Ever since my teen years, I have kept bad skin at bay with a little help from my friend Benzoyl Peroxide. It’s a miracle ingredient found in many face washes and acne treatments, because it works quickly to heal stubborn breakouts! If you’re wonder which brand makes the best benzoyl peroxide wash for your skin, check out my in depth review.
What is Benzoyl Peroxide Wash?
Benzoyl peroxide is a cleanser that unclogs pores and fights acne-causing bacteria. It comes in a wide variety of topical forms, like gels, cremes and bars, to help clear up your moderate to severe acne. Benzoyl peroxide washes kill bacteria, remove dead skin cells, and fight oil build-up.
While it is considered one of the milder topical acne treatments (meaning it’s suitable for more sensitive skin types) it’s recommended to start out only using your benzoyl peroxide wash once daily. Because it works to eliminate acne, it can cause some drying in those areas, so it’s best to start with once a day and increase if needed.
Choosing A Benzoyl Peroxide Wash For Your Skin
I’ve tried many of the top brands of Benzoyl Peroxide wash over the years, and the right one depends on your skin type. One thing to remember when purchasing is that each product has a different amount of Benzoyl Peroxide (expressed as a percentage).
If you have mild to moderate acne, a 2.5-5% Benzoyl Peroxide wash will work great for your skin. If your acne is more moderate to severe, look for a wash that has between 5-10%. You can always start lower and work your way up down the road if needed. Here are the best brands for mild up to severe acne.
Best Benzoyl Peroxide Wash For Mild to Moderate Acne
#1 – Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser Mask 3.5%
This benzoyl peroxide wash from Neutrogena is perfect for first time users. It’s the same great formula that I used for years as a teen, and is mild enough for sensitive skin. This wash works double duty as both a daily cleanser, and an intensive treatment mask. It contains 3.5% benzoyl peroxide, perfect for those with mild acne who want to clear up skin fast.
#2 – Jan Marini Skin Research Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Wash 2.5%
The Jan Marini is suitable for those with mild acne. It works really well as an antibacterial cleanser, and does a great job of cleaning your face without leaving it excessively dry. It’s great for those with oily skin, because it leaves your skin feeling clean, soft and smooth. This wash contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, and is perfect for those who want to keep oily skin under control.
#3 – Panoxyl 4% Acne Creamy Wash
PanOxyl is one of the most dermatologist recommended over the counter washes, because it effectively kills acne causing bacteria, while reducing skin irritation. This product works hard to exfoliate dead skin cells, and leave behind smoother, clearer skin. This formula contains 4% benzoyl peroxide, and is a great pick for those looking to clear up moderate acne. Additionally PanOxyl comes in formulas as high as 10% BPO (benzoyl peroxide) so you can always up the percentage later if you need.
Best Benzoyl Peroxide Wash For Moderate To Severe Acne
#1 – Replenix Acne Solutions Acne Wash
Replenix 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Wash is a fabulous soap-free product that works great at cleansing and treating acne-prone skin. It works great on both oily and normal skin, without drying skin out or irritating existing acne. This formula contains 5% benzoyl peroxide, and is frequently recommended by dermatologists for those with moderate acne. For more severe acne, this formula also comes in a 10% benzoyl peroxide version.
#2 – Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Cleanser
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Cleanser is a great, inexpensive way to battle stubborn acne. It’s formulated with 10% maximum strength Benzoyl Peroxide, that targets acne causing bacteria. This formula is so effective, they promise it’ll clear your redness and irritation by a noticeable amount within 1 day! Since this formula is strong, you may experience some dryness at first as skin begins to clear up, so stay out of the sun or wear sunscreen while using this one!
#3 – Humane Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Acne Treatment Body & Face Wash
Humane is a very powerful wash that is perfect for those with severe acne. It’s recommended that your start by using this wash in a small area of you face to test and make sure that your skin isn’t to sensitive to use it all over your face. It’s so strong that you shouldn’t use it if you’ve got sensitive skin. Their formula is cruelty and paraban free, and even those with cystic acne have seen improvements using this over the counter wash.
Benzoyl Peroxide Wash Treatment Sets
Those trying to combat acne with a benzoyl peroxide acne wash, sometimes need a little added boost. Here are a few sets that include some treatments that work alongside your BPO wash for even better results.
#1 – Neutrogena Complete Acne Therapy System
This kit from Neutrogena contains everything you need to help stop the acne cycle and get consistently clear skin. Acne treatment system includes: one 5.1-ounce bottle of salicylic acid acne treatment cleanser, one 1.7-ounce bottle of SPF-15 lotion, and one 1.4-ounce bottle of benzoyl peroxide lotion. This three step systems keeps skin clean, and hydrated for a clear and healthy complexion.
#2 – La Roche-Posay Effaclar Dermatological Acne Treatment System
La Roche-Posay is a European favorite brand that has made some serious waves in the U.S. This acne clearing kit contains everthing you need to get clear skin, and it even won an Allure Beauty award! Their three step program includes: Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser, Effaclar Clarifying Solution Acne Toner , and finally a Effaclar Duo acne spot treatment. These three work effectively together, and is gentle enough to use on sensitive skin types.
#3 – Jan Marini Skin Research Teen Clean 10%
Though this set by Jan Teen Clean is made with teens in mind, its tough on anyone’s acne. The set contains three super effective products, that were formulated to maintain beautiful, acne-free skin. The kit includes: 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide Wash, the 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Lotion and the paraben-free, oil-free Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 33. Since this product is very strong, it’s not good for those with sensitive skin, and you should always wear the face protectant that’s included if you’ll be in the sun!
And there you have it, the best benzoyl peroxide wash for your skin care needs! Thanks for reading!