You’ve probably come across benzoyl peroxide products in groceries, drug stores, and dermatologist clinics alike and felt at a loss about where to begin.
Cleansing your face with a benzoyl peroxide face wash helps combat breakouts and unclog pores by targeting C.acnes, the bacteria that is responsible for causing acne (Healthline).
However, benzoyl peroxide is also very drying so make sure to pair it with moisturizers or lotions with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
With that, we listed down the best benzoyl face washes with hopes that you’ll find the best benzoyl peroxide face wash or cleanser to clear up breakouts for good!
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What Is The Best Benzoyl Peroxide Face Wash?
Here are my top recommendations:
- Editor’s Choice: Replenix BP 5% Acne Wash
- Best Drugstore: CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
- Most Popular: PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash
- Best for Adult Acne: PCA Skin BPO 5% Cleanser
- Bestselling Acne Kit: Proactiv Cleanse Renewing Cleanser
After all, this daily cleanser is part of a professional skincare line by Topix Pharmaceuticals, the makers of Glycolix Elite and the manufacturer of multiple private label dermatologist brands.
Meanwhile, those with persistent and cystic acne may want to take a look at the Replenix BP 10% Acne Wash with Aloe Vera.
This face wash is more suitable for moderate to severe types of acne and is formulated with aloe vera to offset the increased drying effects of 10% BP.
Our Verdict: Replenix BP 5% Acne Wash features a minimal ingredient list that works great for beginners starting out with benzoyl peroxide cleansers. Those who want to take it up a notch could go for its sister, the Replenix BP 10% Acne Wash with Aloe Vera.
Pro Tip: some reviewers mentioned that they both work great as a body acne wash.
Reviewers on Amazon seem to agree with me as they rave about how this cleanser diminished their breakouts and cleared their clogged pores without causing hypersensitivity.
Regardless, I do advise that you patch test when first using it as some people complained of a burning sensation.
Our Verdict: Specifically designed for acne prone skin, the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser uses 4% benzoyl peroxide and moisturizing ingredients for acne treatment and clear skin maintenance.
Editor’s Note: PanOxyl was the first acne treatment brand that I used after my family doctor introduced it to me when I was struggling with teenage acne.
Just remember to use a rich moisturizer or serum after using this cleanser to make sure that your skin stays hydrated. It’s also not as foaming as other washes so don’t use a sizeable amount on your face just trying to get suds. A pea-sized amount should do.
Our Verdict: Combat severe acne using the PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash featuring 10% benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, and lactic acid!
This formulation works particularly great for those dealing with adult acne since it renews aging skin while clearing up blackheads and blemishes.
Just make sure to give it time to work as many reviews on Amazon say that it takes an average of three months to see noticeable results.
Our Verdict: An anti aging and antibacterial cleanser in one, the PCA Skin BPO 5% Cleanser uses benzoyl peroxide, gluconolactone, phytic acid, and soothing plant extracts to manage breakouts, reduce wrinkles, and minimize redness.
Just be aware that it has micro-exfoliating beads which some users have found abrasive and irritating.
If you’re up for it though, check outthe complete Proactiv acne kit which includes the Revitalizing Toner (step two) and Repairing Treatment (step three). The Repairing Treatment contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide while the Revitalizing Toner employs glycolic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells.
Our Verdict: The Proactiv Cleanse Renewing Cleanser is a celebrity go-to as it uses 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and chamomile extract to clear stubborn acne without leading to dry skin. You could also get the complete Proactiv acne kit for maximum efficacy.