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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
Some evidence for acne- Most studies found it helped clear acne better than a placebo or no treatment
- Most people had fewer pimples, blackheads and whiteheads with benzoyl peroxide
- Some studies found early improvement, but results were less clear later on
- It worked about as well as a comparison routine in one study
- The most common side effects were more skin irritation and other side effects overall
23 studies
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 large review of 800 people with acne, benzoyl peroxide used with clindamycin cleared pimples, blackheads and whiteheads about as well as adapalene with clindamycin, with fewer side effects.
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 put on the skin worked better than a placebo.
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 clinical trials, a benzoyl peroxide gel used together with clindamycin and adapalene ranked among the best treatments for moderate-to-severe acne.
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 that benzoyl peroxide put on the skin changed the skin microbiome and was linked with acne treatment benefits.
Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology2024Systematic reviewPositive
Expert guidelines recommend benzoyl peroxide for acne, but this abstract does not give a separate study result for it.
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 clinical trials, benzoyl peroxide put on the skin may help acne over 12 weeks, but the evidence was very uncertain and side effects were more common.
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 together with 2 other ingredients cleared acne better than a placebo.
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 clinical trial analysis of 147 Hispanic/Latino people with acne, a gel with benzoyl peroxide used together with adapalene and clindamycin cleared acne better than a placebo.
Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2%/Adapalene 0.15%/ Benzoyl Peroxide 3.1% Gel for Moderate-to-Severe Acne: A Pooled Analysis by Age.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2025RCT657 participants3.1%Positive
In 657 people with moderate-to-severe acne, a gel with benzoyl peroxide used together with 2 other ingredients cleared acne better than a placebo over 12 weeks.
Efficacy and Tolerability of a Novel Cosmetic and Over-the-Counter Facial Acne Regimen Versus a Prescription Treatment.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2025RCT23 participants2.5%Positive
In a 12-week trial of 23 adults with acne, a gel with benzoyl peroxide and adapalene cleared acne about as well as a salicylic acid regimen.
Efficacy of a multitargeted, salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic cream compared to benzoyl peroxide 5% in Acne vulgaris: Results from a randomized study.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2024RCT150 participants5%Positive
In a 56-day clinical trial of 150 adults with mild to moderate acne, benzoyl peroxide 5% put on the skin twice daily reduced pimples, blackheads and whiteheads.
Early and Sustained Acne Lesion Reductions With Fixed-Dose Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2%/Adapalene 0.15%/Benzoyl Peroxide 3.1% Gel.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2024RCT1,104 participants3.1%Positive
In 1104 people with moderate-to-severe acne, a 12-week gel with benzoyl peroxide used together with clindamycin and adapalene cleared acne better than related comparison gels.
Triple-Combination Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2%/Adapalene 0.15%/Benzoyl Peroxide 3.1% Gel for Acne in Adult and Pediatric Participants.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2024RCT3.1%Positive
In a 12-week clinical trial, a gel with benzoyl peroxide used together with clindamycin and adapalene cleared acne better than a placebo.
A randomized controlled double-blinded split-face prospective clinical trial to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of a novel 3-step routine compared to benzoyl peroxide for the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris.
Archives of dermatological research2024RCT21 participantsPositive
In a 12-week trial of 21 adults with acne, benzoyl peroxide used on one side of the face reduced pimples, blackheads and whiteheads about as well as the comparison routine.
Triple-Combination Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2%/Adapalene 0.15%/Benzoyl Peroxide 3.1% Gel for Moderate-to-Severe Acne in Children and Adolescents.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2024RCT173 participants3.1%Positive
In a 12-week trial of 173 adolescents with acne, a gel with benzoyl peroxide used together with 2 other ingredients cleared acne better than a placebo.
Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2%/Adapalene 0.15%/Benzoyl Peroxide 3.1% Gel in Participants With Moderate-to-Severe Acne: The Patient Journey.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2024RCT6 participants3.1%Positive
In a 12-week clinical trial, 6 people with moderate-to-severe acne who used a benzoyl peroxide gel with 2 other ingredients had fewer pimples, blackheads and whiteheads.
Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2%/Adapalene 0.15%/Benzoyl Peroxide 3.1% Gel for Male and Female Acne: Phase 3 Analysis.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2024RCT3.1%Positive
In a 12-week clinical trial, a gel with benzoyl peroxide used together with clindamycin and adapalene cleared acne better than a placebo.
CABTREOTM (Clindamycin Phosphate, Adapalene, and Benzoyl Peroxide) Topical Gel.
Skinmed2024RCT363 participants3.1%Positive
In two 12-week trials of 363 people with acne, a gel with benzoyl peroxide used together with clindamycin and adapalene cleared acne better than a placebo.
Investigation of the effect of adapalene 0.3%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel in Korean patients with acne: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial, with a histopathological and immunohistochemical study.
Italian journal of dermatology and venereology2024RCT49 participants2.5%Positive
In a 24-week trial of 49 people with acne, benzoyl peroxide used together with adapalene cleared pimples, blackheads and whiteheads better than a placebo.
Evaluation of the efficacy of maintenance therapy for acne vulgaris using adapalene 0.1%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel and benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel for 24 weeks and assessment of atrophic acne scars using three-dimensional image analysis.
The Journal of dermatology2023RCT44 participants2.5%Positive
In a 24-week trial of 44 people with acne, 2.5% benzoyl peroxide gel helped keep acne under control better than no maintenance treatment.
Efficacy and Safety of Clascoterone Cream 1% and Clindamycin 1.2%/Benzoyl Peroxide 5% Gel Treatment in Patients With Acne.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2026Clinical trial9 participants5%Positive
In a 16-week pilot study of 9 people with moderate acne, benzoyl peroxide used together with clindamycin and clascoterone helped clear acne and was well tolerated.
Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2%/Adapalene 0.15%/ Benzoyl Peroxide 3.1% for Acne: Results From A 6-Month Open-Label Study.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2025Clinical trial25 participants3.1%Positive
In a 24-week study of 25 people with moderate acne, benzoyl peroxide used with clindamycin and adapalene improved acne.
A 2.6% Benzoyl Peroxide AV Cleanser Specifically Designed for Sensitive Skin Offers Good Efficacy and Tolerability.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2024Clinical trial28 participants2.6%Mixed
In a 4-week study of 28 adults with mild-to-moderate acne, a 2.6% benzoyl peroxide cleanser lowered acne counts after 1 week, but not significantly by week 4.
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not any one product.
How we grade research for acneProducts with Benzoyl Peroxide
Products we have confirmed contain Benzoyl Peroxide, from their ingredient lists.
- 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Spot Treatment · Differin · 10%
- 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Daily Deep Cleanser · Differin · 5%
- AC Gel 5% Benzoyl Peroxide · Benzac · 5%
- Acne Creamy Wash 4% Benzoyl Peroxide · PanOxyl · 4%
- Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser · CeraVe · 4%
- Acne Foaming Wash · PanOxyl · 10%
- Clear Regular Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment With 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide · Paula's Choice · 2.5%
- Face Wash Spot Treatment with 5% Benzoyl Peroxide 5% w/w Gel · Acnecide · 5%
- Gentle Clear Complexion-Clearing BPO Acne Cleanser · Cetaphil · 2.6%
- Oil-Free Acne Cleanser · AcneFree · 2.5%
- On-The-Spot Acne Treatment · Neutrogena · 2.5%
- Persa-Gel® 10 Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment · Clean & Clear · 10%
- Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Daily Leave-On Mask · Neutrogena · 2.5%
- Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Gel · Neutrogena · 10%
- Stubborn Acne AM Treatment · Neutrogena · 2.5%
- Treatment (2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide) · Acne.org · 2.5%