Prevent and treat breakouts with these expert recommendations.
We updated this article in January 2023 to add more information about each featured product. Our original top recommendations remain the same, but we’ve added three new ones.
Whether you’re constantly battling rashes or the occasional pimple, you’ve probably heard of (or even tried) benzoyl peroxide, one of the best dermatologist-recommended products for acne. “Benzoyl peroxide has been used to treat acne for more than 85 years,” says Dr. Christine Choi Kim, a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist in Los Angeles, California. “Benzoyl peroxide is the ultimate all-around product: It’s antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, keratolytic (which dissolves the top layer of dead skin cells), and comedolytic (which dissolves blackheads and whiteheads).” This powerful FDA-approved acne-fighting ingredient also kills certain bacteria that cause acne, so it’s essential for preventing breakouts, too.
How does it do all of these amazing things when it comes to fighting acne? “Benzoyl peroxide is oil-soluble, so it can effectively penetrate sebum-filled pores, kill bacteria, and dissolve dead skin cells,” explains Chiara Butler, an analyst at the GH Institute’s Beauty, Wellness & Sustainability Lab. While it’s definitely an ingredient to include in your daily acne treatment, Butler warns that it may bleach clothing, colored towels, and even your hair. “I recommend wearing a headband when using benzoyl peroxide to keep your hair out of your face, and drying your body with a white towel after using a benzoyl peroxide face or body wash to avoid staining,” she adds.
Here are the best benzoyl peroxide products to permanently clear your skin, according to dermatologists, the skincare experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Beauty Lab, and great reviews online. These products include gels, acne products, face washes, and more.
1
Best Overall Benzoyl Peroxide Product
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo – Dual Action Acne Treatment with Benzoyl Peroxide
Both Dr. Choi Kim and Beauty Director April Franzino of Good Housekeeping recommend this multi-purpose benzoyl peroxide treatment from La Roche-Posay. “It can be applied selectively and thinly to affected areas,” says Dr. Choi Kim. It also contains 5.5% micronized melanin and micro-exfoliating hydroxy acids. This helps treat inflammatory acne while preventing blackheads and pimples.
Franzino adds that it doesn’t dry out the skin: “I use it for irregular breakouts and find it works well without drying out my complexion.” Rachel Rothman, Chief Technologist and Executive Technical Director at Good Housekeeping, also uses it as a spot treatment and finds it very helpful for hormonal breakouts. One thing is for sure: It’s a powerful product. Follow the directions and stick to the recommended usage; some reviewers note that overuse can dry out the skin.
2
Best Benzoyl Peroxide Products
Neutrogena Fast Acting Acne Gel
If you’re looking for an affordable, fast, and effective acne treatment, look no further than Neutrogena’s Best Acne Treatment, which has over 10,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. Formulated with 10% benzoyl peroxide, the gel promises to shrink pimples and reduce redness in just two hours. “If I get a nasty breakout at night, I just slather on some of this and wake up and it’s basically gone,” one reviewer raves.
3
Best Benzoyl Peroxide Gel
RODAN + FIELDS Flawless Dual-Action Acne Treatment
While benzoyl peroxide is highly effective for treating acne, it can cause irritation, especially when first applied. “This product from Rodan + Fields uses a unique dual-chamber delivery system that releases BP from one chamber and a gel that enhances penetration from the other,” explains Dr. Choi Kim. “The blend of ingredients allows the low dose of 2.5% BP to effectively penetrate pores without irritating the skin.” It also contains skincare ingredients like glycerin, allantoin, niacinamide, and ceramides to moisturize and plump the skin.
4
Best Benzoyl Peroxide Cleansers
Differin 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Daily Deep Cleanse
With a quality cleanser like Differin, you can treat acne and benzoyl peroxide at the same time. “This cleanser with 5% benzoyl peroxide and moisturizing glycerin is effective yet gentle,” says Dr. Choi Kim. “It doesn’t leave your skin feeling dry or dehydrated like other BP cleansers.” She also appreciates that the product is free of dyes and other ingredients that may cause irritation. However, make sure you use it regularly; testers noted that regular use is necessary for best results.
5
Best Benzoyl Peroxide Spot Treatments
Jori Daily Leave-On Acne Mask
As the name suggests, the Joris Leave-On Mask is gentle enough for daily use, and like most BP products, is meant for overnight use. It contains 2.5% micronized benzoyl peroxide, which is fine enough to penetrate deep into pores and get to the root of acne. “I use it as a spot treatment with the Joris Salicylic Acid Acne and Oil Control Primer to treat and get rid of pesky pimples,” says Catherine Malzahn, beauty assistant at Good Housekeeping. “This mask is super gentle, but it works—I apply it at night, and the next morning my pimples are noticeably smaller and less irritated.”
6
Best Products with Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Skin Acne Treatment 3-Step System
This three-step system from La Roche-Posay is a true acne treatment. In addition to the powerful Effaclear Duo treatment, which contains 5.5% micronized benzoyl peroxide and moisturizing glycerin, the skincare set also includes a cleansing and clarifying solution with salicylic acid to help you treat acne every step of the way. Dr. Choi Kim praises it as “great for sensitive skin, oil-free and non-comedogenic.”As with any new acne-fighting product, start using this system slowly in your skincare routine, as some testers noticed skin irritation.
7
Best Benzoyl Peroxide Body Wash
PanOxyl Acne-Fighting Foaming Cleanser 10% Benzoyl Peroxide
For body acne, the skin can usually tolerate higher concentrations of benzoyl peroxide. “PanOxyl’s Maximum Potency 10% BP is the highest strength over-the-counter solution available, making it perfect for in-shower use to help manage chest and back acne,” says Dr. Choi Kim. “It’s pH-balanced and contains four emollients and three hydrating ingredients to offset potential dryness.”
8
Best Benzoyl Peroxide Cleanser for Acne
PanOxyl Antibacterial Acne-Fighting Cleanser, 4% Benzoyl Peroxide
Good Housekeeping editorial assistant Adrianna Freedman had long struggled with dry skin and acne, and struggled to maintain a balanced complexion, until she discovered PanOxyl’s cleanser. “I found this cleanser on TikTok and have never regretted it,” she says. “I love that it doesn’t leave my skin feeling super dry while helping me clear my subcutaneous acne faster than most other cleansers.” Plus, the low price was important to her. “The only caveat is that it can leave stains, so be careful with towel-drying your face,” Friedman warns. “But if that’s the only problem, I don’t want it to get better!”
9
Best Benzoyl Peroxide Products for Sensitive Skin
CeraVe Acne-Fighting Foaming Cleanser
Benzoyl peroxide isn’t always a good idea for sensitive skin. This cleanser from CeraVe soothes and moisturizes while treating acne, thanks to hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides. It has over 20,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. The creamy foam formula is soft and soothing without leaving a tight feeling.
“I’ve used several acne cleansers, and this one stood out: It left my skin refreshed without drying it out — at least compared to other products I’ve tried,” says Grace Wu, product analyst for Good Housekeeping Textiles. “I have sensitive skin and (very) dry skin, so I appreciate that this product feels gentle and doesn’t dry it out. A word of caution: Be patient and stick with it even if you don’t see results right away; some reviewers report that it may take a while for your skin to change.”
10
Best Soothing Benzoyl Peroxide Products
SLMD BP Body Wash
Butler appreciates the creamy texture of this SLMD body wash and the eucalyptus oil it contains, which creates the same mild, cooling sensation as some benzoyl peroxide cleansers. It also contains the skin-soothing active ingredients allantoin and niacinamide. Although Butler only uses it occasionally, it’s gentle enough for daily use. While most users love its texture, some note that it doesn’t lather well.
How We Select the Best Benzoyl Peroxide Products
While the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab has not officially tested benzoyl peroxide products, scientists at the GH Beauty Lab are continually testing the latest skincare products, including the best face washes, retinols for sensitive skin, sunscreens, and more. We used decades of expertise, dermatologist advice, recommendations from Beauty Lab experts, and verified customer reviews to compile this list.
What to Look for When Shopping for the Best Benzoyl Peroxide Products
For severe acne, you can get highly effective prescription benzoyl peroxide products from your dermatologist. However, for mild to moderate acne, you can easily find over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide products in a variety of strengths. When choosing a BP product, Dr. Choi Kim recommends starting with a lower percentage, around 2.5% or 5%, to “maximize effectiveness and minimize irritation.”
For sensitive skin, we recommend formulas with humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and allantoin to soothe and moisturize the skin at the same time. Or, if you’re looking for a particularly effective acne treatment, try a product that combines BP with the acne-reducing ingredient salicylic acid, a topical antibiotic, or certain topical retinoids like adapalene. Because each skincare ingredient fights acne differently, they can work together to treat all types of acne and prevent breakouts.
What skin types are good for benzoyl peroxide?
Like many acne treatments, benzoyl peroxide “works best for oily, acne-prone, and breakout-prone skin, as well as people with acne on their chest, back, shoulders, or buttocks,” Dr. Choi Kim explains. Benzoyl peroxide is suitable for treating all types of acne, including cysts, blackheads, and whiteheads, but it’s especially good for treating inflammatory cystic acne.
However, BP can dry out the skin, so it’s not suitable for people with dry or particularly sensitive skin. People with rosacea or eczema should also avoid it. If you’re pregnant, you should consult your doctor before using products containing benzoyl peroxide.
Why Trust Good Housekeeping?
Dori Price interviewed several experts to gather the best information on benzoyl peroxide. With over 15 years of experience researching and writing about skincare, she combines her knowledge with the expertise of industry-leading professionals, including dermatologists and estheticians. She is an expert on all product categories for face and body care—from cleansers to toners, serums, moisturizers, sunscreens, exfoliants, masks, specialty treatments, and more.
Chiara Butler contributed to this article, sharing her expert advice and product recommendations on benzoyl peroxide. She is a testing analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab, where she conducts real-world testing of health and beauty products. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she worked as a cosmetic chemist and developed skincare products for various brands. She learned how to decipher ingredient lists, evaluate ingredients for effectiveness, and verify product claims.
