Benzoyl Peroxide vs. Salicylic Acid: Which is Right for You?

Both are superstar acne-fighting ingredients, but what exactly sets them apart?

When it comes to treating acne, chances are you want results and you want them fast. Luckily, the skincare market is flooded with products that promise to clear skin, fight pesky pimples, and reach deep within the pores for quick—and long-lasting—relief. But not all acne fighters are created equally, and when it comes to ingredients, two tend to rise above the rest: benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

Both have been widely heralded as acne-clearing wonder ingredients—and for good reason, their long, documented histories are impressive to say the least. But how exactly each fights acne—and the type of acne they target—are two different stories.

To break down the two powerhouse ingredients and the differences between them, we enlisted the help of New York-based, board-certified dermatologists Carmen Castilla, MD, and Joshua Zeichner, MD. Here’s what you need to know.

What is benzoyl peroxide?

According to Dr. Castilla, benzoyl peroxide mainly functions as an antibacterial ingredient, though it also has some exfoliating properties that help remove dead skin cells. It targets cutibacterium acne, the bacteria that causes acne, and, unlike with other antibacterial agents, bacteria cannot grow resistant to benzoyl peroxide, making it a popular choice amongst dermatologists and other experts.

"Benzoyl peroxide is perhaps the most effective ingredient we have in treating red, angry pimples,” Dr. Zeichner explains. “Think of it like a fire extinguisher, putting out inflammation in the skin and lowering levels of acne-causing bacteria.”

Sounds too good to be true? Well, benzoyl peroxide doesn’t come without its risks. Namely, it can be fairly irritating depending on the concentration. And no matter how well-formulated, benzoyl peroxide is notorious for bleaching clothing, towels, and any other fabrics it comes in contact with. For this reason, both Dr. Castillas and Dr. Zeichner suggest opting for bright white towels and pillowcases that won’t be affected.

What is salicylic acid?

Meanwhile, salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that chemically exfoliates the skin, helping remove excess oil and dead skin cells from the surface. Per Dr. Castilla, it does this by breaking down the bonds between skin cells and penetrating deep into the pores.

Whereas benzoyl peroxide is like a fire extinguisher, Dr. Zeichner likens salicylic acid to a pipe cleaner, removing blockages from the pores. It helps loosen and slough off dead skin cells, and dries out mild comedonal acne (think blackheads and whiteheads), but is less effective on inflammatory acne.

Like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid runs the risk of irritation, as well as redness and sun sensitivity. So while it’s always important to wear sunscreen (and yes, we’re talking every single day), it’s doubly so when using salicylic acid.

What is the difference between benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid?

The key difference between benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid is how they target acne: Benzoyl peroxide fights acne at the source by killing acne-causing bacteria, while salicylic acid focuses on a cause of acne (clogged pores) rather than the acne itself.

Those differing tactics ultimately yield slightly different results. Benzoyl peroxide effectively targets inflammatory acne like red pimples, pustules, and pesky cysts. Meanwhile, salicylic acid fights more mild acne, like blackheads and whiteheads (commonly referred to as comedonal acne), as well as prominent pores and oily skin.

Both dermatologists say that while the two ingredients function differently, they’re actually quite complementary. Dr. Zeichner goes so far as to say he regularly recommends using both ingredients as part of a full acne-treatment regimen.

Dr. Castilla notes that benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are stellar first-line, over-the-counter treatment options for acne. That being said, if you're not seeing any improvement after a few weeks of use, she suggests visiting a board-certified dermatologist for an evaluation.

While the ingredients work together well, experts suggest doing so with caution—remember both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid run the risk of dryness and irritation.

Best Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide Products to Use

Benzoyl Peroxide

JORI Daily Leave-On Acne Treatment Mask

This ultralight water-gel uses an advanced form of micronized, 2.5% benzoyl peroxide to penetrate deep into the pores. The formula’s active botanical blend addresses the needs of adult skin as well as factors that contribute to breakouts.

To buy: $52; amazon.com

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Acne Treatment with Benzoyl Peroxide

One of our personal favorites, this formula combines 5.5% benzoyl peroxide with lipo-hydroxy acid to reduce the number and severity of acne blemishes on two fronts. Best of all, it can be used as a full-face or spot treatment depending on your needs.

To buy: $23; ulta.com

PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash Maximum Strength

PanOxyl’s 10% benzoyl peroxide acne wash is a favorite among derms for good reason—it seriously works. While the 10% formulation can be a bit too much as an all-over facial cleanser for some people, we like using it as a spot-treatment cleanser on the face (leave it on problem areas for around two to five minutes before washing off) as well as on body acne on areas like the back, chest, and booty (it happens to the best of us).

To buy: $10; target.com

Kate Somerville Anti Bac Acne Clearing Lotion

Another treatment that can be used on both the body and face, Kat Somerville’s Anti Bac Acne Clearing Lotion combines 5% benzoyl peroxide with advanced liposomes to help target problem areas without over-drying the skin.

To buy: $56; sephora.com

Salicylic Acid

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Cleanser

This oil-free cleanser features 2% salicylic acid to help clear whiteheads and blackheads as well as smooth skin texture and sop up excess oil. Plus, the formula is safe for sensitive skin.

To buy: $13; ulta.com

JORI Acne & Oil Control Primer

We love JORI’s double-duty primer: It blurs imperfections and leaves skin with a silky smooth finish while treating breakouts and reducing shine thanks to its 2% salicylic acid formula. It can be used both alone or under makeup.

To buy: $70; amazon.com

Sunday Riley U.F.O Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil 

For clearer, smoother skin, try Sunday Riley’s dry U.F.O oil. It clears congested pores, treats and prevents acne, and smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with 1.5% salicylic acid without any of the potentially drying side effects thanks to a nourishing blend of milk thistle and cucumber seed oils.

To buy: $80; sephora.com

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