How they compare and when to use them
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.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
How Benzoyl Peroxide Helps Clear Acne
Benzoyl peroxideis considered the quintessential topical acne treatment.
Benzoyl peroxide is not just an OTC treatment.
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.
It is an effective bacteria reducer and is especially useful if your acne is red and inflamed.
Although each ingredient is usually well tolerated overall, allergic reactions are possible with benzoyl peroxideor salicylic acid.
Mild side effects that typically subside include:
More serious side effects may require medical attention.
Doing so can lead toReye’s syndrome, a serious condition that can cause liver and brain damage.
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 dont necessarily have to choose one ingredient over the other, either.
Using both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid together can help increase their effectiveness.
Many OTC products contain both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.
You could even use a cleanser containing salicylic acid, followed by a benzoyl peroxide lotion.
The possibleside effects of both benzoyl peroxideand salicylic acid are similardryness, peeling, and irritation.
Avoid using your good towels to dry your face after washing with a benzoyl peroxide product.
American Academy of Pediatrics: HealthyChildren.org.Teen acne: How to treat & prevent this common skin condition.
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.
