Which benzoyl peroxide best

For rinse-off products, such as a cleanser or scrub, start with 4 percent and increase, as tolerated, up to 10 percent.

For spot treatments , leave-on creams, and face masks, Dr. Dempsey suggests starting with 2. Again, though, everyone's skin is different, and if you are experiencing painful, stubborn acne, it's always wise to consult a board-certified dermatologist who can help you put together a tailored regimen.

One last thing, and perhaps the biggest complaint about benzoyl peroxide, is that it can bleach things like dark towels, sheets, and clothing. But there's a simple fix — you'll want to "be mindful of rinsing it off completely when using a cleanser or letting the leave-on product dry completely prior to getting dressed," in order to avoid an unsightly stain, Dr.

Garshick suggests. Since benzoyl peroxide can cause irritation in the form of redness and extra-dry skin , those with sensitive skin are advised to use BPO-containing products with the lowest concentrations, if not avoid them altogether.

Also, and this is important, if you're pregnant or planning to get pregnant , you'll also want to avoid this ingredient altogether. Benzoyl peroxide has a pregnancy category C safety labeling, which means that "there have been risks when tested on animals, but no studies have been done on humans or pregnant women," Dr.

In general, the consensus among most doctors is that benzoyl peroxide should be avoided entirely during pregnancy. It is also possible to have a true benzoyl peroxide allergy, Dr.

Krant explains, and about 1 percent of the population does. So, if you develop a rash while using the ingredient, stop the product and discuss with your board-certified dermatologist.

You can follow Allure on Instagram and Twitter , or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things beauty. This non-oily, non-irritating cleansing formula is excellent for face and body acne.

Adults and teens alike will love seeing their clear skin, from head to toes! Highly effective and safe to use for all skin types, this wash gets to the root of the problem.

This Beauty Facial Extreme wash will have you feeling fresh and leave your skin glowing, radiant, and zit-free. What else can you ask for? This Cetafil face wash is clinically proven and dermatologist-tested to be gentle enough to use even on mature skin. This mild acne cleanser dissolves is anything but when it comes to eliminating acne—say goodbye to new blemishes caused by the impurities clogging your pores.

A weakened skin barrier on older skin lets more water out and allows irritants in. Using this wash is the first step in correcting that problem and preventing future breakouts!

This gel cleanser has been specially formulated for acne-prone skin to target excess oil, blackheads, and to help clear acne breakouts. If there's anything worse than adult acne, it's body breakouts. Unfortunately, all skin is prone to blemishes, but Humane's body and face wash takes care of all of it. The 8-ounce bottle will last you 1 to 2 months, and it contains a specialized formula that's strong enough to clear pores and flush them out before pimples surface.

Glossier, one of our absolute fave brands, created a zit stick that you need to stash in your purse ASAP. Packed with acne-fighting benzoyl peroxide, this convenient roll-on battles blemishes extremely quickly. This powerful solution dries up pimples while keeping the skin's moisture intact. It even works as a preventative measure to keep future blemishes from forming! Who knew Mary Kay was a major player in the acne-fighting department?

It's light enough to wear under makeup, so you can use its breakout-battling properties throughout the day, too. This fast-acting lotion by Image Skincare is a holy-grail product for battling breakouts. It attacks acne-causing bacteria to treat blemishes, blackheads, and clogged pores at the source. The benzoyl peroxide-infused lotion can be applied both morning and night all over the skin, or concentrated on certain areas to act as a spot treatment.

It's a must-have for any acne sufferer. When you just need to treat one or two pesky pimples, reach for this spot treatment from acne-OG Proactiv. It delivers micro crystal benzoyl peroxide straight to the affected area, soaking up oil and unclogging pores so that skin can clear up fast. A true multipurpose workhouse, this cleanser features the acne-clearing ingredient, as well as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides. The foamy texture is a treat to lather in, too.

It promises to begin minimizing size and redness in two hours. We like how easy it is to add this lotion to your regular skin care routine during breakouts. Since it's a treatment, you can keep using your favorite moisturizer and cleanser while still working in 2. Or, try it out as a spot treatment if your face is drier and sensitive.