Benzoyl peroxide is a triple threat against acne. It targets acne-causing bacteria, helps calm the redness of breakouts, and clears out the impactions behind everything from small whiteheads to inflamed pustules. It works efficiently, too; many people see their skin begin to clear early in their routine. It's easy to see why benzoyl peroxide has been a trusted acne treatment for decades.
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Why It Works
Benzoyl peroxide is an organic compound with antibacterial, keratolytic, and comedolytic properties. When applied to the skin, it releases oxygen that targets acne-causing bacteria inside the pore. Its keratolytic action increases cell turnover, creating a gentle peeling effect that unplugs pores and lifts away impactions, one of the main reasons it's so effective for acne.
Some antibacterial products can contribute to resistant strains of bacteria. That’s not the case with benzoyl peroxide. After more than 50 years in widespread use, it remains just as effective at targeting the bacteria behind breakouts.
Benzoyl peroxide also helps calm the inflammation that comes with breakouts, an important part of treating acne.
Benefits of Benzoyl Peroxide
- Targets acne-causing bacteria
- Helps clear inflammatory breakouts
- Clears follicles of excess dead skin cells
- Peels out impactions
- Helps prevent new breakouts
- Helps keep pores clear
- Doesn't contribute to antibiotic resistance
Is All Benzoyl Peroxide the Same?
BP products range from 2.5% up to 10%. The percentage refers to the amount of the active ingredient, but the real difference is in the formulation. Buffering agents used to limit irritation often limit effectiveness as well. The wrong carrier vehicle can keep BP from penetrating the skin, so it can’t work in the pore.
In its early days, benzoyl peroxide was notoriously unstable. Carriers were greasy, messy, and occlusive. Pharmacists often distributed BP in a package separate from the carrier to be mixed just before use to improve its performance.
In 1970, Dr. Fulton changed all that when he developed a carrier vehicle in the form of a vanishing gel that kept benzoyl peroxide stable and maximized its beneficial properties, allowing benzoyl peroxide to become one of the most widely used acne treatments in the world. Vivant’s BP formulas remain the gold standard today.
What’s the Best Way to Use Benzoyl Peroxide?
If you’re new to benzoyl peroxide, start with Vivant’s BP 3% Acne Treatment Wash. It's a gentle way to introduce your skin to benzoyl peroxide, and a good choice for skin that's a little more sensitive.
When you’re ready for a more intensive treatment, bump up to BP 3% Acne Treatment Cleanser with Buffing Beads, which includes biodegradable microbeads to help lift dead skin cells and support accelerated clearing.
Use the wash or exfoliating cleanser twice a day. You can get a mini-peel boost by making it part of your morning shower. Work the wash or cleanser into a lather in the shower and let it sit on your face while you complete the rest of your shower routine, then rinse away. Both are also excellent for body acne.
For excessively oily or resistant skin, couple the cleanser with Vivant’s BP 10% Acne Medication Gel. The gel should be applied to the entire face from the hairline to just under the jawline. Avoid spot treating, which leaves bacteria in surrounding areas to spread.
Apply 10% BP Acne Medication Gel underneath the detoxifying Sulfur Clay Acne Treatment Mask once a week for some extra firepower against stubborn breakouts.
Benzoyl peroxide can be drying. That drying is part of how it clears impactions, but it isn't always comfortable. If desired, add moisture by using one of our non-comedogenic hydrators. But go easy on the moisture when you’re clearing active acne. Dryness is a normal part of the process.
Hero products:
Creamy and soothing, yet thoroughly cleansing. The first stop for skin new to benzoyl peroxide.
BP 3% Acne Treatment Cleanser with Buffing Beads
A hardworking acne cleanser. Excellent for targeting acne on the face, back, forearms, or for use after a sweaty workout.
This high-concentration gel formula delivers extra strength against oily or resistant, breakout-prone skin.
Other Things to Know
People with sensitive skin may find benzoyl peroxide irritating and should start with a once-a-day schedule, working up to twice daily. If irritation does occur, dial it back to every other day until your skin adjusts. Once your skin gets on board, increasing to 2 or 3 applications per day is pretty standard.
Benzoyl peroxide is not recommended for skin prone to hyperpigmentation.
Benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabrics, so be careful of your clothing and sheets if using it at night.
Benzoyl peroxide can make skin more sensitive to sun, so be sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing outdoors and avoid prolonged sun exposure.
As always, follow the Drug Facts label on your benzoyl peroxide products, and check with your physician if you have questions about what's right for your skin.
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