simple facial cleanser foaming

Clearing Your Face 9 Best Benzoyl Peroxide Face Washes

Many people’s enemy is stubborn acne, yet few skincare products live up to their claims of being pimple-fighting superheroes. However, benzoyl peroxide is a tried-and-true, clinically validated chemical for treating current breakouts and avoiding new ones. So, if your skin needs a boost in the acne-fighting department, adding a benzoyl peroxide face wash to your routine will help get rid of any bothersome pimples that are holding out for too long. 

What is Benzoyl Peroxide and Its Benefits

Bactericidal refers to the property of benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria. The kind of bacteria that contributes to the development of acne is called Propionibacterium acnes. This acne-causing bacterium is efficiently eliminated by benzoyl peroxide, which is sold over-the-counter in a variety of formulations.

Any type of acne can be treated with benzoyl peroxide topical acne therapy, but acne vulgaris, which is an inflammatory form of acne, responds best to it. It can also be used to treat whiteheads, blackheads, and cystic acne, however, this kind of acne requires a combination of drugs. Because it eliminates the bacteria inside and beneath the breakout that is generating the irritation, benzoyl peroxide works best on inflammatory acne. Inflammatory acne signs include: 

  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Clogged, pus-filled pores. 
  • Oily acne spots

Start off gradually while using benzoyl peroxide to treat acne. To gradually introduce the product to your skin and prevent an adverse reaction, only use it once every other day. You will become more sensitive to the sun as a result of the product, so follow up with sunscreen.

Top 9 Benzoyl Peroxide Face Washes

EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser

An enzyme and amino acid combination found in EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser can aid in removing makeup and other pollutants, including oil on the face and pore-clogging makeup. The foam reduces pore size while gently removing pollutants from the skin and enhancing skin clarity. Your skin feels balanced and clean after using this dermatologist-recommended cleanser.

Differin Daily Deep Cleanser

This formulation contains 5% benzoyl peroxide that has been micronized in order to get deep into pores, destroy bacteria, and absorb extra oil. However, it simultaneously delivers a mild moisturizer designed to assist in balancing your skin and stop unwelcome dryness on oily skin. Reviewers frequently mention how nicely it has cleared up their skin, and the reasonably priced pricing is also a plus. However, if you have dry skin, you should think twice before purchasing it because it could feel a touch of drying on dry skin.

PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash

10% benzoyl peroxide is used in the foamy face wash Panoxyl Maximum Strength Acne. When it comes to treating body acne on regions like your back, chest, and booty (because, yes, you can have acne on your butt), this cleanser is a lifesaver. You may thank the foaming action for making it simple to apply to all of these larger surfaces. It contains 10% BPO, which may be a little too much for certain people’s faces but is typically tolerated well by the body. This might not be the product for you if you prefer items with a denser texture.

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

When using any kind of strong skincare product, like BPO, it’s crucial to exercise caution if your complexion tends toward sensitivity. We value this composition because it was created especially to be extremely mild on the skin. Yes, it contains benzoyl peroxide, which treats acne, but it also features moisturizing hyaluronic acid and calming niacinamide. It is creamy but quickly turns into foam, giving you the delightful lather and clean feeling that many other cleansers designed for sensitive skin lack.

Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask

A skincare item called the Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask has two uses: it can be used as a cleanser and a mask. By thoroughly cleaning pores and removing excess oil and pollutants from the skin, it is intended to help treat and prevent acne. The product works to remove grime, oil, and makeup from the skin’s surface when used as a cleanser. It contains benzoyl peroxide, a substance frequently seen in acne treatments. The product offers a more thorough treatment for skin that is prone to acne when used as a mask. It can be used on the face and kept on for a short period of time before being rinsed off. The aromas in this cleanser, however, can irritate those with sensitive noses.

Ever Ready First Aid Harris Benzoyl Peroxide Wash

You can try Harris Pharmaceuticals’ benzoyl peroxide face cleanser if that’s what you want. By eliminating the germs that cause acne and drying and peeling the affected region, it clears your skin. The 5% benzoyl peroxide in the 5 oz. white bottle is best used topically. In addition to your face, you can use this cream on your back if you have acne there from over-sweating, especially in the summer. To get the outcomes you want from it, you must continuously use it.

PCA SKIN Benzoyl Peroxide 5% Facial Cleanser

PCA Skin’s daily foamy face cleanser is fantastic for oily skin types. This facial cleanser with 5% benzoyl peroxide has a miraculous ingredient that makes acne and scars vanish as if they never existed. Your skin will be moisturized and clean, giving off a flawless radiance. Additionally, the mixture contains phytic acid, which exfoliates pores and shows your genuine skin, as well as gluconolactone, which hydrates skin and improves complexion. Despite the fact that it might be somewhat pricey, it is a fantastic skincare expert and merits your attention.

iS CLINICAL Cleansing Complex

Bio-nutrients, antioxidants, and exfoliating substances are used in the formulation of the iS CLINICAL Cleansing Complex. Salicylic acid, which aids in pore cleansing and exfoliation, as well as chamomile extract, which calms and soothes the skin, are among its constituents. This cleanser has a reputation for being able to remove makeup, excess oil, and pollutants without drying out the skin. It can be used as part of your morning and nighttime skincare routine. This cleanser can be a touch costly when compared to the majority of alternatives on the market.

AcneFree Oil-Free Acne Cleanser

Both body and facial acne can be treated with the AcneFree Oil-Free Acne Cleanser. Breakouts such as pimples, cystic acne, blackheads, and whiteheads are cleared up and avoided using it. The cleanser’s micronized benzoyl peroxide deep cleans and eliminates acne-causing germs by penetrating the pores. Both the day and the night can be employed with it. Ceramide, another ingredient in the cleanser, preserves the skin’s natural moisture barrier. On dry skin, this cleanser might be very effective.

You may be familiar with a substance called benzoyl peroxide if you’ve ever had the pleasure of dealing with acne. It is the star of some of the best lotions, cleansers, and spot treatments since it is essentially a superhero that fights acne. You’ll get smooth, clear skin like your favorite “It girl” if you use one of these 9 incredible benzoyl peroxide face washes.

19 Best Acne Face Washes in 2023

Perhaps the unsung star of a complete skincare regimen is face wash. It seldom seems to receive the credit it deserves; rather, it’s frequently written off as a tedious prerequisite to the fun of serums and creams. However, a facial cleanser prepares the skin for every subsequent treatment and ingredient, particularly when it comes to treating acne. With the help of these 19 best acne face washes, we can start by getting rid of your pimples and giving your skin that smooth, glowing, flawless appearance.

PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash

The highest concentration of benzoyl peroxide found in an over-the-counter product, PanOxyl’s acne cleanser has a whopping ten percent benzoyl peroxide content, making it extremely effective at eradicating acne-causing germs as soon as it is massaged into the skin. After just one application, the antibacterial foaming wash starts to clean and unclog pores. However, this cleanser can be drying and is powerful. 

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

Numerous dermatologists recommend this CeraVe cleanser, praising it for its ability to cure and prevent breakouts without stripping skin. With the right combination of moisturizing ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid and potent acne-fighting chemicals like four percent benzoyl peroxide, your breakouts will be treated without aggravating your skin more. It can stain towels and garments because of the benzoyl peroxide content, which is significant.

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Dermatologists regard CeraVe as one of the most reputable skincare companies. This cleanser eliminates grime and makeup effectively without removing the skin’s natural oils. This facial cleanser is also created without additional superfluous ingredients like scents and other harsh chemicals and is widely accessible, reasonably priced, and helpful for a variety of skin conditions. 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash

This medicated cleanser is perfect for oily skin and acne-prone skin because salicylic acid is one of its main ingredients. This face cleanser, which has been dermatologist-tested, is so effective that it has been shown in studies to eliminate excess surface oil by up to 47%. A flurry of moisturizing ingredients guards against skin being parched or dried despite the fact that that may seem terribly drying. This cleanser aims to regulate oil production, therefore it might not be the best choice for dry or sensitive skin. 

SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel

Lipo-hydroxy acid (LHA) and glycolic acid are used in this SkinCeuticals cleanser to exfoliate the skin, clean up pores, and smooth out any bumpiness or hyperpigmentation from previous acne flare-ups. Additionally, it is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, neutralizing microorganisms on the skin’s surface and lowering the likelihood that pores may clog in the future. The face wash may, however, become stuck close to the top due to the bottle’s packaging.

Glo Skin Beta-Clarity Clear Skin Cleanser

In order to effectively treat blackheads and pimples, this cleanser offers a physical exfoliant in the shape of mild, eco-friendly beads as well as a chemical exfoliant in the form of salicylic acid. This foamy cleanser purifies the skin’s surface by reducing excessive sebum production, and the apple amino acids improve the skin’s moisture barrier.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash

Popular facial cleanser Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash is made especially for people with oily and acne-prone skin as Salicylic acid, a frequent component in many acne treatments, is included in it. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash’s oil-free formula is amazing because it can help your skin less oily. Furthermore, it will not clog pores because it is non-comedogenic.

Fresh® Soy Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser

There are two types of skin: semi-sensitive skin and skin that reacts violently to even the mildest cosmetics. This extremely gentle cleanser can be the finest acne-clearing option if that describes your skin type. It uses soy proteins and amino acids to thoroughly clean your pores instead of salicylic acid, which can be harsh on your skin and cause irritation. But it is really expensive, and it does not help with really bad outbreaks.

Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser

Another cleanser that is not specifically designed to cure acne but that customers have found to be helpful in a pinch to get rid of their outbreaks is this one! The nutrients and antioxidants that are naturally extracted from superfoods make this face cleanser a great option for aged skin. Cold-pressed kale extract contains phytonutrients that help cleanse the skin while also supplying vitamins C, E, and K. Green tea calms and nourishes the skin, while spinach aids in reducing inflammation.

T-Blast Foaming Facial Cleanser

Although very mild, the cleanser’s 0.4% natural tea tree oil content is sufficient to help treat acne, making it ideal for teenagers. Of course, this cleanser probably will not work completely if the adolescent acne is more severe. However, for the common pre-teen or adolescent acne that practically everyone experiences every now and then, this is a great cleanser to help control the outbreaks and maintain confidence!

TULA Skin Care Supersize Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser

It is very likely that if you are pregnant, an OB/GYN has advised you to avoid a number of things, including several skincare products (like retinol). However, this popular cleanser is not one of them. It is especially suitable for skin that is prone to acne because of its mild exfoliating characteristics, which help clear pores. Prebiotic and probiotic extracts, together with turmeric, are used to do this, leaving your skin feeling exceptionally clean and balanced. You might wish to pick a stronger face wash if you have oily skin.

Murad Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser

In comparison to your typical breakout condition, hormonal acne is a different animal. This kind of acne is chronic, may be present deep under the skin, and may even become excruciatingly painful. If you experience this problem, an extra-strength product is certainly required, which is why this acne cleanser is the best choice! To treat and prevent acne, it makes use of two different kinds of salicylic acid.

Kate Somerville® ExfoliKate® Cleanser

This cleanser effectively exfoliates the skin, which is a great approach to maintain clear pores and prevent acne. Glycolic and lactic acids penetrate deeply into pores while you remove makeup and pollutants from your face, and a variety of naturally derived enzymes ensure that your pores are completely unclogged when you rinse the cleanser out. It is advised to perform two cleanings for the optimum outcome.

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser

Finding a trustworthy cleanser for sensitive skin can be challenging, especially when it comes to getting rid of persistent acne. Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser is a fantastic option if you are searching for a facial cleanser that is made with red, irritated skin in mind. This wash will not clog pores because it is fragrance-free, soap-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic. The bottle’s pump can be a little erratic, which increases the possibility that it will break quickly.

Avene Antirougeurs Fort Soothing Concentrate

Skin redness, heat, tightness, and irritation are frequently linked to acne rosacea. Although it can be challenging to eliminate these persistent red spots, substances like dextran sulfate and ruscus extract can be helpful. Vasoconstrictors like ruscus extract (Ruscus aculeatus) can help lower the size and redness of blood vessels under the skin. If you are taking off sunscreen or makeup, this product can be better utilized as a secondary wash.

Starface Space Wash

Consistent use—especially for teenagers—is one of the greatest ways for anyone to notice results from any product for acne-prone skin. Due to its trendy branding and ingredients that address adolescent skin problems, we believe that Starface Space Wash is a fantastic choice for teenagers. It has calming components including calendula flower extract, sage leaf extract, and white willow bark extract, which help exfoliate and deeply clear pores to minimize acne and irritation. Sage leaf helps calm and relieve acne. 

True Botanicals Renew Nourishing Cleanser

Although this cleanser is a little more expensive than some other brands, it provides a highly nourishing, antioxidant-rich product that is ideal for indications of aging. Willow bark and green tea balance oily skin while defending the skin barrier. Glycerin, aloe vera, and a combination of grapefruit, lavender, vetiver, and jasmine are also included in this mix; these ingredients are deeply moisturizing and nourishing, and they also have a synergistic anti-inflammatory effect.

Cetaphil Clarifying Acne Cream Cleanser

When applied to the skin, the product, which is initially very thick and creamy, turns into a pleasant foam. You can see and feel the effects of the deep-cleansing salicylic acid once you wash it off; your skin will have that healthy shine but will not feel stripped or dry.

DERMA E Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

DERMA E Hydrating Gentle Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid deeply hydrates skin while removing grime, oil, and pollutants. Hyaluronic Acid, Chamomile, Lemon Grass, and Papaya are all included in this ultra-hydrating face cleanser, along with antioxidant Vitamins A and E, to gently cleanse and condition skin for a soft, smooth, dewy sensation with no drying, aging side effects. This face wash exfoliates, cleanses, and improves skin’s natural glow while also assisting in the fading of blemish marks and sun damage for radiant-looking skin. It also visibly reduces the appearance of wrinkles and dryness.

Acne affects everyone, whether they have been suffering from the sudden onset of adult acne or have been battling pimples for years. However, the correct blemish-removal chemicals can calm your skin. There are many acne-fighting treatments available on the market (both over-the-counter and prescription), but creating an acne skincare routine that will effectively treat your outbreaks is not always straightforward. We give you all the information you need so you may choose the ideal face wash for your skin without having to spend a lot of money on this really simple, straightforward process.