Benzoyl Peroxide
Never allowed
BPO
An OTC antibacterial that kills C. acnes directly. Genuinely effective, one of the few acne ingredients with unambiguous evidence.
- What it does
- Actives & treatment
- Our take
- We don't carry it, and we want to be straight about why: it's an effective drug, not a dangerous ingredient. It's a synthetic oxidiser that bleaches fabric, dries skin hard, and has drawn recent scrutiny over benzene formation in products stored warm. If salicylic acid and azelaic acid aren't getting you there, benzoyl peroxide from a pharmacy, or a dermatologist, is a reasonable next step, and 2.5% works as well as 10% with far less irritation.
- What we look for
- 2.5-5% is as effective as 10%
- Suitable from
- Teen, 13+ · Young adult, 20+
- Best for
- Blemish & congestion
- Skin types
- Blemish-prone · Oily
What we read
- FDA OTC acne monograph; 2024 benzene stability findings · reviewed Sep 2026
Every other ingredient, with the same treatment.
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