzoyl Peroxide has numerous benefits such as
- Prevents fresh acne outbreaks
- Kills microorganisms that cause odors.
- Reduces excess oil
- Destroys inflamed acne
- Sheds dead skin
- Reduces scars appearance
- Clears back acne
Now let’s review some popular Benzoyl Peroxide Face Wash and Cleansers
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. When you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Best Benzoyl Peroxide Face Washes
1. Panoxyl Acne Foaming Wash
Panoxyl Acne Foaming Wash includes 10% Benzoyl Peroxide, which is a significant amount and the highest amount we’ve ever seen in a benzoyl peroxide prescription-free product. It can be applied to the body as well, and it works wonders to treat acne on the back.
We recommend this because:
- Non-drying
- Stops recurrence of outbreaks
- Thoroughly removes inflammatory acne
2. Differin Daily Deep Cleanser
Differin is particularly effective at treating maskne and other forms of acne. The frothy texture effectively kills acne-causing germs as it glides into the skin. They assert that it is equally effective to 10% benzoyl peroxide even with its 5% Benzoyl Peroxide.
We recommend this because:
- Deep cleansing
- Non-comedogenic
- Maintains sebum production
- Contains soothing glycerine
3. Cerave Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
This lovely cleanser, with 4% Benzoyl Peroxide, offers three different ceramides. To put it another way, the ceramide-reinforcing barrier prevents any stripping from occurring. It leaves behind skin that is clear and smooth. Additionally, the formulation of this product depends on Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. They soothe skin while preserving moisture. It even thoroughly removes makeup.
We recommend this because:
- Protects skin barrier
- Milky texture
- Not at all drying
- Extremely nourishing
4. PCA SKIN 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Face Wash
PCA Skin is one of the Top Professional Skincare Brands. This face wash from PCA treats acne while calming the skin. Aloe, cucumber, nettle, and chamomile extracts are among the therapeutic elements it contains along with the 5% Benzoyl Peroxide. While preventing further outbreaks, it reduces redness and heals blemishes. Gluconolactone, another ingredient, guards against depleting the skin of its necessities.
We recommend this because:
- Contains Botanical extracts
- Calming formulation
- Gentle on skin
5. Glytone Acne BPO Clearing Cleanser
Glytone Acne BPO Clearing Cleanser contains Encapsulated Benzoyl Peroxide at a 4.5% concentration. This fragrance-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic cleanser clears the skin of blackheads and whiteheads by getting rid of the bacteria that cause acne.
We recommend this because:
- Successfully clears blackheads
- Prevents the development of blind pimples
- Stable formulation
6. Eclat Clarifying 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide Cleanser
This 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide Face Wash effectively and gently cleanses skin due to its emollients and hydrating ingredients. Along with clearing up hyperpigmentation, it also treats acne. The combination of Liquorice and Niacinamide also gives the skin a healthy glow.
We recommend this because:
- Contains Aloe Vera and Liquorice
- Adds hydration to the skin
- Has a gentle cleansing agent
- Vegan
7. Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask
Neutrogena is one of the reputed drugstore brands that offer great quality products. This product from Neutrogena contains 3.5% Benzoyl Peroxide and functions as a mask and a cleanser, as suggested by its name. When using it as a mask keep it on for about 5 minutes, then wash it off. This instantly brightens and softens skin.
We recommend this because:
- Cooling sensation
- Deep cleanse
- Multipurpose
8. Panoxyl Acne Creamy Wash
Dermatologists highly recommend this Benzoyl Peroxide Face Wash from Panoxyl. This face wash aids in the treatment of both recent and past acne. It thoroughly eliminates bacteria, dirt, oil, and contaminants. It contains Benzoyl peroxide at 4%.
We recommend this because:
- Creamy texture
- Unclogs pores
- Quick results
9. Jane Marini Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Acne Treatment Wash
Jane Marini Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Acne Treatment Wash is specifically targeted toward people with oily skin. It eliminates acne without making the skin dry. It thoroughly cleans while preventing the growth of any micro-organisms.
We recommend this because:
- Effective cleanser
- Smooth and soft skin
- Effective for oily skin
10. Fixderma Salyzap Daily Cleanser
Fixderma Salyzap Daily Cleanser contains Benzoyl Peroxide, SEPICONTROL A5, Thymus vulgaris, Cinnamon Extract, and Green Tea Extract to fight off acne. The oil-balancing formula makes it the Best Face Wash for Oily Acne Prone Skin. This cleanser does everything; it gets rid of bacteria, cleans pores, gets rid of blemishes, increases skin turnover, and also boosts collagen production.
We recommend this because:
- Ultimate acne-fighting combo
- Creamy non-drying formula
- Sulphate Free
- Anti-inflammatory
We hope you found this helpful. Because benzoyl peroxide only has brief skin contact as a cleanser, we chose them, as these may be safer alternatives to try Benzoyl Peroxide. And don’t let that acne get the better of you!
So go on now, explore!
Sejal Jain is a passionate beauty content creator at TheBeautyInsideout. She believes that skincare is not just a superficial thing but more like an expression of self-love and respect for your body and yourself.
