Table Of Contents
- Our review process
- How does benzoyl peroxide work?
- What Type of Acne can benzoyl peroxide Treat?
- Top Rated Benzoyl Peroxide Face Washes
- #1 – CeraVe – Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
- #2 -Humane – Acne Wash (Maximum-Strength)
- #3 -Differin – Daily Deep Cleanser
- #4 -AcneFree- Oil Free Acne Cleanser
- #5 -Naturium – Benzoyl Peroxide Cream Cleanser
- How to choose the right benzoyl peroxide face wash for you
- How to choose the right benzoyl peroxide face wash for you
- Who should not use benzoyl peroxide
- Benzoyl peroxide’s side effects
- Summary
With dozens of benzoyl peroxide face washes on the market, it can be hard to determine which one is best for your needs. We’ve done the research and rounded up the top benzoyl peroxide face washes available in 2023 so that you can pick the right one for your skin type.
Our review process
We reviewed the benzoyl peroxide face washes, looking at their ingredients, reviews, ratings, and overall performance. We then compared each one to find out which ones are truly the best. After careful consideration, we’ve narrowed it down to five that stand out above the rest.
Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a small commission if you buy products through our links.
A quick look at the top-rated face washes containing benzoyl peroxide, ranging from those for sensitive skin to those suitable for dry or oily acne-prone skin
- Best Overall benzoyl peroxide face wash for all skin types: CeraVe – Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
- Maximum Strenght wash – best for very oily skin or severe acne: Humane – Acne Wash (Maximum-Strength)
- Best for Daily use on normal or combination skin: Differin – Daily Deep Cleanser
- Best benzoyl peroxide face wash for Sensitive Skin: AcneFree- Oil Free Acne Cleanser
- Best pH-friendly formula, gentle cleanser for all skin types: Naturium – Benzoyl Peroxide Cream Cleanser
How does benzoyl peroxide work?
Benzoyl peroxide has been a trusted acne treatment since the 1930s. [1] It’s one of the most effective treatments for reducing breakouts and improving overall skin appearance. This active ingredient can clear clogged pores, reduce inflammation, and kill bacteria that can cause breakouts and irritation.
It works by releasing oxygen molecules into the pores, killing acne-inducing bacteria while also unclogging them deep inside. This helps to reduce inflammation while preventing new blemishes from forming. Benzoyl peroxide is an extremely safe treatment option that helps clear acne and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin types. [3]
So, not only does it eliminate existing blemishes, but it also protects against future outbreaks while promoting healthy-looking skin.
What Type of Acne can benzoyl peroxide Treat?
Well, BPO is suitable for treating a wide range of blemishes, including non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne. It can help reduce both whiteheads and blackheads, which are common characteristics of mild to moderate acne. [2]
When combined with simple strategies to reduce irritation, the perfect benzoyl peroxide face or body wash can be an absolute lifesaver for those suffering from common acne.
Top Rated Benzoyl Peroxide Face Washes
#1 – CeraVe – Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
This benzoyl peroxide face wash from CeraVe is perfect for tackling acne and breakouts. It contains 4% benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria, soothe inflammation, and reduce redness, while hyaluronic acid helps keep your skin hydrated. It also contains niacinamide and ceramides to help reinforce the skin’s barrier, reduce the signs of aging and acne scars, as well as brighten and even out skin tone.
Here’s what we love:
- 4% Benzoyl Peroxide anti-acne treatment for mild to moderate acne
- Preserve your skin’s protective barrier for a healthy complexion
- Gentle on your skin
- Developed with dermatologists
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-Free
- Great for all acne-prone skin
Here’s what we don’t like:
- On occasion, some users have reported that the product does not produce enough foam.
Product Takeaway: For an all-in-one benzoyl peroxide cleanser, ceraVe face wash is your best bet. It contains benzoyl peroxide to tackle acne breakouts, as well as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to keep skin hydrated and reduce dark spots.
Important
Research has revealed that the pairing of benzoyl peroxide and niacinamide outperforms using just benzoyl peroxide to alleviate mild to moderate facial acne. [4]
#2 -Humane – Acne Wash (Maximum-Strength)
This benzoyl peroxide acne face wash from Humane is specially formulated to tackle stubborn acne that doesn’t seem to respond to regular treatments.
This product is formulated with 10% benzoyl peroxide to penetrate pores and obliterate bacteria. Gluconolactone, a substance akin to salicylic acid, also works its magic by delicately exfoliating the skin to reduce visible signs of aging, balancing out tone and texture, as well as unclogging pores without causing irritation like traditional AHA or BHA exfoliants tend to do, i.e., glycolic acid or salicylic acid.
Here’s what we love:
- 10% Benzoyl peroxides – maximum strength active ingredient for moderate to severe acne-prone skin
- Excellent for normal to oily skin
- Dermatologist tested
- Absorbs Excess Oil
- Vegan
- Cruelty-Free
Here’s what we don’t like:
- Can cause dryness
- Can sometimes have a slight chemical scent
Product Takeaway:
Humane has created an effective benzoyl peroxide face wash specifically designed to tackle stubborn acne. It contains 10% benzoyl peroxide to kill acne-causing bacteria and gluconolactone (P.H.A.) to gently exfoliate the skin without irritation.
#3 -Differin – Daily Deep Cleanser
This benzoyl peroxide face wash from Differin is perfect for anyone looking for a gentle yet effective daily acne face wash. It contains 5% benzoyl peroxide to help reduce and prevent acne, while glycerin helps moisturize the skin. This face wash is free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, which makes it suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Here’s what we love:
- 5% benzoyl peroxide – Dual-action, micronized anti-acne formula for moderate acne
- Gentle cleanser – Excellent for sensitive, normal/combination, and oily skin
- Absorbs excess oil
- Moisturizing
- Dermatologist crafted formula
Here’s what we don’t like:
- Can cause dryness
Product Takeaway: Differin’s Daily Deep Cleanser is a great benzoyl peroxide face wash for those with sensitive skin. It contains 5% benzoyl peroxide to help reduce and prevent acne, while glycerin helps keep skin hydrated. Plus, it’s free of harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.
#4 -AcneFree- Oil Free Acne Cleanser
This benzoyl peroxide face wash from AcneFree is perfect for anyone looking for a fast-acting, low-concentration acne treatment. Despite containing less benzoyl peroxide (2.5%), this micronized formula can rapidly and effectively penetrate the pores to not only help clear existing blemishes but also prevent new ones from forming. Plus, it’s oil-free and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores or worsen breakouts.
Here’s what we love:
- 2.5% micronized benzoyl peroxide – Active ingredient for mild to moderate acne
- Features ceramide – to fortify the skin’s protective barrier
- Fragrance=Free
- Oil-free formula
- Dermatological-inspired skincare
- Great for sensitive or dry acne-prone skin
Here’s what we don’t like:
- Can sometimes cause dryness
Product Takeaway:
AcneFree’s Oil-Free Acne Cleanser is an excellent benzoyl peroxide face wash for those with sensitive or dry skin.
It contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide to fight acne, as well as ceramides to keep skin hydrated and prevent future breakouts.
#5 -Naturium – Benzoyl Peroxide Cream Cleanser
Naturium’s benzoyl peroxide face wash is perfect for those looking for an all-in-one solution to their acne woes. This cream cleanser contains 5% benzoyl peroxide to fight existing blemishes while preventing future breakouts. Plus, it also includes N-acetyl glucosamine to help promote healthy, hydrated skin by preventing dryness. Aloe Vera also helps reduce redness and irritation and keeps skin feeling soft.
Here’s what we love:
- 5% benzoyl peroxide – active ingredient for moderate acne
- Aloe Vera – Soothes irritated skin
- Dermatologist tested
- Cruelty-Free
- Gluten-Free
- Paraben-Free
- pH Balanced
Here’s what we don’t like:
- Can cause dryness
Product Takeaway: Naturium’s benzoyl peroxide face wash is a pH-balanced all-in-one solution for those with moderate to severe acne-prone skin. It contains benzoyl peroxide to help fight existing blemishes while preventing future breakouts. Plus, it includes aloe vera leaf juice and N-acetyl glucosamine to soothe, heal and balance the skin.
How to choose the right benzoyl peroxide face wash for you
When using benzoyl peroxide face wash, it is important to find the right product for your skin type. For people with sensitive skin, benzoyl peroxide concentrations of 2.5% or less are recommended, as higher concentrations can cause irritation. If you have normal or combination skin, benzoyl peroxide concentrations between 3 and 5% can be used. For those with oilier skin or more extreme cases of acne, a benzoyl peroxide concentration between 5 and 10% is recommended.
No matter which benzoyl peroxide face wash you choose, it is important to use it consistently and as directed by your dermatologist or healthcare provider. This will help ensure that your benzoyl peroxide face wash is as effective as possible.
If you’ve been struggling with acne, the right benzoyl peroxide face wash is a great way to fight acne and keep your skin healthy. It is your first step towards beautiful, clear skin!
How to choose the right benzoyl peroxide face wash for you
- Use benzoyl peroxide face wash twice daily, once in the morning and once at night.
- Avoid using benzoyl products near your eyes and mouth as it can be too harsh for those areas.
- Start with a lower concentration of benzoyl peroxide and gradually increase if desired. According to research, 2.5% is just as effective as 5 or 10%, but with less irritation. [6]
- If over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide is not helping, consult with a dermatologist for stronger prescription benzoyl peroxide.
- Be sure to use sunscreen when using benzoyl peroxide as it can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Who should not use benzoyl peroxide
It’s important to note that benzoyl peroxide can be irritating to some skin types. Those with sensitive, dry, or easily irritated skin should proceed with caution when using benzoyl peroxide products. It’s also not recommended for use on broken or irritated skin, as it can cause further irritation. Those with seborrheic dermatitis, sunburned skin, or eczema should also use benzoyl peroxide very cautiously. If you’re anxious about any potential side effects, a quick patch test could help resolve your worries.
Benzoyl peroxide’s side effects
In addition to being irritating for some skin types, benzoyl peroxide can also cause some potential side effects. These include redness and dryness of the skin, as well as irritation, burning, or itching. If you experience any of these symptoms while using benzoyl peroxide, you should discontinue use and consult with your doctor or dermatologist.
Important!
It’s important to note that benzoyl peroxide can cause bleaching of fabrics, including clothing, towels, and bedding. To prevent this from happening, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after use and avoid contact with fabrics until benzoyl peroxide has had a chance to completely dry on the skin
Summary
The benzoyl peroxide face washes listed above are all highly rated and have been proven to be effective in treating acne. Whether you have sensitive skin, oily skin, or dry skin, there is a benzoyl peroxide face wash that is right for you.
All of these benzoyl peroxide face washes are gentle enough to use on a daily basis and powerful enough to clear up your skin quickly.
We hope that this guide was helpful in narrowing down your decision and finding the best benzoyl peroxide face wash for your skin type.
As always, be sure to use benzoyl peroxide preparations with caution and consult your doctor or dermatologist if you experience any side effects.
With the help of benzoyl peroxide, you can say goodbye to acne and hello to healthy, beautiful skin!
This article has been written by our team of expert writers who specialize in skin care. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below! Thank you for reading, and we hope that this article has been useful in finding the perfect benzoyl peroxide face wash for you.
Happy Shopping! 🙂
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- [1] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1046/j.1365-4362.2002.01371.x
- [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537220/#:~:text=Topical%20benzoyl%20peroxide%20exhibits%20bactericidal,excreted%20by%20the%20renal%20system.
- [3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18984364/#:~:text=Benzoyl%20peroxide%20(BPO)%20is%20the,comedonal%20and%20inflammatory%20acne%20lesions
- [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8594539/
- [6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2948929/