Derm favorite
CeraVe
Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
8.2Great
A 4% benzoyl peroxide wash cushioned with ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid — an easier-to-tolerate BPO cleanser for breakouts.
Cleanser4$17.99
Exfoliants & acne actives· in 1 product
Benzoyl peroxide
Also listed as BPO and BP
Strong evidence 2.5–10% OTC (washes and leave-on)
Benzoyl peroxide is an over-the-counter acne drug that kills acne-causing bacteria by releasing oxygen into the pore. It is one of the most effective nonprescription acne ingredients, and bacteria do not develop resistance to it.
1BpBenzoyl peroxideExfoliants & acne actives
What it does
The short version.
Benzoyl peroxide releases oxygen that kills Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria involved in inflammatory breakouts, and it has a mild peeling effect that helps clear clogged pores. It is used in washes (short contact), leave-on gels and creams, and spot treatments, and is often paired with a retinoid such as adapalene. Lower strengths (2.5–5%) are often about as effective as 10% with less irritation.
Strong evidence
Supported by decades of randomized trials and recommended as a first-line acne treatment in the American Academy of Dermatology's 2024 guidelines, alone or with retinoids.
In our directory: It’s a key ingredient in 1 product we review, most often cleansers. Those products are mostly built for acne, blackheads and clogged pores. In formulas, it most often shares the label with ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.
Reach for it for
Usually a good fit for
How to use it
Getting it right.
Use a wash once or twice daily, leaving it on for a minute or two before rinsing, or apply a thin leave-on layer to the whole breakout-prone area once daily. Start low and moisturize.
Layering
Friends & frenemies.
Go slow with
Not forbidden — just easier to over-do. Alternate nights or separate morning and evening.
Before you start
Bleaches towels, pillowcases, clothing and hair, so use white linens. Dryness, peeling and redness are common; true allergy is uncommon but possible. It can oxidize and inactivate some forms of vitamin C and older retinoids applied at the same time. Stop and seek care for hives, swelling or trouble breathing.
References
- 1Benzoyl peroxide — DermNet
- 2Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris — Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2024), via PubMed
- 3Acne: Diagnosis and treatment — American Academy of Dermatology
Educational, not medical advice. Ingredient guides summarise published research and expert guidance; formulas and concentrations differ between products.
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Every product with benzoyl peroxide.
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