Benzoyl peroxide is a popular ingredient in acne treatments due to its effectiveness in reducing pimples and preventing future breakouts. Many skincare brands offer a range of benzoyl peroxide-based products that cater to different skin types and needs. From industry staples such as Neutrogena, known for its accessible and effective solutions, to more specialized brands like La Roche-Posay, which offers formulations suitable for sensitive skin, there is a diverse selection to explore. Curious to find out which brands make the cut for the best benzoyl peroxide products? Check out the list below for a comprehensive guide.
Illustration of benzoyl peroxide
Best brands of benzoyl peroxide in 2025
Neutrogena
Neutrogena, a dermatologist-recommended skincare brand, is renowned for its effective benzoyl peroxide products like the Neutrogena Stubborn Acne AM Treatment, which contains 2.5% micronized benzoyl peroxide and is clinically proven to reduce the size and redness of stubborn acne in just 4 hours. This treatment is designed for daily use on acne-prone skin and is oil-, paraben-, phthalate-, dye-, and fragrance-free. In an 8-week clinical trial, over 90% of patients experienced either improvement or no change in erythema, dryness, peeling, and burning/stinging. Neutrogena's products are highly tolerated, with significant reductions in target lesions observed as early as 4 hours. When used in conjunction with the Neutrogena Stubborn Acne Marks PM Treatment, 86% of users saw clearer skin after just four weeks.
PanOxyl
PanOxyl is the #1 dermatologist-recommended benzoyl peroxide brand, renowned for its effective acne treatments. The PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash, containing 10% benzoyl peroxide, boasts the highest concentration available without a prescription and clears over 99% of acne-causing bacteria in just 15 seconds. Recommended by 53.8% of dermatologists, PanOxyl has been a trusted solution for over 45 years, offering products designed to cleanse, manage, and moisturize acne-prone skin. It stands as the best-selling acne wash in the U.S., with one sold every 6 seconds. PanOxyl products are widely accessible at major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
Clean & Clear
Clean & Clear is a renowned brand for producing effective benzoyl peroxide products, particularly the Continuous Control Acne Facial Cleanser, which contains 10% benzoyl peroxide, the number-one pharmacist-recommended OTC acne ingredient. This daily face wash is ideal for normal, oily, and combination skin, helping to remove dirt and oil while treating and preventing breakouts. The unique pore-penetrating technology ensures continuous acne control, making it a top choice for acne-prone skin. With a strong customer rating of 3.85 out of 564 reviews, this product has proven its efficacy. It is also formulated with mineral oil and menthol to hydrate and calm the skin.
Differin
Differin is not primarily known for producing benzoyl peroxide, but it is a leading brand for topical retinoid treatments, particularly with its adapalene gel. Adapalene, the active ingredient in Differin Gel, was the first FDA-approved over-the-counter topical retinoid for acne treatment, approved in 2016. It has been prescribed to over 40 million people globally for more than 20 years and is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology as a primary therapy for mild and moderate acne. The gel contains 0.1% adapalene and is non-comedogenic and fragrance-free. It is designed to clear breakouts, prevent acne, and restore skin texture and tone.
La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay is a renowned brand in the skincare industry, particularly acclaimed for its effective acne treatments featuring benzoyl peroxide. The Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment, for instance, contains 5.5% micronized benzoyl peroxide and 0.4% micro-exfoliating LHA, making it a potent solution for reducing acne blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads. Recommended by over 90,000 dermatologists worldwide, La Roche-Posay has been a trusted name since its inception in 1975. Their products undergo stringent clinical testing for efficacy and safety, even on sensitive skin. The brand's commitment to dermatological care is evident in its innovative products, such as the Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment, launched in 2019.
Acne.org
Acne.org is renowned for its highly effective benzoyl peroxide products, which have been proven to significantly reduce acne lesions. Studies have shown that benzoyl peroxide from Acne.org can reduce inflammatory acne lesions by up to 57.7% and non-inflammatory lesions by up to 51% when used in combination with other agents. The product is available in various concentrations, from 2.5% to 10%, and is often used in conjunction with other topical agents for enhanced efficacy. It is particularly effective in killing *C. acnes* bacteria, reducing their population by 95% with twice-daily application. Acne.org's benzoyl peroxide formulations are widely recommended for their simplicity and effectiveness in acne treatment.
CVS Health
CVS Health is a reputable brand known for its effective acne treatment products, particularly the CVS Health Acne Treatment Cream With 10% Benzoyl Peroxide, Maximum Strength, which is dermatologist-tested and helps improve the appearance of existing blemishes and prevent future breakouts. This cream contains 10% benzoyl peroxide, a trusted acne-fighting ingredient, and is available for delivery or same-day pickup at most CVS locations. Despite recent concerns about benzene levels in some acne products, CVS Health's commitment to quality and safety is evident in their product formulations. The cream also includes other beneficial ingredients like glycolic acid and glycerin to enhance skin health. However, it is crucial to follow FDA guidelines and product instructions carefully.
Oxy
Oxy is a renowned brand for benzoyl peroxide products, particularly acclaimed for its maximum-strength 10% benzoyl peroxide formulations that are clinically proven to visibly reduce redness in just 4 hours and eliminate 99.9% of acne bacteria in 8 hours. These products, such as the Oxy Maximum Strength Acne Spot Treatment, combine benzoyl peroxide with prebiotics to rebalance the skin's microbiome and protect the skin barrier. Oxy products are dermatologist-tested, gentle, and less irritating, making them suitable for various skin types, including sensitive skin. The brand offers a range of acne care products that are effective at unclogging pores, reducing inflammation, and killing acne-causing bacteria. Oxy products are also paraben-free and not tested on animals. For more details, visit their benzoyl peroxide collection.
Paula's Choice
Paula's Choice is renowned for its effective acne treatments, particularly its Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatments, which feature benzoyl peroxide as the active ingredient. The brand offers formulations with 2.5% and 5% benzoyl peroxide, with the 2.5% concentration often recommended for its balance of efficacy and minimal irritation. Introduced in various formulations over the years, these products have been praised for their immediate action against acne, prevention of future breakouts, and reduction of red marks. Benzoyl peroxide in these products is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and keratolytic, making it highly effective against inflammatory acne. However, it is advised to use these products with moisturizers, sunscreen, and antioxidant serums to mitigate potential side effects.
CeraVe
CeraVe is a leading brand in acne treatment, particularly renowned for its benzoyl peroxide products, which are dermatologist-recommended and clinically tested. The brand offers two distinct formulations: the Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser with 4% benzoyl peroxide and the Acne Foaming Cream Wash with the maximum OTC strength of 10% benzoyl peroxide, available without a prescription. These products are designed to clear and prevent acne breakouts while maintaining the skin's protective barrier, thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and essential ceramides. CeraVe's formulations are gentle yet effective, suitable for daily use, and have been trusted for decades in treating acne-prone skin. As the #1 dermatologist-recommended cleanser brand for acne, CeraVe continues to innovate and provide effective skincare solutions.
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