The Journal of Dermatology · 2017 · rct · n=609
Randomized controlled trial (n=609, 12 weeks): Replicates Mills 1986 finding in Asian skin with larger n; 72.7% vs 75.0% vs 41.7% lesion reduction 2.5 vs 5 vs placebo.
antimicrobial
Benzoyl Peroxide
Evidencestrong · Tier 1Irritation riskModerateEffective range2.5–10%In products25
Releases free-radical oxygen that is bactericidal against C. acnes (no resistance) and mildly keratolytic/comedolytic. First-line topical for inflammatory acne; oxidises retinoids and vitamin C if co-applied.
Concerns it helps
| Concern | Strength | Studies | What the research says |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acne & breakouts | Excellent | 7 | BPO is the gold-standard adjunct for preventing C. acnes antibiotic resistance during topical or oral antibiotic acne therapy. Crawford 1979 (J Invest Dermatol 72:187-190) was the foundational paper showing BPO prevents… |
| Blackheads | Strong | — | Mild-but-real comedolytic; sufficient for mild comedonal, but retinoids/SA superior. Moderate. |
| Post-acne marks | Relevant | — | Indirect only — reduces the acne that causes marks; no direct pigment action. Marginal. |
Not recommended for: Melasma. Benzoyl Peroxide may aggravate this concern/condition.
Strength reflects the ingredient’s effect on each concern; study counts match research whose findings relate to that concern.
The research
Benzoyl Peroxide is a antimicrobial backed by a large, consistent body of clinical evidence (evidence tier 1 of 4). We track 15 studies for it, 11 reporting a positive effect. It is typically effective at 2.5–10% in a formulation.
Read the research — 15 studiesHide the research
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · 2020 · systematic review
Systematic review: Current evidence synthesis confirming BPO efficacy for acne moderate certainty of evidence.
International Journal of Dermatology · 1986 · rct · n=153
Randomized controlled trial (n=153, 8 weeks): Efficacy equivalence across concentrations with tolerability advantage for 2.5%.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology · 2024 · rct
Randomized controlled trial: 2024 FDA approved triple combination product evidence; represents current state of art acne combination therapy.
The Journal of Dermatology · 2017 · observational · n=458
Clinical study (n=458, 52 weeks): Long term maintenance efficacy and no MIC drift supporting no antibiotic resistance development.
Journal of Investigative Dermatology · 2025 · observational
Clinical study: Follow up to 2024 EHP paper; established that BHT antioxidant mitigates benzene formation important for formulation guidance.
+ 9 more studies in our evidence base.
Products with Benzoyl Peroxide
In 25 products — most often cleansers (14), serums (10), moisturizers (1), from $8.49 to $120.00. Set up a profile to rank these for your skin. Click any product to learn more.
10 of 15
Proactiv
Cleanser
$25.00118.3ml · $0.21/ml
★★★★★4.7(1,556)
Ideal for
- ExcellentAcne & breakouts
- StrongBlackheads
- RelevantFine lines & wrinkles
- RelevantDryness
Not recommended for
MelasmaSeborrheic DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPerioral DermatitisPsoriasis
Proactiv
Cleanser
$25.00118.3ml · $0.21/ml
★★★★★4.7(1,556)
Ideal for
- ExcellentAcne & breakouts
- StrongBlackheads
- RelevantFine lines & wrinkles
- RelevantDryness
Not recommended for
MelasmaSeborrheic DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPerioral DermatitisPsoriasis
Solution Renewing Cleanser is a water cleanser by Proactiv. Key ingredients include Benzoyl Peroxide, Water, Glyceryl Stearate.
Product Ingredients (12)
Irritation risk: unlikely possible likely
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profileProactiv
Serum
$35.0059.1ml · $0.59/ml
★★★★★4.6(1,470)
Ideal for
- ExcellentDryness
- ExcellentAcne & breakouts
- StrongRedness & sensitivity
- StrongBlackheads
Not recommended for
MelasmaAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaSeborrheic DermatitisPerioral DermatitisPsoriasis
Proactiv
Serum
$35.0059.1ml · $0.59/ml
★★★★★4.6(1,470)
Ideal for
- ExcellentDryness
- ExcellentAcne & breakouts
- StrongRedness & sensitivity
- StrongBlackheads
Not recommended for
MelasmaAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaSeborrheic DermatitisPerioral DermatitisPsoriasis
Solution Repairing Treatment is a acne treatment by Proactiv. Key ingredients include Benzoyl Peroxide, Water, Cyclopentasiloxane.
Product Ingredients (17)
Irritation risk: unlikely possible likely
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profileCeraVe
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Wash
Moisturizer – for Acne & breakouts, barrier_repair
$19.99
★★★★★4.6(695)
Ideal for
- ExcellentDryness
- ExcellentAcne & breakouts
- StrongBlackheads
- StrongFine lines & wrinkles
Not recommended for
Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaMelasmaPsoriasis
CeraVe
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Wash
Moisturizer – for Acne & breakouts, barrier_repair
$19.99
★★★★★4.6(695)
Ideal for
- ExcellentDryness
- ExcellentAcne & breakouts
- StrongBlackheads
- StrongFine lines & wrinkles
Not recommended for
Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaMelasmaPsoriasis
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Wash is a exfoliant by CeraVe. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol.
Product Ingredients (17)
Irritation risk: unlikely possible likely
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profile
Acnecide Face Gel Spot Treatment with Benzoyl Peroxide 15g
Serum
$12.6915ml · $0.85/ml
★★★★★4.6(1,243)
Ideal for
- ExcellentAcne & breakouts
- StrongBlackheads
- StrongDryness
Not recommended for
MelasmaAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosacea
Acnecide Face Gel Spot Treatment with Benzoyl Peroxide 15g
Serum
$12.6915ml · $0.85/ml
★★★★★4.6(1,243)
Ideal for
- ExcellentAcne & breakouts
- StrongBlackheads
- StrongDryness
Not recommended for
MelasmaAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosacea
Acnecide Face Gel Spot Treatment with Benzoyl Peroxide 15g is a acne treatment by . Key ingredients include Benzoyl Peroxide, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin.
Product Ingredients (4)
Irritation risk: unlikely possible likely
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profile
Acnecide Face Wash Spot Treatment with Benzoyl Peroxide 50g
Cleanser
$12.6950ml · $0.25/ml
★★★★★4.5(780)
Ideal for
- ExcellentAcne & breakouts
- StrongBlackheads
- StrongDryness
Not recommended for
Melasma
Acnecide Face Wash Spot Treatment with Benzoyl Peroxide 50g
Cleanser
$12.6950ml · $0.25/ml
★★★★★4.5(780)
Ideal for
- ExcellentAcne & breakouts
- StrongBlackheads
- StrongDryness
Not recommended for
Melasma
Acnecide Face Wash Spot Treatment with Benzoyl Peroxide 50g is a water cleanser by . Key ingredients include Benzoyl Peroxide, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide.
Product Ingredients (4)
Irritation risk: unlikely possible likely
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profilePanOxyl
Acne Creamy Wash with 4% Benzoyl Peroxide
Cleanser
$13.49177.4ml · $0.08/ml
★★★★★4.5(856)
Ideal for
- ExcellentAcne & breakouts
- StrongBlackheads
- StrongDryness
Not recommended for
MelasmaSeborrheic Dermatitis
PanOxyl
Acne Creamy Wash with 4% Benzoyl Peroxide
Cleanser
$13.49177.4ml · $0.08/ml
★★★★★4.5(856)
Ideal for
- ExcellentAcne & breakouts
- StrongBlackheads
- StrongDryness
Not recommended for
MelasmaSeborrheic Dermatitis
Acne Creamy Wash with 4% Benzoyl Peroxide is a water cleanser by PanOxyl. Key ingredients include Benzoyl Peroxide, Decyl Glucoside, Dimethicone.
Product Ingredients (12)
Irritation risk: unlikely possible likely
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profilePanOxyl
Acne Foaming Wash with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide - 3.0 oz
Cleanser
$8.4988.7ml · $0.10/ml
★★★★★4.5(1,452)
Ideal for
- ExcellentAcne & breakouts
- StrongBlackheads
- StrongDryness
Not recommended for
MelasmaSeborrheic Dermatitis
PanOxyl
Acne Foaming Wash with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide - 3.0 oz
Cleanser
$8.4988.7ml · $0.10/ml
★★★★★4.5(1,452)
Ideal for
- ExcellentAcne & breakouts
- StrongBlackheads
- StrongDryness
Not recommended for
MelasmaSeborrheic Dermatitis
Acne Foaming Wash with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide - 3.0 oz is a water cleanser by PanOxyl. Key ingredients include Benzoyl Peroxide, Decyl Glucoside, Dimethicone.
Product Ingredients (12)
Irritation risk: unlikely possible likely
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profileCeraVe
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
Cleanser – for Acne & breakouts, Dryness
$17.99
★★★★★4.4(2,274)
Ideal for
- ExcellentDryness
- ExcellentAcne & breakouts
- StrongBlackheads
- StrongFine lines & wrinkles
Not recommended for
MelasmaAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisPerioral Dermatitis
CeraVe
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
Cleanser – for Acne & breakouts, Dryness
$17.99
★★★★★4.4(2,274)
Ideal for
- ExcellentDryness
- ExcellentAcne & breakouts
- StrongBlackheads
- StrongFine lines & wrinkles
Not recommended for
MelasmaAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisPerioral Dermatitis
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser is a water cleanser by CeraVe. Key ingredients include Benzoyl Peroxide, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol.
Product Ingredients (8)
Irritation risk: unlikely possible likely
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profileDifferin
5% Benzoyl Peroxide Daily Deep Cleanser
Cleanser
$13.99118.3ml · $0.12/ml
★★★★★4.3(758)
Ideal for
- ExcellentAcne & breakouts
- StrongBlackheads
- StrongDryness
Not recommended for
Melasma
Differin
5% Benzoyl Peroxide Daily Deep Cleanser
Cleanser
$13.99118.3ml · $0.12/ml
★★★★★4.3(758)
Ideal for
- ExcellentAcne & breakouts
- StrongBlackheads
- StrongDryness
Not recommended for
Melasma
5% Benzoyl Peroxide Daily Deep Cleanser is a water cleanser by Differin. Key ingredients include Benzoyl Peroxide, Carbomer, Glycerin.
Product Ingredients (5)
Irritation risk: unlikely possible likely
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profileLa Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Dual Action Acne Face Wash With 4% Benzoyl Peroxide
Cleanser – for Acne & breakouts, Dryness
$20.99
★★★★★4.7(340)
Ideal for
- ExcellentAcne & breakouts
- ExcellentDryness
- StrongBlackheads
- StrongFine lines & wrinkles
Not recommended for
MelasmaAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPerioral DermatitisPsoriasis
La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Dual Action Acne Face Wash With 4% Benzoyl Peroxide
Cleanser – for Acne & breakouts, Dryness
$20.99
★★★★★4.7(340)
Ideal for
- ExcellentAcne & breakouts
- ExcellentDryness
- StrongBlackheads
- StrongFine lines & wrinkles
Not recommended for
MelasmaAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPerioral DermatitisPsoriasis
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Dual Action Acne Face Wash With 4% Benzoyl Peroxide is a water cleanser by La Roche-Posay. Key ingredients include Benzoyl Peroxide, Water, Glycerin.
Product Ingredients (17)
Irritation risk: unlikely possible likely
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profileEducational information, not medical advice. Study findings summarise the cited research and may not reflect every formulation.