These Acne-Fighters with Benzoyl Peroxide Make Breakouts Disappear

While the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab hasn’t formally tested benzoyl peroxide products, GH Beauty Lab scientists are constantly testing the newest skincare products, including the best face washes, retinol for sensitive skin, sunscreen and more. We used our decades of expertise, along with advice from dermatologists, Beauty Lab expert recommendations and vetted customer reviews to compile this list.

If you suffer from severe acne, you can get heavy-duty prescription benzoyl peroxide products from a dermatologist, but those with mild to moderate acne can easily find over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide products that come in various strengths. When first choosing a product with BP, Dr. Choi Kim suggests starting with a lower percentage, like 2.5 or 5%, “to maximize effectiveness and minimize irritation.”

For those with skin on the sensitive side, look for a formula that also includes humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid and allantoin to soothe and hydrate skin simultaneously. Alternatively, if you are looking for an extra potent acne treatment, try a product that combines BP with the breakout-minimizing ingredient salicylic acid, topical antibiotics or certain topical retinoids, like adapalene. Since each of these skincare ingredients combats acne differently, they can work synergistically to treat and prevent all types of breakouts.

Like many acne treatments, benzoyl peroxide “is best for people with oily, acneic, blemish-prone skin, as well as those with body acne on the chest, back, shoulders or buttocks,” explains Dr. Choi Kim. Benzoyl peroxide is good for all types of acne, including cysts, blackheads and whiteheads, but it’s particularly great at treating inflammatory cystic acne.

However, BP is drying, so it’s not ideal for those with dry or particularly sensitive skin, and those with rosacea or eczema should also avoid it. And if you’re pregnant, you’ll want to talk to your doctor before using any products with benzoyl peroxide.

Dori Price interviewed several experts to gather the best information about benzoyl peroxide. She has over 15 years of experience researching and writing skincare stories, combining her knowledge with the expertise of top industry professionals including dermatologists and aestheticians. She is an expert in all face and body skincare product categories, from cleansers to toners, serums, moisturizers, sunscreens, exfoliators, masks, professional treatments and more.

Chiara Butler contributed to this article by sharing her expert tips about benzoyl peroxide as well as product recommendations. She is a reviews analyst in the Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she conducts hands-on testing of health and beauty products. Before joining GH in 2022, she worked as a cosmetic chemist, formulating skincare products for a variety of brands and learning to decode ingredient lists, evaluate ingredient efficacy and scrutinize product claims.