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What the science says about Benzoyl Peroxide

Peer-reviewed research on Benzoyl Peroxide, summarised in plain language. Every study links to its record on PubMed so you can read it yourself.

Benzoyl Peroxide for acne

Strong evidence for acne
  • It usually cleared acne better than a placebo, especially for pimples, blackheads and whiteheads
  • 22 studies back this, including several large reviews
  • Some studies found it worked about as well as other common acne treatments
  • It also helped when used together with other acne ingredients, and some studies found stronger results that way
  • The most common side effects were irritation, and some studies found more side effects than comparison treatments

23 studies

  1. Comparative efficacy of clindamycin phosphate with benzoyl peroxide versus clindamycin phosphate with adapalene in acne vulgaris: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

    Scientific reports2025Meta-analysis800 participants3%Positive

    In a review of 800 people with acne, benzoyl peroxide with clindamycin cleared acne about as well as adapalene with clindamycin and caused fewer side effects.

    PubMed 40594517DOI

  2. Efficacy of topical treatments for mild-to-moderate acne: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials.

    Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV2025Meta-analysis33,472 participantsPositive

    In a large review of 33472 people with mild-to-moderate acne, benzoyl peroxide used on its own cleared acne better than a placebo.

    PubMed 38943431DOI

  3. Treatments for Moderate-to-Severe Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

    Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2024Meta-analysis3.1%Positive

    In a large review of studies in people with moderate-to-severe acne, a 3-ingredient gel with benzoyl peroxide ranked among the most effective treatments.

    PubMed 38564399DOI

  4. Acne and the cutaneous microbiome: A systematic review of mechanisms and implications for treatments.

    Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV2025Systematic reviewPositive

    A large review of acne studies found benzoyl peroxide changed skin microbe diversity and was linked to acne clearing.

    PubMed 39269130DOI

  5. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.

    Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology2024Systematic reviewPositive

    Expert guidelines recommend benzoyl peroxide for acne based on a review of the available evidence.

    PubMed 38300170DOI

  6. Topical, light-based, and complementary interventions for acne: an overview of systematic reviews.

    The Cochrane database of systematic reviews2024Systematic review1,012 participantsMixed

    In a large review of acne trials, benzoyl peroxide may help clear pimples, blackheads and whiteheads over 12 weeks, but the evidence was very uncertain and side effects may be more common.

    PubMed 39440650DOI

  7. Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2%/Adapalene 0.15%/Benzoyl Peroxide 3.1% Gel for Acne: Pooled Analysis by Age and Sex.

    Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2026RCT657 participants3.1%Positive

    In 3 clinical trials lasting 12 weeks, a gel with benzoyl peroxide used with other ingredients cleared acne better than a placebo.

    PubMed 42555077DOI

  8. Efficacy and safety of fixed-dose clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/adapalene 0.15%/benzoyl peroxide 3.1% gel in Hispanic participants with moderate-to-severe acne: a pooled analysis.

    The Journal of dermatological treatment2025RCT147 participants3.1%Positive

    In a 12-week study of 147 Hispanic or Latino people with acne, a gel with benzoyl peroxide cleared acne better than a placebo.

    PubMed 40122140DOI

Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not any one product.

Products with Benzoyl Peroxide

Products we have confirmed contain Benzoyl Peroxide, from their ingredient lists.

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