Benzoyl peroxide for acne: Is it effective for treating acne and blackheads?

When you have pimples on your face, you suddenly want to pop them. Well, that’s not the best way to get rid of this common skin problem. Moreover, acne not only appears as pink or red bumps, but also as whiteheads or blackheads, which can pose a greater challenge. Depending on these common types of acne, the skin condition may be non-inflammatory or inflammatory. From gels to face washes to lotions, there are many products that can help address this skin problem that affects many people, especially young people. Anti-acne skin care products may help, but they’re not the only way. Look specifically for benzoyl peroxide, as it is effective against acne.

What is acne?

“This is a common skin condition where the pores of the skin become clogged,” says dermatologist and cosmetologist Dr. Ashini Bhatt. Sebum is a type of naturally produced oil that helps keep your skin from drying out and from clogging your pores with dead skin cells. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, this causes lesions that primarily occur on the face. Commonly seen in teenagers and young adults, this lesion can also appear on the chest, shoulders, and back.

What types of acne are there?

Acne causes different types of lesions, including:

• Whiteheads are clogged hair follicles that appear as white bumps on the skin that remain under the skin.
• Blackheads are also clogged hair follicles, but they somehow reach the skin surface and appear black because the air discolors the sebum.
• Papules are inflammatory lesions that appear as small pink bumps on the skin.
• Pimples are basically papules with a white pus-filled lesion on top, and the base is usually red.
• A severe type of cystic acne is a deep, pus-filled lesion that is painful to the touch.

Is benzoyl peroxide effective in treating acne?

Yes, benzoyl peroxide can be used to treat acne. In fact, it’s one of the first treatments doctors recommend for mild acne, according to the UK’s National Health Service. According to research results published in StatPearls in 2024, it has a bactericidal effect on acne bacteria, the main component of acne.

“Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful antiseptic that effectively combats various types of acne, so it should be used to treat acne,” says the expert.

• inflammatory acne: Benzoyl peroxide for acne treatment works by targeting bacterial cells that cause infection and inflammation. It reduces redness and swelling, making it effective for clearing papules and acne. Additionally, it exfoliates dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and prevents future breakouts.
• non-inflammatory types of acne: Benzoyl peroxide removes dead skin cells and oil that clog pores, so it can be used to treat blackheads and whiteheads. “Exfoliating your skin keeps your pores clear and prevents overproduction of oil, which can lead to blackheads and other acne problems,” says Dr. Bhatt.

Benzoyl peroxide for acne treatment is effective on both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions. “When used regularly, it can also help fade acne scars as it increases skin cell turnover and reduces skin pigmentation,” says the expert.

How can I use benzoyl peroxide to treat acne?

Benzoyl peroxide for acne treatment is available in products such as facial cleansers and gels. According to a study published in StatPearls in 2024, facial cleansers can be used one to three times a day.

• To use a facial cleanser with benzoyl peroxide to treat acne, first wet your face with warm water.
• Take a small amount of face wash on your fingertips and apply it to your face.
• Gently massage it into your skin, but avoid rubbing too hard as this may cause skin irritation.
• After rinsing with lukewarm water, dry your face with a soft, clean towel.

• To use benzoyl peroxide gel to treat acne, wash your face with a cleanser.
• Take a small amount of gel and apply it to the affected area.
  If the concentration is low, it is okay to leave it overnight. “It’s better to start with a low concentration, such as 2.5 percent, and gradually increase to 5 percent as needed,” says Dr. Bhatt.

Is salicylic acid better than benzoyl peroxide for treating acne?

Salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, is also a common ingredient in anti-acne products. In a 2013 study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, researchers found that a 2% salicylic acid cleansing formulation was effective in treating acne.

“Salicylic acid is more effective in treating blackheads and whiteheads. Benzoyl peroxide can also help manage non-inflammatory acne, but it is effective against inflammatory acne such as papules and pimples,” says Dr. Bhatt. Masu. Salicylic acid is also less irritating, so it may be suitable for people with sensitive skin.

What are the side effects of using benzoyl peroxide to treat acne?

“There are very few side effects from using benzoyl peroxide to treat acne,” experts say. According to an analysis published in the Cochrane Database Of Systematic Reviews in 2020, side effects include:

• dry skin
• a warm feeling on the face
• peel
• itch
• slight tingling sensation

Benzoyl peroxide can be used to treat acne. Start with less concentrated skin care products to avoid side effects such as dry skin and peeling.