Benzoyl peroxide

Topical benzoyl peroxide improves acne more effectively than placebo, significantly decreases bacterial skin load, achieves superior treatment success with greater reductions in inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions, and provides clinically relevant improvements in lesion counts. This active ingredient suits dry skin and oily skin best, and it comes in serums. It fits into a routine by working well with niacinamide, ceramide-building complex, and zinc oxide, while needing to be kept apart from adapalene, glycolic acid, and vitamin C.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2021American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2022
This page shows benzoyl peroxide products with a Lovi page. For every product, and a routine built for your skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular benzoyl peroxide products
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Proactiv
Renewing Cleanser
SAR 152.00
-
Clean & Clear
Persa-Gel 10
SAR 82.17
-
Differin
Daily Deep Cleanser
SAR 96.99
-
Neutrogena
Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask
SAR 103.58
- Proactiv Repairing Treatment
-
Paula's Choice
Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment
SAR 218.25
- Galderma Epiduo Gel
- Galderma Benzac AC 5
Benzoyl peroxide serums
-
Clean & Clear
Persa-Gel 10
SAR 82.17
- Proactiv Repairing Treatment
-
Paula's Choice
Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment
SAR 218.25
- Galderma Epiduo Gel
- Galderma Benzac AC 5
- Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel
-
PanOxyl
Acne Foaming Wash
SAR 89.90
What reviewers say about popular benzoyl peroxide products
The highlight reviewers mention most for each popular benzoyl peroxide product on Lovi.
Proactiv Renewing Cleanser Bleaches fabrics ★4.3 · 900+ reviews
- Effective acne clearance
- Harsh and drying
- “Ruined all my towels”
Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 Affordable price ★4.1 · 1.2k+ reviews
- Excessive drying
- Clears pimples
- “Great value compared to luxury brands”
Differin Daily Deep Cleanser Gentle on sensitive skin ★4.5 · 16.7k+ reviews
- Bleaches fabrics
- Non-stripping/drying
- “Suitable for daily use”
Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask Versatile 2-in-1 ★4.3 · 1.1k+ reviews
- Cooling sensation
- Deep clean pores
- “love that you can use this as a wash or a face mask”
Proactiv Repairing Treatment Bleaches fabrics ★4.3 · 2.5k+ reviews
- Clears stubborn acne
- Drying and irritating
- “Ruined all my towels”
Paula's Choice Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment Effective acne clearance ★4.5 · 400+ reviews
- Fast acting
- Drying and flaking
Other benzoyl peroxide products
-
Proactiv
Renewing Cleanser
SAR 152.00
-
Differin
Daily Deep Cleanser
SAR 96.99
- CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
-
PanOxyl
Acne Creamy Wash
SAR 44.00
-
Neutrogena
Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask
SAR 103.58
Benzoyl peroxide for dry skin
-
Clean & Clear
Persa-Gel 10
SAR 82.17
- Galderma Epiduo Gel
-
Differin
Daily Deep Cleanser
SAR 96.99
- Galderma Benzac AC 5
-
Neutrogena
Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask
SAR 103.58
- Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel
-
PanOxyl
Acne Foaming Wash
SAR 89.90
- Proactiv Repairing Treatment
-
Paula's Choice
Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment
SAR 218.25
- CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
-
Proactiv
Renewing Cleanser
SAR 152.00
-
PanOxyl
Acne Creamy Wash
SAR 44.00
Benzoyl peroxide for oily skin
- CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
- Galderma Epiduo Gel
- Proactiv Repairing Treatment
-
Clean & Clear
Persa-Gel 10
SAR 82.17
- Galderma Benzac AC 5
- Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel
-
PanOxyl
Acne Foaming Wash
SAR 89.90
-
Neutrogena
Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask
SAR 103.58
-
Paula's Choice
Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment
SAR 218.25
-
Differin
Daily Deep Cleanser
SAR 96.99
-
PanOxyl
Acne Creamy Wash
SAR 44.00
-
Proactiv
Renewing Cleanser
SAR 152.00
Benzoyl peroxide for combination skin
- CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
-
Clean & Clear
Persa-Gel 10
SAR 82.17
- Galderma Benzac AC 5
- Galderma Epiduo Gel
-
PanOxyl
Acne Foaming Wash
SAR 89.90
- Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel
-
Neutrogena
Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask
SAR 103.58
- Proactiv Repairing Treatment
-
Paula's Choice
Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment
SAR 218.25
-
PanOxyl
Acne Creamy Wash
SAR 44.00
-
Differin
Daily Deep Cleanser
SAR 96.99
-
Proactiv
Renewing Cleanser
SAR 152.00
Benzoyl peroxide for sensitive skin
-
Differin
Daily Deep Cleanser
SAR 96.99
- CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
-
Clean & Clear
Persa-Gel 10
SAR 82.17
- Galderma Benzac AC 5
- Proactiv Repairing Treatment
- Galderma Epiduo Gel
-
Paula's Choice
Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment
SAR 218.25
- Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel
-
Proactiv
Renewing Cleanser
SAR 152.00
-
PanOxyl
Acne Foaming Wash
SAR 89.90
-
PanOxyl
Acne Creamy Wash
SAR 44.00
-
Neutrogena
Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask
SAR 103.58
Benzoyl peroxide for acne-prone skin
-
Clean & Clear
Persa-Gel 10
SAR 82.17
- Galderma Epiduo Gel
- Galderma Benzac AC 5
- Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel
-
Neutrogena
Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask
SAR 103.58
-
PanOxyl
Acne Foaming Wash
SAR 89.90
- CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
-
Paula's Choice
Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment
SAR 218.25
- Proactiv Repairing Treatment
-
Proactiv
Renewing Cleanser
SAR 152.00
-
Differin
Daily Deep Cleanser
SAR 96.99
-
PanOxyl
Acne Creamy Wash
SAR 44.00
What to combine benzoyl peroxide with
| Ingredient | Together | How to use them |
|---|---|---|
| Works well | Apply benzoyl peroxide first and niacinamide afterward in the same routine, because niacinamide soothes the dryness and irritation caused by benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide and niacinamide | |
| Works well | Use them together in the same routine, applying the ceramide product right after your benzoyl peroxide to calm and protect your skin. Benzoyl peroxide and ceramide-building complex | |
| Works well | Use them together in the same routine, applying zinc oxide after benzoyl peroxide dries. Benzoyl peroxide and zinc oxide | |
| Works well | Use them in the same routine by applying benzoyl peroxide first, because zinc helps soothe the skin while fighting breakouts. Benzoyl peroxide and zinc | |
| Works well | Use them together by applying zinc sulfate first and benzoyl peroxide second, because their combined action targets blemishes more effectively. Benzoyl peroxide and zinc sulfate | |
| Works well | Use them together in the same routine, applying the zinc gluconate first and following it with the benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide and zinc gluconate | |
| Works well | Use them together by applying the benzoyl peroxide first and following with your tri-ceramide complex, which helps prevent dry, peeling skin. Benzoyl peroxide and tri-ceramide complex | |
| Keep apart | Use them at different times of day, applying benzoyl peroxide in the morning and adapalene at night, because they cancel each other out. Benzoyl peroxide and adapalene | |
| Keep apart | Use glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide on alternate nights to prevent severe dryness, redness, and irritation. Benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid | |
| Keep apart | Use them at different times of day with Vitamin C in the morning and benzoyl peroxide at night, because they cancel each other out. Benzoyl peroxide and vitamin C | |
| Keep apart | Use them at different times of day by applying benzoyl peroxide in the morning and retinol at night, because they cancel each other out. Benzoyl peroxide and retinol | |
| Keep apart | Use them on alternate nights because combining them in the same routine causes severe skin irritation and redness. Benzoyl peroxide and aha blend glycolic and citric acids | |
| Keep apart | Use them on alternate nights because combining them causes severe dryness and irritation. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid | |
| Keep apart | Use them at different times of day, applying benzoyl peroxide in the morning and tretinoin at night, because they cancel each other out. Benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin | |
| Keep apart | Use them at different times of day, applying the peptide product in the morning and benzoyl peroxide at night, because benzoyl peroxide can break down peptides and ruin their anti-aging benefits. Benzoyl peroxide and bio-placenta peptides | |
| Keep apart | Apply them at different times of day, using benzoyl peroxide in the morning and hexapeptide at night, because heat and certain harsh conditions can break down the peptide. Benzoyl peroxide and hexapeptide | |
| Keep apart | Use them at different times of day, applying benzoyl peroxide in the morning and pro-retinol at night, because they cancel each other out. Benzoyl peroxide and pro-retinol | |
| Keep apart | Use them at different times of day, applying benzoyl peroxide in the morning and retinal at night, because they cancel each other out. Benzoyl peroxide and retinal | |
| Keep apart | Use lactic acid in the morning and benzoyl peroxide at night to prevent severe skin irritation and barrier damage. Benzoyl peroxide and lactic acid | |
| Keep apart | Use them at different times of day, applying the peptide cream in the morning and benzoyl peroxide at night, because they clash and cancel each other out. Benzoyl peroxide and acetyl hexapeptide-3 | |
| Keep apart | Use them on alternate nights because combining them causes over-exfoliation and irritation. Benzoyl peroxide and mandelic acid | |
| Keep apart | Use them at different times of day by applying benzoyl peroxide in the morning and your retinoid at night. Benzoyl peroxide and retinoid blend | |
| Keep apart | Use them at different times of day, applying benzoyl peroxide in the morning and granactive retinoid at night, because they cancel each other out. Benzoyl peroxide and granactive retinoid | |
| Keep apart | Use them at different times of day, applying benzoyl peroxide in the morning and hydroxypinacolone retinoate at night, because they cancel each other out. Benzoyl peroxide and hydroxypinacolone retinoate | |
| Keep apart | Use them at different times of day, applying collagen peptides in the morning and benzoyl peroxide at night, because heat and harsh chemicals break down peptides. Benzoyl peroxide and collagen peptide | |
| Keep apart | Use them at different times of day, applying benzoyl peroxide in the morning and copper peptides at night, because they cancel each other out. Benzoyl peroxide and copper peptide | |
| Keep apart | Use them at different times of day by applying citric acid in the morning and benzoyl peroxide at night to prevent severe skin irritation. Benzoyl peroxide and citric acid | |
| Keep apart | Use them at different times of day, with benzoyl peroxide in the morning and hexapeptide-9 at night, because they cancel each other out. Benzoyl peroxide and hexapeptide-9 | |
| Keep apart | Use them at different times of day, applying isopropyl alcohol first and benzoyl peroxide later, because combining them causes severe dryness and irritation. Benzoyl peroxide and isopropyl alcohol | |
| Keep apart | Use them at different times of day, applying the peptide serum in the morning and benzoyl peroxide at night, because they clash and cancel each other out. Benzoyl peroxide and peptide-rich plasma | |
| Keep apart | Apply them at different times of day, with benzoyl peroxide in the morning and peptides at night, because benzoyl peroxide breaks down peptides. Benzoyl peroxide and triple peptide blend | |
| Keep apart | Use them at different times of day, applying benzoyl peroxide in the morning and peptides at night, because benzoyl peroxide ruins peptide effectiveness. Benzoyl peroxide and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 | |
| Keep apart | Use them at different times of day, applying benzoyl peroxide in the morning and palmitoyl tripeptide-1 at night, because they cancel each other out. Benzoyl peroxide and palmitoyl tripeptide-1 | |
| Keep apart | Use them at different times of day, applying the cleanser first and the benzoyl peroxide later, because combining them causes severe skin dryness. Benzoyl peroxide and sodium lauryl sulfate |
From the ingredient rules behind the "Works well with" and "Don't mix with" notes on every product in the Lovi app.
Questions and answers
What does benzoyl peroxide do for the skin?
Topical benzoyl peroxide may help improve acne more effectively than no treatment.
How do you use benzoyl peroxide?
Topical benzoyl peroxide may improve acne effectively, but it requires careful coordination with other ingredients. For instance, you can use niacinamide in the same routine by applying benzoyl peroxide first and niacinamide afterward to soothe dryness and irritation.
Should you use benzoyl peroxide in the morning or at night?
Can you use benzoyl peroxide every day?
Yes, topical benzoyl peroxide may help improve acne when used regularly, though it carries an increased risk of treatment discontinuation due to adverse effects compared to placebo.
Does benzoyl peroxide cause purging or irritation?
Yes, benzoyl peroxide may help improve acne, but it has an increased risk of treatment discontinuation due to adverse effects like irritation compared to placebo. Topical benzoyl peroxide is unlikely to cause skin purging, focusing instead on reducing bacteria and lesions.
Which skin types is benzoyl peroxide best for?
Benzoyl peroxide is best for acne-prone skin, where Lovi rates Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 as a Superior fit. For oily acne-prone skin, Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 is rated as a Superior fit by Lovi.
Can you use benzoyl peroxide with niacinamide?
Yes, you can use benzoyl peroxide and niacinamide together in the same routine by applying benzoyl peroxide first and niacinamide afterward. Niacinamide helps soothe the dryness and irritation caused by benzoyl peroxide.
Can you use benzoyl peroxide with adapalene?
You should keep benzoyl peroxide and adapalene apart by using them at different times of day, applying benzoyl peroxide in the morning and adapalene at night, because they cancel each other out.
Research on benzoyl peroxide
Behind this ingredient guide
Lovi checks every ingredient with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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