Q. I’ve heard about Benzoyl Peroxide, but what exactly is it and how should I use it?

A: Benzoyl Peroxide is helpful when it comes to keeping your pores clean and acne-causing bacteria away, but there are some things to remember when using it!

In skincare, Benzoyl Peroxide (also known as BPO), is often seen in acne regimens. It’s logical since BPO is excellent at keeping pores clean and fighting acne-causing bacteria.

How does Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO) work?

BPO penetrates the pores and gets rid of acne-causing bacteria with oxygen. When it makes contact with the skin, BPO breaks down and produces oxygen and non-toxic benzoic acid. This is helpful for breaking down comedones, otherwise known as blackheads and whiteheads.

How should I use BPO? 

Always start out with a low percentage of BPO and build up from there if you need to. Usually, it’s used as a spot treatment in concentrations of 2.5% increasing through 5.0% and up to 10%. 

BPO can be applied to affected areas as a spot treatment in a gel, cream, cleanser, or mask form. BPO increases photosensitivity, so it’s essential to apply sunscreen when using BPO. Also, make sure to apply good amounts of moisturizer when using BPO. 

What are the side effects of using BPO?

BPO can be drying and irritating, which is why it’s important to start out with a low concentration. Additionally, it can stain fabric. 

Now we’ll share some great products that have BPO!

1. La Roche-Posay – Effaclar Duo 

La Roche Posay’s Efflaclar Duo has Benzoyl Peroxide as well as a few other ingredients that are helpful for dry skin! It’s non-drying, so it can be used all over the face as well. 

It includes Glycerin, which is great for moisturizing. It also contains Tocopheryl Acetate, which helps prevent UV damage when applied on the skin. 

2. Paula’s Choice – CLEAR Regular Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment with 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide

Another favorite is CLEAR Regular Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment with 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide by Paula’s Choice! This treatment has a low concentration of BPO, so this product is great for those who are just starting to use BPO! Furthermore, this acne treatment contains Benzoyl Peroxide, Allantoin, Propylene Glycol, and Bisabolol. Allantoin will keep your skin soothed and Bisabolol will brighten your skin!

This one is helpful for all skin types, so it’s definitely worth trying!

3. Glossier – Zit Stick 

This product is a favorite! With Benzoyl Peroxide, Niacinamide, Glycerin, and Citric Acid, Glossier’s Zit Stick is good for dry and oily skin types. It’s full of ingredients great for brightening, anti-aging, pore-care, soothing, and hyper-pigmentation! 

However, sensitive skin types may find that this zit stick causes burns or redness. Make sure to test this product on your hand or neck before applying it on your face! 

4. Humane – Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Acne Wash

And lastly we have a very popular face wash by Humane! Humane’s Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Acne Wash has Benzoyl Peroxide as well as Gluconolactone. These ingredients are great for anti-aging and for fighting acne!

Since this product has a high concentration of BPO, we would not recommend using this product if you are just starting to use BPO or if you have sensitive skin. But if you have used BPO before and have built up your concentration of it over time, this could be great for you! 

For more information on the ingredients and how it works for your skin type, log into Picky!