There is one word which is guaranteed to strike fear into the hearts of teenagers everywhere. Acne. Yet, the reality is that it doesn’t just affect adolescents. It is the most common skin condition in the United States, and around fifty million adults deal with it every year. This is a staggering number, so all misconceptions about acne being a teenage problem are exactly that; misconceptions.
No matter how old you are, it can be a real frustration. Many acne sufferers report feelings of low confidence, shyness, and embarrassment, simply because they’re prone to breakouts. Well, the good news is that benzoyl peroxide is a chemical which the beauty industry has been using to fight acne for over half a century. It is in most of the lotions, creams, balms, and treatments on the shelves.
Benzoyl peroxide wash is a popular product because it kills the bacteria which causes acne. To help you decide if it is the right treatment for you, we’re going to take a look at five of the best washes on the market.
Best Benzoyl Peroxide Wash For Body & Face Reviews
Ranking | Company | Strength | Qauntity | Our Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | 10% | 8.0 oz | ||
#2 | 10% | 5.0 oz | ||
#3 | 10% | 8.0 oz | ||
#4 | 10% | 5.5 oz | ||
#5 | 2.5% | 6.0 oz |
This superb product is designed for use on the face and body, so people with severe cases of acne can treat targeted areas without worrying about causing further irritation. It is not suitable for sensitive skin, but it can be applied to moderate to serious conditions. The powerful formula promises to kill the bacteria which causes acne, clear the skin, and stop future breakouts. Making it one of the best acne body washes on the market.
It comes in an eight-ounce bottle, and costs slightly more than other products on the market.
But you know what? It works.
You should start to see results after two or three washes, but it may take longer for the formula to start preventing breakouts. There are no parabens, formaldehyde, or other harsh chemicals in this Humane wash.The only downsides are that some might find this benzoyl peroxide face wash a little too oily. It does take a while to soak into the skin. Use your fingertips to massage the cream into your complexion. The other small problem, which some users have noticed, is that the formula can leave stains on towels and wash cloths. Make sure that you rinse them thoroughly afterward.
What We Liked
- Highly effective and fast acting
- Comes in easy to use pump dispenser
- Suitable for even severe cases of acne
Not Crazy About
- Can leave stains on washcloths
- Slightly Heavy, oily consistency
It should come as no surprise to find that beauty giant Neutrogena knows how to create a pretty good acne product. This benzoyl peroxide face wash differs from the Humane formula in that it is actually very watery. Some people quite like this, because they enjoy the light sensation and find it easier to cleanse with a thin cream.
Others prefer a slightly weightier consistency and point to the fact that you have to use twice as much of this Neutrogena wash as other similar products. On the other hand, it is very affordable. So, you could use it every day if you wanted. It promises to visibly reduce the size and redness of acne in just one day.
This is actually one of the most impressive benzoyl washes on the market. It works extremely fast, even though the one day promise only holds up for around half of all users. It is not really a big deal though because almost all users notice a substantial change after day two. Skin is softer, clearer, and blemish free in forty-eight hours.
What We Liked
- Works very fast (within 1-2 days)
- Affordable
- Leaves the skin feeling hydrated
Not Crazy About
- Consistency is quite watery
- Easy to get this in your eyes!
This Replenix formula is a benzoyl peroxide body wash as well as a facial treatment. It can be used on a range of skin types (but not sensitive skin). However, it is skewed towards those with more severe acne problems. The formula is very potent, and it won’t be for everybody, but there is no better choice if you want to clear up serious breakouts fast.
The benzoyl peroxide cleans deep into the pores and washes away the bacteria causing the acne. Then, the Aloe Vera helps to provide gentle exfoliation and hydration. When used regularly, Replenix wash leaves skin looking noticeably brighter and clearer. As it is such a strong product, users are advised to perform a patch test.
If you experience any itching or burning sensations, wash the cream off your skin and do not continue to use it. Considering its performance and clinical credentials, this benzoyl peroxide wash is quite affordable. It is cheaper than some of the mainstream brands, but it often does a better job of eliminating blemishes and breakouts.
What We Liked
- Aloe Vera for deep hydration
- Fast, effective results
- Can be used to treat severe acne
Not Crazy About
- Formula may be too strong for some skin types
- Can leave stains on washcloths and towels
PanOxyl is one of the more expensive products on our list, but it is designed for use specifically on the face, chest, and back areas. If you suffer from body acne in embarrassing spots (particularly ladies), this wash is a good choice. Like Replenix, it is quite a potent formula. However, it lathers and foams in quite a pleasant way, and you don’t usually find this with benzoyl peroxide washes.
The formula delivers oxygen to the skin and to the inside of pores. This effectively kills the acne causing bacteria and encourages your immune system to start fighting back too. PanOxyl works fast, and you will see noticeable results. They come at a price though. The benzoyl peroxide pulls out oil while it is clearing up blemishes. For those with medium to dry complexions, this can throw things off balance.
Most PanOxyl users combine the product with a high-quality moisturizer. Just make sure that it is free from harsh chemicals and any irritants which are likely to make your breakouts worse. If you do find that dry skin becomes an issue, don’t use the wash every day (one day on, one day off). Moisturize your face every night before you go to bed.
What We Liked
- Strong, effective formula
- Helps boost immune responses
- Can be used on the chest and back
Not Crazy About
- Strong formula can dry out skin
- Could use a pump applicator
Again, this ProActiv wash is certainly not the cheapest acne cream on the market, but it produces great results. Most people who suffer badly with the skin condition are willing to pay a little extra for a good product, so it is worth considering a range of washes from low to high price levels. The first thing that you’ll notice about this one, particularly if you are familiar with benzoyl peroxide, is that it feels surprisingly gentle.
The milky white lotion is slightly grainy because it contains tiny microbeads, but it is a delight to apply. It feels cool, refreshing, and soothing when placed over problem areas. However, it doesn’t have any discernible scent, so don’t expect a range of sensory delights. Usually, products like these go without fragrance, because the manufacturers are trying to limit the number of chemicals in the formula.
It doesn’t really lather or foam, so you’ll need to spend a little time massaging the microbeads into your face and any other problem spots. Within a day or two, your skin should look visibly clearer and feel less irritated. As it also dislodges dead skin cells, your complexion should get noticeably brighter too. After a couple of weeks, your pores will be tighter and healthier.
What We Liked
- Clears dead cells for brighter skin
- Free of harsh chemicals/fragrances
- Microbeads are great for exfoliation
- Light, milky formula is refreshing
Not Crazy About
- Doesn’t lather well (needs massaging)
- Formula might be too light for some
Side by Side Comparison
Category | Our Top Pick | Best Value | Best Choice | Best Benzoyl | Best Benzoyl |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Top Rated | |||||
Brand | |||||
Strength | 10% | 10% | 10% | 10% | 2.5% |
Contents | 8.0 oz | 5.0 oz | 8.0 oz | 5.5 oz | 6.0 oz |
Packaging | Pump Bottle | Squeeze Top Bottle | Squeeze Top Bottle | Squeeze Top Bottle | Squeeze Top Bottle |
Learn More |
Salicylic Acid VS Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide isn’t the only acne killing formula on the market. Normally, if a lotion, cream, or wash doesn’t contain BP, it probably includes salicylic acid instead. The two perform similar functions, and there are plenty of fans for both. However, the question is, which produces better results – benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid?
Salicylic Acid
This wonder substance works by changing the makeup of clogged pores. When people are prone to acne, their pores fill up with impurities and become jammed. This is because the cells are multiplying too quickly and they’re sticking to one another. It creates a kind of glue in the pores and, once all of the dirt and grime backs up, that is when the breakouts appear.
Salicylic acid is able to dissolve this glue and clean out the impure pores. Unlike benzoyl peroxide, it does this in a very gentle and soothing manner. It is quite rare, unless you are allergic to the chemical, to experience irritation. These formulas cool, calm, and restore balance to the skin.
The only real downside to salicylic acid is that it can be toxic in large amounts. Fortunately, you’d have to be using an extremely strong product to cause any harm, and they don’t sell creams or lotions this powerful. Some wart treatments contain high levels of the chemical, but they are safe to use because you’re not spreading them over large areas of the body.
Benzoyl Peroxide
As already mentioned, benzoyl peroxide has been a common ingredient in acne treatments for many decades. It is highly effective against blackheads, whiteheads, and red spots and blemishes. As it is bactericidal, it actually kills the bacteria, rather than impeding their growth like some other products. It usually works very quickly and produces great results for those with medium to severe acne.
Before you use it, do be aware that it is almost always stronger than salicylic acid. It can cause irritation for some, even though the vast majority of people do not experience this. For the first few weeks after you start a benzoyl peroxide regimen, you should avoid exposure to strong sunlight. It is really important to give your skin time to adjust and adapt to the new conditions.
Also, don’t forget that benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabrics. If you use a washcloth to apply it, make sure that you rinse it immediately after use. To prevent towels from staining, wash all lotions and creams from your face before you dry. In higher concentrations, it can cause the pores to dry out, and it is a good idea to combine any wash regime with a moisturizer.
Conclusion
Most acne sufferers try a whole range of lotions, creams, washes, and balms before they finally find one which works. Experimentation is encouraged because the only way to know which products are effective is to give them a try. On the other hand, acne treatments can be expensive, so it is good to know where to look and what to prioritize.
Benzoyl peroxide is highly effective and suitable for most skin types. However, if you have any reservations about using it, you can talk to your doctor or dermatologist. They’ll be able to tell you if you’re likely to experience any irritation. Most washes are applied once or twice per day. They are easy to use and don’t take up a lot of time, so your acne routine shouldn’t become a time-consuming chore.