Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow Benzoyl Peroxide WorksHow Salicylic Acid WorksBest Uses For EachSide Effects and RisksSpot TestingUsing the Two Together
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How Benzoyl Peroxide Works
How Salicylic Acid Works
Best Uses For Each
Side Effects and Risks
Spot Testing
Using the Two Together
Salicylic acidandbenzoyl peroxideare two commonacne treatments. Most over-the-counter and prescription acne medications contain one, the other, or both. Both are effective at clearing breakouts, but they do so in different ways.
The salicylic acid vs. benzoyl peroxide debate really comes down to the type of acne you have:
This article discusses salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide acne treatments. It explains how the acne-fighting ingredients work, the potential side effects of each, and when to choose one over the other.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
How Benzoyl Peroxide Helps Clear Acne
Benzoyl peroxideis considered the quintessential topical acne treatment. It works to clear breakouts in two ways:
Benzoyl peroxide is considered the most effective OTC acne treatment ingredient available.It is found incountless over-the-counter products, including cleansing bars and liquids, astringents, creams, gels, lotion, and masks.
Benzoyl peroxide is typically used once or twice a day, and it may take four to six weeks to see the effects of this medication.
Benzoyl peroxide is not just an OTC treatment. Prescription acne medications often combine benzoyl peroxide with an antibiotic, like Onexton (clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide), or a topical retinoid, like Epiduo (adapalene and benzoyl peroxide).
How Salicylic Acid Treats Acne
Salicylic acid works a bit differently than benzoyl peroxide. As abeta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid speeds upcell turnoverrates. It exfoliates, helping your skin to shed dead cells more effectively. This, in turn, keeps them from building up within the pore.
Salicylic acid can be found in many over-the-counter products and formulas, including:
It’s also very popular as a chemicalpeelat the salon, skin spa, or dermatology clinic.
Which Is Best For Different Types of Breakouts
Because they work differently, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid may be better on some types of acne vs. others.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is a good choice if you experience:
If you havepapulesandpustules—basically, your typical zits and whiteheads—benzoyl peroxide is a great option. It is an effective bacteria reducer and is especially useful if your acne is red and inflamed.
The Surprising Benefits of Lauric Acid for Your Skin and Health
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is typically recommended for:
Salicylic acid’s claim to fame is its ability to dissolve pore blockages and smooth out the skin.
Salicylic acid is also recommended as a first-line treatment for:
Both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can cause irritation and slight stinging, especially when you first start using them. Side effects of benzoyl peroxide are usually mild and side effects of salicylic acid can range from mild to severe.
Although each ingredient is usually well tolerated overall, allergic reactions are possible with benzoyl peroxideor salicylic acid.
Signs of Allergic ReactionStop using benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:Difficulty breathingFeeling faintHivesItchingSwelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongueThroat tightness
Signs of Allergic Reaction
Stop using benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:Difficulty breathingFeeling faintHivesItchingSwelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongueThroat tightness
Stop using benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
Side Effects and Risks of Benzoyl Peroxide
Side effects of benzoyl peroxide are typically mild and include:
Sometimes, more serious side effects can occur. Call your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:
Side Effects and Risks of Salicylic Acid
Topical salicylic acid can have side effects that range from mild to severe. Mild side effects that typically subside include:
More serious side effects may require medical attention. Call your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following after using topical salicylic acid:
Salicylic acid is related toaspirinand may increase the risk of bleeding or lead to other complications. Consult with your provider before using salicylic acid if you:Are allergic to aspirin or salicylic acidAre pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeedingHave diabetes or blood vessel, kidney, or liver diseaseSalicylic acid should also not be used on children and teenagers who havechicken poxor theflu. Doing so can lead toReye’s syndrome, a serious condition that can cause liver and brain damage.
Salicylic acid is related toaspirinand may increase the risk of bleeding or lead to other complications. Consult with your provider before using salicylic acid if you:
Salicylic acid should also not be used on children and teenagers who havechicken poxor theflu. Doing so can lead toReye’s syndrome, a serious condition that can cause liver and brain damage.
The Importance of Spot Testing
Even a treatment that seems like the best one for you on paper may not react well with your skin.
So, before applying benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to several areas of your skin, conduct a spot test to make sure you’re not sensitive to the treatment. This may be especially important for benzoyl peroxide, as it is more drying and irritating.
Apply a small amount of the product to one or two small areas of your skin for three days. If you do not have a reaction or discomfort, use the product as directed on the package label.
Can Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid be Used Together?
You don’t necessarily have to choose one ingredient over the other, either. Using both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid together can help increase their effectiveness.
The possibleside effects of both benzoyl peroxideand salicylic acid are similar—dryness, peeling, and irritation. Using them together can increase the chances of side effects, so scale back use if you’re getting especially dry or irritated.
Just remember, whether they contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, OTC treatments work best for those withmild acne. If you’re not getting good results after using them for several weeks, it’s time to give yourdermatologist a callfor stronger prescription treatments.
A Word From Verywell
Benzoyl peroxide can stain fabric(bedding, clothing, or towels) and bleach hair. Avoid using your good towels to dry your face after washing with a benzoyl peroxide product.
When using leave-on topical treatments, allow the product to dry completely before changing your shirt or getting into bed.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Pediatrics: HealthyChildren.org.Teen acne: How to treat & prevent this common skin condition.MedlinePlus.Benzoyl peroxide topical.MedlinePlus.Salicylic acid topical.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acne: diagnosis and treatment.Yang Z, Zhang Y, Lazic Mosler E, et al.Topical benzoyl peroxide for acne.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;3(3):CD011154. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011154.pub2Madan RK, Levitt J.A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparations.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;70(4):788-792. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2013.12.005Arif T.Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015;8:455-461. doi:10.2147/CCID.S84765
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Pediatrics: HealthyChildren.org.Teen acne: How to treat & prevent this common skin condition.MedlinePlus.Benzoyl peroxide topical.MedlinePlus.Salicylic acid topical.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acne: diagnosis and treatment.Yang Z, Zhang Y, Lazic Mosler E, et al.Topical benzoyl peroxide for acne.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;3(3):CD011154. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011154.pub2Madan RK, Levitt J.A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparations.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;70(4):788-792. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2013.12.005Arif T.Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015;8:455-461. doi:10.2147/CCID.S84765
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Pediatrics: HealthyChildren.org.Teen acne: How to treat & prevent this common skin condition.MedlinePlus.Benzoyl peroxide topical.MedlinePlus.Salicylic acid topical.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acne: diagnosis and treatment.Yang Z, Zhang Y, Lazic Mosler E, et al.Topical benzoyl peroxide for acne.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;3(3):CD011154. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011154.pub2Madan RK, Levitt J.A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparations.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;70(4):788-792. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2013.12.005Arif T.Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015;8:455-461. doi:10.2147/CCID.S84765
American Academy of Pediatrics: HealthyChildren.org.Teen acne: How to treat & prevent this common skin condition.
MedlinePlus.Benzoyl peroxide topical.
MedlinePlus.Salicylic acid topical.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acne: diagnosis and treatment.
Yang Z, Zhang Y, Lazic Mosler E, et al.Topical benzoyl peroxide for acne.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;3(3):CD011154. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011154.pub2
Madan RK, Levitt J.A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparations.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;70(4):788-792. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2013.12.005
Arif T.Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015;8:455-461. doi:10.2147/CCID.S84765
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