Cleansing is a foundational part of every skincare routine. So, face washes can be especially valuable in combating dermatological conditions like acne and rosacea when they contain the right ingredients. And if you deal with breakouts, benzoyl peroxide is one powerful ingredient you may want to incorporate into your routine.

So how can a benzoyl peroxide face wash help you fight acne and keep future breakouts at bay? We asked our licensed dermatology providers to unpack the science behind this ingredient and how you can use it to get clearer, healthier skin.

Why do I need to cleanse my skin? 

As skin cleansing techniques have evolved, it’s not just about scraping off grime anymore. It’s about enhancing your skin health and appearance, and even providing moments of relaxation amidst your daily stress. The benefits extend to dermatological conditions like acne, rosacea, and others, where cleansers can work alongside other therapies.¹

It is important to use a cleanser because some environmental impurities and cosmetic products are not water-soluble. This means that washing your skin with just water doesn’t effectively remove them from your skin. Cleansers can emulsify these impurities into smaller particles, making them water-soluble and easier to remove. A well-designed cleanser does more than clean—it eliminates dirt, sebum, microorganisms, and more, all without harming your skin.²

What is benzoyl peroxide?

Benzoyl peroxide is a topical medication accessible both over the counter and through prescription. It is FDA-approved for treating acne vulgaris—a prevalent skin condition featuring blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples (papules and pustules). It addresses various forms of acne lesions.³ 

Unlike many topical antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide has a key advantage: It seems to not lead to drug resistance.⁴ This means your benzoyl peroxide face wash will continue to effectively fight off acne, even with long-term use. Beyond acne, it possesses off-label applications, targeting inflammatory rosacea and inflammation within hair follicles. Its versatility and effectiveness make it a significant asset in dermatological care, helping you achieve clearer skin.⁵

Benzoyl peroxide against acne

Benzoyl peroxide stands as a formidable adversary against acne. This medication exerts its action in a bactericidal manner, actively eliminating bacteria. Specifically, it targets Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), a bacteria found on your skin and within hair follicles,⁶ notorious for its role in acne development. Benzoyl peroxide also has properties that aid in controlling sebum production and addressing blocked pores, which are key factors in acne formation.⁷

Available in concentrations ranging from 2.5% to 10%, benzoyl peroxide comes in various forms, including lotions, creams, gels, foams, solutions, cleansing bars, cloths, pads, masks, and even shaving creams.⁸ The recommended frequency of use varies based on the formulation. For example, cleansing bars and washes are typically used one to three times a day, while masks are applied once a week.

Research has highlighted that combination products containing benzoyl peroxide alongside other topical treatments, such as antibiotics or the retinoid adapalene, can yield superior outcomes compared to either medication used alone.⁹

Notably, the most common drawback of benzoyl peroxide is its bleaching quality, which can lead to the discoloration of colored fabrics and even the bleaching of hair.¹⁰ Despite this, its potency in combating acne makes it a valuable tool in your arsenal of skincare treatments.

The Curology Acne Cleanser 

Looking for a good benzoyl peroxide cleanser? Allow us to introduce you to the Curology Acne Cleanser—a solution tailored to tackle acne while still being gentle enough for daily use.

Formulated with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, this cleanser offers a topical antimicrobial quality that can help eliminate acne-causing bacteria. Beyond its bacteria-fighting prowess, it curbs excess oil production, lending a hand in the ongoing battle against acne.

Designed by dermatologists, the formulation includes glycerin, a humectant renowned for its moisture-retaining abilities. By locking water within your skin’s outer layer, glycerin helps maintain optimal moisture levels, warding off the unpleasant dryness that may accompany acne treatments.¹¹

The formula also includes allantoin which is a multipurpose emollient to help soothe and moisturize skin.

Our Acne Cleanser is designed for daily use, setting it apart from higher-strength alternatives that can be more likely to cause irritation. Gentle enough for regular incorporation into your skincare routine, it aligns with the demands of everyday life.

Using the Curology Acne Cleanser is straightforward: Wash your face with it twice a day, ensuring you avoid contact with the delicate eye area. For those with sensitive or dry skin, a gentle start is encouraged—begin by using the Acne Cleanser 2-3 times a week, allowing your skin to adapt to benzoyl peroxide gradually. 

Keeping your acne under control 

To maintain effective control over your acne, it’s essential to seek expert guidance from a dermatology provider. They will offer invaluable advice to help clear your skin, and their treatments will include a range of strategies.

Some general scientifically backed tips for clearing your acne include:

Maintain good skin hygiene: Opt for gentle cleansers and non-comedogenic skincare products, avoid harsh soaps, and refrain from aggressive practices like picking acne, which can lead to scarring. Embrace soap-free face wash and oil-free moisturizers and sunscreens for protection.¹²

Topical therapy: Utilize topical retinoids such as tretinoin and adapelene for acne.¹³ These help prevent clogged pores, among other benefits. Depending on severity, they can stand alone or are complemented by agents like benzoyl peroxide or topical/oral antibiotics. Benzoyl peroxide, an antimicrobial, acts against bacteria while reducing inflammation of acne bumps.¹⁴

Systemic therapies: Prescribed for moderate-to-severe or treatment-resistant cases, systemic therapies involve oral medications tailored to tackle acne not managed effectively by topical treatments alone.¹⁵

If you have acne, you should always speak with a dermatology provider before starting any treatments. Personalized and professionally guided treatment plans, considering your skin type, severity, and other personal factors, are crucial. Seeking specialized medical advice ensures you get a comprehensive and effective strategy for tackling your acne.

Clear your acne with Curology 

Our Acne Cleanser, which contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, targets surface bacteria and excess oil, aiding in acne treatment. It also includes moisturizing glycerin and soothing allantoin. It’s also gentle enough for daily use!

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

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To enhance your skincare journey further, explore our personalized prescription formulas. For a comprehensive solution, consider signing up for a customized prescription formula* that caters to your unique skin needs!

P.S. We did the homework so you don’t have to:

1. Mukhopadhyay, P. Cleansers and their role in various dermatological disorders. Indian J Dermatol. (January-February 2011).

2. Mukhopadhyay, P. Cleansers and their role in various dermatological disorders. Indian J Dermatol. Ibid.

3. Matin, T. and Goodman, M.B. Benzoyl Peroxide. StatPearls. (2022, October 10).

4. Matin, T. and Goodman, M.B. Benzoyl Peroxide. StatPearls. Ibid.

5. Matin, T. and Goodman, M.B. Benzoyl Peroxide. StatPearls. Ibid.

6. Matin, T. and Goodman, M.B. Benzoyl Peroxide. StatPearls. Ibid.

7. Matin, T. and Goodman, M.B. Benzoyl Peroxide. StatPearls. Ibid.

8. Matin, T. and Goodman, M.B. Benzoyl Peroxide. StatPearls. Ibid.

9. Matin, T. and Goodman, M.B. Benzoyl Peroxide. StatPearls. Ibid.

10. Milani, M. and Sparavigna, A. The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. (2017, August 11).

11. Leung, A.K.C., et al. Dermatology: how to manage acne vulgaris. Drugs Context. (2021, October 11).

12. Leung, A.K.C., et al. Dermatology: how to manage acne vulgaris. Drugs Context. Ibid.

13. Leung, A.K.C., et al. Dermatology: how to manage acne vulgaris. Drugs Context. Ibid.

14. Leung, A.K.C., et al. Dermatology: how to manage acne vulgaris. Drugs Context. Ibid.

15. Matin, T. and Goodman, M.B. Benzoyl Peroxide. StatPearls. Ibid.

16. Matin, T. and Goodman, M.B. Benzoyl Peroxide. StatPearls. Ibid.

17. Matin, T. and Goodman, M.B. Benzoyl Peroxide. StatPearls. Ibid.

18. Matin, T. and Goodman, M.B. Benzoyl Peroxide. StatPearls. Ibid.

19. Leung, A.K.C., et al. Dermatology: how to manage acne vulgaris. Drugs Context. Ibid.

Elise Griffin is a certified physician assistant at Curology. She received her Master of Medical Science in physician assistant studies from Nova Southeastern University in Jacksonville, FL.  *Subject to consultation. Results may vary. 

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Elise Griffin, PA-C