Benzoyl Peroxide and salicylic acid are two of the most common ingredients in skincare products that treat acne. They usually come in cleansing foams or gels and also as spot treating creams.
Some of these products contain both, but I have identified those that only contain one or the other.
If you have moderate to severe acne or acne rosacea your should see a dermatologist to get advice before trying to treat your acne with my advice or anyone’s from the internet.
It can be difficult to distinguish between acne vulgaris and acne rosacea. Also skin purging looks like acne but if treated with salicylic acid can become worse. It is important to know what you’re dealing with before starting any new skincare routine.
CERAVE Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser salicyclic acid free
This claims to be the number 1 dermatologist recommended brand for acne. It contains 4% Benzoyl Peroxide and no salicylic acid so if you have rosacea or eczema this is the cleanser for you.
As well ws BPO it has ceramides which help to restore and maintain your skin protective barrier. It also contains niacinamide, Vitamin B3 which has lot of science backing its usefulness at treating acne.
This is a cosmetically elegant formula and the price point is really affordable.
- Can be used twice a day.
- Apply a pea sized amount to already damp skin and gently massage it over your face. Avoid the eye area it can sting.
- Rinses off really easily and leaves skin feeling clean but not ight or dry.
- Follow with treatment serums, moisturizer and sunscreen if using in the day time.
Buy now from ULTA
DIFFERN Cleanser
I like this cleanser because it has a simple list of ingredients and contains 5% Benzoyl Peroxide. This product is also salicylic acid-free.
This is great if you suffer from cystic or hormonal acne. It’s also a great product for dry acne-prone skin. it contains glycerin which is a hydrating emollient. This keeps this product gentle and moisturizing.
- Apply to wet skin and massage in for 20 – 30 seconds. then rinse with water and follow with serums and sunscreen.
- Start by using once a day it is a high level of BPO so start slowly if you are new to this product.
- This product won’t work for whiteheads or blackheads you need a salicylic acid for that.
Buy now from ULTA
NEUTOGENA Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne.
This is not a product I would usually like or recommend because it contains alcohol and fragrance.
Two things I really dislike when put into skincare products.
But results just don’t lie and this is a great product for blasting stubborn acne that the other solutions just can’t fix.
- As well as alcohol and fragrance it contains 10% Benzoyl Peroxide. This is the strongest percentage you can get without a prescription.
- It’s salicylic acid-free.
- Can be very drying so we recommend is this over moisturizer and start with once a day.
- Only spot treat, don’t put this on like a moisturizer to your whole face.
Buy now from ULTA
PHILOSOPHY Clear Days Ahead
Philosophy makes good products and this is no exception, fragrance aside!
This is an Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Cleanser. Contains 1% salicylic acid, niacinamide and glycerin. It doesn’t contain benzoyl peroxide.
- It has solid ingredient list my only little gripe is the orange peel extract which can cause irritation but there is lots of stuff in here to stop that being irritating so I still recommend this to lots of people.
- Use up to twice a day, but if peeling or dryness occurs, reduce to once a day until your skin gets used to it.
- Avoid getting it in your eyes.
Buy now from ULTA
VICHY Normaderm Cleansing Gel with Salicylic Acid.
Vichy is a French pharmacy brand and is used by chic woman all over Europe.
This is a lovely product and contains 0.5% salicylic acid with zinc and copper minerals. it’s gentle and effective.
It’s free from lots of irritating ingredients such as
- Paraben-free
- Soap-free
- Sulfate-free
- Oil-free
- Alcohol-free
- Colorant-free
- SLS-free
Use as a face wash twice a day can be used as the second step of a double cleanse.
