Benzoyl peroxide wash: 4%, 5% or 10%, and how to use it
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- CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser 4%. Best for: Face washing with a lower strength. See options on Amazon
- Differin Daily Deep Cleanser with BPO 5%. Best for: A middle strength for face and body. See options on Amazon
- 10% benzoyl peroxide foaming wash. Best for: Back and chest acne after a lower strength. See options on Amazon
Choosing a strength
| Wash | Benzoyl peroxide | Label directions |
|---|---|---|
| CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser | 4% | Dime-size amount on damp skin, morning and evening |
| Differin Daily Deep Cleanser | 5% | Massage all over face for about 20 to 30 seconds |
| Differin Max Strength Foaming BPO Cleanser | 10% | Massage all over face for about 20 to 30 seconds |
Details are from each product's Drug Facts label on DailyMed. All three list the purpose as acne treatment. The AAD says a lower strength, such as 5.3%, is less likely to irritate, and you can step up to a 10% wash if you feel you need stronger medicine. The CeraVe cleanser also lists ceramides, niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate among its inactive ingredients.
What benzoyl peroxide does
The AAD says benzoyl peroxide helps kill the bacteria that cause acne, and that used daily, a wash can help control back acne and reduce flares. The labels list one use: for the treatment of acne.
Home treatment suits mild to moderate acne. The AAD says anyone with deep, painful acne will need a dermatologist's help.
How to use a benzoyl peroxide wash
- Face. The Differin labels say to wet your face and gently massage the wash all over for about 20 to 30 seconds, avoiding the eye area, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
- Back and chest. The AAD says studies show benzoyl peroxide works best left on the back for two to five minutes. That helps the medicine penetrate thicker back skin, and rinsing afterward prevents bleached clothes, sheets and towels.
- Start slowly. Because excessive drying may occur, the labels say to start with one application daily, then gradually increase to two or three times daily if needed.
- Cut back if needed. If bothersome dryness or peeling occurs, reduce to once a day or every other day.
- Sunscreen. If going outside, the labels say to apply sunscreen after using the product.
To reach your back, the AAD suggests a lotion applicator for the back; see our body wash guide for gentle shower habits.
Protecting towels, sheets and hair
Every label warns to avoid contact with hair and dyed fabrics, which may be bleached by benzoyl peroxide, and the AAD notes it is known to bleach fabrics. Rinse thoroughly and keep the wash away from your hair, colored towels and dyed bedding.
Pairing with adapalene and other products
The AAD says using adapalene 0.1% gel along with benzoyl peroxide can improve results, because this over-the-counter retinoid can help unclog pores, which helps the benzoyl peroxide work better. Dermatologists recommend applying adapalene after you shower or before going to bed, daily. See our acne spot treatment guide for the adapalene label's directions.
At the same time, the benzoyl peroxide labels say skin irritation and dryness are more likely if you use another topical acne medication at the same time; if irritation occurs, use only one at a time. If irritation or sensitivity develops, stop use of both products and ask a doctor.
The AAD also says abrasive scrubs, loofahs and back brushes can worsen acne. For a gentle face wash on days you skip the medicated one, see our facial cleanser guide.
Habits that help, and when to see a dermatologist
- Shower and change as soon as possible after sweating, the AAD advises.
- Do not pick or pop acne.
- Choose non-comedogenic products and sunscreen; see our mineral sunscreen guide.
The labels say not to use benzoyl peroxide if you have very sensitive skin or are sensitive to it, to keep it out of reach of children, and to get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away if swallowed. Stop and ask a doctor if irritation becomes severe, characterized by redness, burning, itching, peeling or possibly swelling. See a dermatologist for deep, painful acne.
What to look for when you buy
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser 4%
Best for: Face washing with a lower strength
Its label lists benzoyl peroxide 4%, with ceramides and niacinamide among inactive ingredients.
Watch out: Can bleach hair and dyed fabrics; start once daily.
See options on AmazonDifferin Daily Deep Cleanser with BPO 5%
Best for: A middle strength for face and body
Its label lists benzoyl peroxide 5%, near the 5.3% strength the AAD says is less likely to irritate.
Watch out: Avoid the eye area while massaging.
See options on Amazon10% benzoyl peroxide foaming wash
Best for: Back and chest acne after a lower strength
The AAD says 10% is the strongest benzoyl peroxide you can buy without a prescription.
Watch out: More likely to dry or irritate; leave on 2 to 5 minutes on the back, then rinse well.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Which strength of benzoyl peroxide wash should I start with?
- The AAD says a 5.3% wash is less likely to cause irritation, dryness or peeling than stronger ones.
- How long should I leave benzoyl peroxide wash on?
- On the back, the AAD says two to five minutes; on the face, labels say massage for about 20 to 30 seconds and rinse.
- Does benzoyl peroxide bleach towels?
- Yes. Labels warn it may bleach hair and dyed fabrics, so rinse well.
- How often can I use it?
- Start once daily, then increase to two or three times daily only if needed, per the labels.
- Can I use benzoyl peroxide with adapalene?
- The AAD says pairing them can improve results; stop both and ask a doctor if irritation develops.
Sources
- Back acne (aad.org), American Academy of Dermatology
- CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser (benzoyl peroxide 4%) label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Differin Daily Deep Cleanser with BPO (benzoyl peroxide 5%) label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Differin Max Strength Acne Foaming BPO Cleanser (benzoyl peroxide 10%) label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine