We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.
14 Best Benzoyl Peroxide Washes (Tested and Reviewed for 2023)
It’s literally the most recommended zit ingredient by every derm ever.
After years of dealing with blind pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and, yup, even butt acne, I’ve tried everything. Salicylic acid cleansers, spot treatments, retinol, spironolactone—you name it. But the most powerful over-the-counter treatment I’ve gotten my hands on? Benzoyl-peroxide washes. Benzoyl peroxide kills only the acne-causing bacteria on your skin that can lead to breakouts, making it an MVP for the acne-prone like me.
The only potential downside? Benzoyl-peroxide washes can also be pretty drying, especially in too-high strengths. So before you start slathering on the wrong formula or concentration, I consulted three dermatologists—Melissa Levin, MD; Joshua Zeichner, MD; and Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, MD—for their recommendations and expertise to craft this foolproof list of the best benzoyl-peroxide washes.
✔️ P.S. This is new, up-to-date info, bb. We updated this article in May 2023 to add new benzoyl-peroxide washes the internet won’t stop talking about, delete outdated oldies, and check in with new experts for the latest in benzoyl peroxide, just for you.
Our top picks for benzoyl-peroxide washes in 2023:
Best Drugstore Benzoyl-Peroxide Wash
Cetaphil Gentle Clear Complexion-Clearing BPO Acne Cleanser
Read moreBest Benzoyl-Peroxide Cream Cleanser
The INKEY List SuperSolutions Benzoyl-Peroxide Cleanser Acne Solution
Read moreBest Foaming Benzoyl-Peroxide Wash
Eclat Skincare Clarifying 2.5% Benzoyl-Peroxide Cleanser
Read more
Keep reading to figure out how to choose the best benzoyl-peroxide washes, including the best benzoyl-peroxide wash for sensitive skin, whether benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid is better, and if a 10-percent concentration is too rough for your face.
PanOxyl Antimicrobial Acne Creamy Wash
PanOxyl Antimicrobial Acne Creamy Wash
Pros
- Some testers saw a reduction in their cystic acne
Cons
- The cap can leak, according to a few reviewers
Madison Beer sold out this cleanser for months after she said it was her favorite cleanser for acne, which ultimately meant I had to stop gatekeeping it for myself (sry). It’s truly just the best benzoyl-peroxide wash for my oily skin and cystic acne, thanks to the fact that it uses 4 percent benzoyl peroxide to help kill acne-causing bacteria before it pops up. Personally, my skin doesn’t require a ton of moisture in my cleansers, so I’m fine with the light hydration from glycerin. Regardless of your skin type, make sure to slather on a rich moisturizer for acne-prone skin—but especially if you’re prone to dryness.
- Strength: 4 percent
- Other key ingredients: Glycerin, propanediol (moisturizers)
THE REVIEWS: “I have been using the same bottle since October and have noticed my skin looking so much better!” writes one tester. “I used to have cystic acne, and this face wash would make my pimples look smaller within a couple of days! When I would notice a small pimple forming and wash my face at night, the next morning the pimple would not be there!”
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
Pros
- Supports your skin barrier with ceramides
- Hydrates skin with hyaluronic acid
Cons
- Some reviewers wished it had more lather
It took a while to find a benzoyl-peroxide cleanser that didn’t strip my sensitive skin, but this CeraVe wash has been my holy grail for years because its gentle formula hydrates my skin while also treating my acne flare-ups. It has a 4 percent concentration of benzoyl peroxide, but also uses hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and the three types of ceramides (aka lipids that help moisturize and protect your skin barrier) to offset some irritation. I stick this in my nighttime skincare routine once or twice a week to avoid drying out my skin, and always follow it up with an oil-free moisturizer.
- Strength: 4 percent
- Other key ingredients: Niacinamide (soothing); ceramides, hyaluronic acid (hydrating)
THE REVIEWS: According to one tester, “This stuff was the greatest find. I have cystic acne and therefore have red, angry, and persistent post-acne marks. While they’re not completely gone, this has made a drastic difference in not only the marks but the rest of my skin tone as well.”
Pros
- Can be used as a daily cleaner or a mask
- Reviewers said this cleanser helped mattify their skin
Cons
- Some testers said the mask causes dryness if left on for more than 5 minutes
This 3.5 percent benzoyl-peroxide wash actually has a clay-like texture, thanks to the formula’s bentonite clay, which sucks up excess oil from the surface of your skin that can contribute to breakouts. But you can also smooth it on your skin in a thick layer as a face mask. Suds it up with water on your face every night to help prevent breakouts, then try it as a face mask once or twice a week and leave it on for five minutes to help treat existing acne.
- Strength: 3.5 percent
- Other key ingredients: Bentonite clay (soaks up oils)
THE REVIEWS: “I have very oily skin and this dual cleanser/mask product does wonders for preventing breakouts,” one reviewer writes. “The active ingredient—benzoyl peroxide—is my favorite for acne and I love that I can use it for daily cleansing, but also a weekly intensive mask. No matter what, using this product results in soft and hydrated skin.”
Differin Acne Face Wash
Differin Acne Face Wash
Pros
- Kills acne-causing bacteria with micronized benzoyl peroxide
- Uses strong surfactants to break down oil
Cons
- Some reviewers said the product has a chemical smell
“I legit feel like everything is too gentle for my oily skin sometimes, which leaves me with a half-ass cleansed face that’s prone to breakouts,” says Cosmo’s beauty editor Beth Gillette, which is what led her to this Differin benzoyl-peroxide wash that uses 5 percent benzoyl peroxide to help kill acne-causing bacteria. It’s also filled with medium-strength cleansers that really help break up and wash away the oil on your skin. But FYI: This cleanser can definitely be a bit drying if you use it every day, so opt for this a few nights a week instead of daily to help reduce any possible irritation.
- Strength: 5 percent
- Other key ingredients: Glycerin (hydrating)
THE REVIEWS: “This is a perfect daily face wash for people, like me, who need a benzoyl peroxide regimen for clear skin, but also live on a budget,” one reviewer writes. “I use this in the morning. It doesn’t clog my pores and it doesn’t dry out my skin. Breakouts are minimal.”
Cetaphil Gentle Clear Complexion-Clearing BPO Acne Cleanser
Cetaphil Gentle Clear Complexion-Clearing BPO Acne Cleanser
Pros
- Helps soothe skin with zinc and licorice
Cons
- Chemical smell was bothersome to some reviewers
In addition to having sensitive skin, I also have an oily T-zone that gets a gazillion times worse in the summer (fun 🙂). So whenever I need to treat my breakouts during the hot months, I pick up a fresh bottle of this Cetaphil wash at the drugstore. With 2.6 percent benzoyl peroxide, it helps treat my acne while also dissolving leftover skin oils without completely stripping the moisture from my face. And after every wash, my zits always look a bit calmed down, thanks to the formula’s anti-inflammatory zinc and licorice root.
- Strength: 2.6 percent
- Other key ingredients: Zinc, licorice root (soothing)
THE REVIEWS: “I love this acne wash because I still get hormonal pimples especially when it's close to that time of the month,” writes one tester. “I have combination skin and an oily T-zone. After using Cetaphil, my face and oily T-zone oil have improved a lot. When I have acne, I do spot treatments, so the pimple has decreased in size or is almost completely gone the next day.”
The INKEY List SuperSolutions Benzoyl-Peroxide Cleanser Acne Solution
The INKEY List SuperSolutions Benzoyl-Peroxide Cleanser Acne Solution
Pros
- Has a rich, creamy texture to help lather
- Lightly moisturizes skin with hyaluronic acid
Cons
- Some testers said it was hard to control how much product comes out of the tube
If you love a creamy, milky cleanser at heart, but your acne-prone skin says otherwise, try this benzoyl-peroxide cleanser from the Inkey List. It uses 5 percent benzoyl peroxide to help decrease the bacteria on your skin that causes breakouts, along with two types of hyaluronic acid and glycerin to lightly moisturize your skin to counteract some of the potential dryness. FWIW, Cosmo beauty editor Beth Gillette keeps this in her shower and lathers it on once or twice a week to keep breakouts and oil at bay.
- Strength: 5 percent
- Other key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid (hydrating); glycerin (moisturizing)
THE REVIEWS: One review reads, “I love how creamy the consistency is and how it feels on my face. When I rinse it off, I feel like I’m really cleaning out my skin. I will definitely use it when I have more breakouts but not daily.”
Eclat Skincare Clarifying 2.5% Benzoyl-Peroxide Cleanser
Eclat Skincare Clarifying 2.5% Benzoyl-Peroxide Cleanser
Pros
- Testers love how much the cream suds up
- Helps calm irritation with licorice and niacinamide
Cons
- Contains fragrance, which can irritate some with sensitive skin
The foamy texture of this Eclat benzoyl-peroxide wash is so sudsy, it practically feels like washing your face with a bubble bath. It’s on the less-intense side (see: 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide), and also uses soothers like licorice root, niacinamide, and aloe vera to help calm inflammation from active acne. Just squeeze one or two pumps into your palm and massage onto your skin every night, skipping a morning cleanse if your skin is dry or sensitive.
- Strength: 2.5 percent
- Other key ingredients: Licorice root, niacinamide, aloe vera (soothing)
THE REVIEWS: “The cleanser smells nice and foams nicely,” one reviewer notes. “You don’t have to use a large amount to get a good lather either. Skin feels clean after washing. It seemed to minimize some of the redness and inflammation in my recent acne flare-up.”
PanOxyl Acne-Foaming Wash
PanOxyl Acne-Foaming Wash
Pros
- Contains max-strength 10 percent benzoyl peroxide
- Testers loved how easy the foam suds up in the shower
Cons
- Some reviewers didn’t like the creamy texture
Whether you’re dealing with butt acne, back acne, chest acne—legit, acne anywhere—your best choice for quickly killing some zit-causing bacteria is with this benzoyl-peroxide wash in the shower. Dermatologist Joshua Zeicher, MD, recommends this formula for your body because, yes, although it’s strong (hi, 10 percent benzoyl peroxide), it’ll help treat existing pimples by washing away acne bacteria off your skin and prevent new clusters from popping up. Once a week, lather up with this wash wherever you’re prone to oil and acne, then after the shower, smooth on a body cream to avoid dryness.
- Strength: 10 percent
- Other key ingredients: Aloe vera (soothing)
THE REVIEWS: One tester writes, “As someone who has struggled with severe back acne for years, I have tried many different products to find relief. I was pleasantly surprised by the effectiveness of this product. After using this product for a few weeks, I noticed a significant improvement in my back acne. The acne started to clear up, and the inflammation and redness subsided. Additionally, it didn't dry out my skin or cause any irritation, which is always a concern when using acne products.”
Truly Super Heart Acne Patches
Truly Super Heart Acne Patches
Pros
- Uses hydrocolloid to absorb excess oils
- Helps flatten zits by killing bacteria
Cons
- Some testers wished the patch were stickier
Okay, if you only get the occasional zit, skip the drying benzoyl-peroxide wash and grab these super-cute star-shaped pimple patches instead. These acne dots are actually infused with benzoyl peroxide to help slightly flatten your pimple by killing some acne-related bacteria, all while soaking up excess oils with the hydrocolloid material. Clean your zit, peel a patch off with a pair of tweezers, then firmly press it into your skin with the flat end of your tweezers to keep it from sliding around. Leave on while you run errands, sleep, go to the office—the world is your oyster, bb.
- Strength: N/A (pimple patch)
- Other key ingredients: Hydrocolloid (soaks up excess oils)
THE REVIEWS: One tester writes, “I absolutely love the pink hearts. I have spot cystic acne, which can be very painful at times. I have now used four of my hearts, all having the same result. I put them on the pimple at night before I go to bed and when I wake up in the morning, my skin is smooth where the bump once was. Would recommend it to anyone with acne of any kind or severity.”
Naturium Benzoyl-Peroxide Cream Cleanser
Naturium Benzoyl-Peroxide Cream Cleanser
Pros
- Moisturizes skin with aloe vera, glycerin, and xylitol
Cons
- Has a thin, watery consistency that some testers didn’t like
Okay, yes, most benzoyl-peroxide washes are drying as hell. But (!) testers with already-dry skin love Naturium’s cream cleanser, because it’s filled with hydrating aloe vera, glycerin, and xylitol—a moisturizing type of sugar—all while killing some bacteria to treat and prevent zits. Just be sure to only incorporate this into your routine once or twice a week at night, and load up on your hydrating serums and calming toners afterward to help reduce irritation.
- Strength: 5 percent
- Other key ingredients: Aloe vera, glycerin, xylitol (moisturizing)
THE REVIEWS: “This product has worked wonders for my skin,” a reviewer notes. “As soon as I use this, whenever I’ve had a pimple, it is dried out almost completely the next day. And gone the second day. It also keeps upcoming ones from fully forming. This is now one of my favorite products!”
JORI Daily Leave-On Acne Treatment Mask
JORI Daily Leave-On Acne Treatment Mask
Pros
- Can be used as a spot treatment or allover mask
- Gel texture absorbs quickly, said testers
Cons
- The most expensive benzoyl-peroxide product on this list
Dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, recommends this spot treatment to his patients who get occasional cystic acne flare-ups who want a gentle-ish benzoyl-peroxide treatment. Why? Because it uses 2.5 percent of benzoyl peroxide to help treat individual pimples by killing some bacteria in your zit that’s making it inflamed and angry. And if your zit is really ~screaming at you~, this’ll help calm it down with soothing niacinamide and zinc. Dr. Zeichner also loves the gel-like texture for smoothing all over your face as a mask once a week to help prevent breakouts. (FYI, Cosmo gave it a 2022 Holy Grail Beauty Award, nbd).
- Strength: 2.5 percent
- Other key ingredients: Niacinamide, zinc (soothing)
THE REVIEWS: According to one tester, “I started using this mask on my whole face almost every night to prevent hormonal flare-ups. I’ve experienced irritation from benzoyl peroxide in the past, but this product is really gentle and hasn’t caused any problems so far. I noticed fewer breakouts and flare-ups since I started using it.”
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment
Pros
- Chemically exfoliates dead skin with lipo-hydroxy acid
Cons
- Might be too harsh for sensitive skin
Dermatologist Melissa Levin, MD, swears by this benzoyl-peroxide treatment, because it combines 5.5 percent of micronized benzoyl peroxide with “a lipo-hydroxy acid, a derivative of exfoliating salicylic acid,” she says, “to help chemically buff away dead skin that can get trapped in your pores and cause acne.” Because this bb has a higher concentration of benzoyl peroxide compared to other products on this list, Dr. Levin recommends using this only to spot-treat specific pimples, as the acid and the benzoyl peroxide combo can be pretty drying.
- Strength: 5.5 percent
- Other key ingredients: Lipo-hydroxy acid (exfoliating), glycerin (moisturizing)
THE REVIEWS: “I’ve been using this as a spot treatment for a few months and I have definitely noticed that it helps reduce the size of my breakouts,” a tester writes. “It doesn’t make them go away magically overnight, but it definitely reduces healing time.”
Neutrogena Stubborn Acne AM Face Treatment
Neutrogena Stubborn Acne AM Face Treatment
Pros
- Has a clear, gel texture that sinks into the skin
Cons
- Might be too harsh for people with dry skin
A few months ago, my face was consistently breaking out, and I had legit no time to run to get a prescription from my derm. So I started smoothing this benzoyl-peroxide treatment on my face every morning and saw a major decrease in zits after a week or two. It uses 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide to help treat and prevent my breakouts. But, tbh, what I love most is its fast-absorbing gel texture, which dries clear and doesn’t pill or get greasy when I layer moisturizer and sunscreen on top (which you absolutely should be doing, btw, as benzoyl peroxide makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight, says dermatologist Melissa Levin, MD).
- Strength: 2.5 percent
- Other key ingredients: Carbomer (creates gel texture)
THE REVIEWS: “I have been using this product in the morning almost every day for the past couple of months,” writes one reviewer. “It is great for acne! I feel like it protects the skin during the day. My skin feels really dry afterward, which is why I’m using a rich moisturizer and sunscreen on top of it.”
Urban Skin Rx Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment
Urban Skin Rx Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment
Pros
- Gently chemically exfoliates dead skin with AHAs and willow-bark extract
Cons
- Some testers say the product size is a bit small
When your skin is breaking out and looking dull af, smooth on this exfoliating, 5 percent benzoyl-peroxide serum, which is legit filled with ingredients your acne will haaate (and we <3 that). Along with helping to kill some acne-causing bacteria via benzoyl peroxide, this serum is also filled with chemical exfoliants, like glycolic acid to help buff away some dead skin and willow-bark extract to break down oils. As a bonus, this treatment is full of anti-inflammatories to soothe your existing breakouts, including azelaic acid, niacinamide, and aloe vera.
- Strength: 2.5 percent
- Other key ingredients: Glycolic acid, willow bark extract (exfoliating); azelaic acid, niacinamide, aloe (soothing)
THE REVIEWS: “I could feel the tingling working immediately on certain affected areas. It does not last long,” writes one tester.
What does benzoyl-peroxide wash do?
Benzoyl-peroxide washes help treat all types of acne (blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts) by killing the acne-causing bacteria on the surface of your skin. Specifically, according to research from 2022, when benzoyl peroxide is absorbed into your skin, it releases a type of free radical that encourages oxygen to go inside your pores, which helps kill c.acnes, the bacteria that causes pimples.
That said, benzoyl peroxide is also known for being drying and pretty strong, which means if you have hypersensitive skin and/or dry skin, you’ll want to start slow (every other day, max) and low (thin layers and a low percentage, like 2.5 percent). If you have sensitive skin, you can also mitigate redness by choosing a benzoyl-peroxide spot treatment or serum and pairing it with a gentle moisturizing cleanser and moisturizer.
Is benzoyl-peroxide face wash good for acne?
Benzoyl-peroxide face wash is good for acne, because it’s able to treat all kinds of pimples—including blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, and cysts—but it’s especially great for inflammatory cystic acne, which (ICYMI) are those “pustules and large inflamed pimples” that make your skin look so angry, says dermatologist Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, MD. FYI though: If you have acne and also have eczema or rosacea (which makes your skin super sensitive), opt for salicylic acid instead to help treat breakouts without drying or irritating your skin.
What is the best benzoyl-peroxide face wash percentage?
The best benzoyl-peroxide face wash percentage is 2.5 percent, says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD. According to studies, 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide is just as effective as 5 or 10 percent, but is much less drying and irritating, he notes. That said, Dr. Zeichner recommends a higher concentration of benzoyl peroxide—think 5 percent—“when it comes to cleansers, since contact time with the skin is limited.”
He also recommends bumping up benzoyl peroxide to 10 percent for your body, as your skin is thicker and usually can tolerate higher strengths a bit better. Regardless, it’s always ideal to start small with a 2 or 2.5 percent wash to see how your skin reacts, then opt for a higher concentration as your skin acclimates.
Is it okay to use a benzoyl-peroxide cleanser every day?
You can potentially use a benzoyl-peroxide cleanser every day, depending on the concentration and as long as your skin doesn’t suffer from irritation, says dermatologist Melissa Levin, MD. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you might want to only incorporate a 2.5 or 5-percent benzoyl-peroxide wash once a week or once every two weeks to avoid irritating and stripping your skin. But those with oily, acne-prone skin can potentially tolerate a daily 5 percent benzoyl-peroxide wash.
But generally, the higher you go in concentration, the less often you should use a benzoyl-peroxide wash, says Dr. Levin. Meaning you don’t have to lather up your body with a 10 percent benzoyl-peroxide cleanser every single day, as this could cause major dryness and irritation. Instead, consider your benzoyl-peroxide wash a weekly or biweekly treatment.
Which is better for acne: benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid?
Neither benzoyl peroxide nor salicylic acid is better for your skin, as they both treat acne differently, says Dr. Levin. Salicylic acid exfoliates your skin and treats your acne by “loosening up the excessive dead skin cells, sebum, and build-up in your pores to help prevent blackheads and whiteheads,” she says.
Benzoyl peroxide, however, is a topical treatment that kills the “overgrowth of the bacteria on your skin that can be responsible for new pimples emerging, as well as treats the existing acne you have,” says Dr. Levin. That said, salicylic acid is much gentler than benzoyl peroxide, but is sometimes not as effective for persistent, cystic acne.
However, it’s not recommended to use both a benzoyl peroxide cleanser and a salicylic acid exfoliator in the same routine, as they can cause irritation and dryness when used together. Dermatologist Joshua Zechiner, MD, recommends sudsing up with a low-percentage benzoyl-peroxide cleanser at night, then a 2 percent salicylic-acid treatment or toner (like The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution, or my fave, Paula’s Choice 2 Percent Exfoliating BHA Toner) in the morning. Using these two products collectively is the best way to treat acne—if your skin can handle it—since you’re using “ingredients that address the different factors that lead to breakouts,” he says.
How to choose the best benzoyl-peroxide wash:
Consider the concentration
Benzoyl-peroxide products come in different strengths—from 2.5 percent to 10 percent—but know this: A higher concentration doesn't necessarily mean better results. According to research, 2.5 or 5 percent benzoyl peroxide often works just as well as 10 percent benzoyl peroxide, just with fewer irritating side effects. So as a rule, always start off with a low dosage, and work your way up if your skin can tolerate it and/or needs it.
Determine your skin
Choose your benzoyl-peroxide wash formulation—foams, gels, creams—based on your skin type. If you have dry skin, try a cream cleanser with hydrators like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and squalane. But if you have oily skin, try a clay-based cleanser to help soak up excess oils, or a foaming cleanser with stronger surfactants that help break down oil. Sensitive skin, however, should def only use low concentrations (like 2.5 percent), or stick with spot treatments and weekly serums to help reduce the likelihood of irritation.
Mel Curry (she/her) is the current assistant editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers everything from lifestyle to politics. You can often find her watching The Real Housewives of Atlanta or discovering local coffee roasters. Before joining Cosmo, she was an editorial assistant at Hearst Magazines, writing for Women’s Health, Elle, and more. Follow her on Instagram and the bird app aka Twitter.
Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for nine years at Cosmopolitan and has contributed to Women’s Health and Seventeen magazines as well. Follow her on Instagram.
Katherine J Igoe (she/her) was a contributing editor for Cosmopolitan and is a freelancer covering style, lifestyle, culture, and beauty (she's obsessed with gift guides, best-of movie lists, and beauty products). She's been a freelance writer and editor for over a decade, previously working for Marie Claire (2018 to 2021) and Bustle (2021), with bylines in the The New York Times, Parents magazine, and elsewhere. She lives in Boston with her family, and you can follow her on Instagram or Twitte. It's "I go to dinner," not "Her huge ego," but she responds to both.
Watch Next
18 Acne Creams That *Truly* Work
How to Get Rid of Butt Acne, According to Derms
Fact: Acne-Prone Skin *Needs* Moisturizer Too
Finally: The Correct Order to Apply Face Products