So you break out. Maybe you look in the mirror and see an eruption of angry, red bumps. Or maybe all your pores are clogged for you – white heads and blackheads stretch across your skin. Either way, you need to look for a solution. All of these searches may have led you to two heroic ingredients in the acne control world: salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. While these ingredients are effective on their own, they are often used interchangeably by those trying to cleanse their complexions. That's okay, isn't it? They both fight acne, and they're both effective, so it doesn't matter which one you use, does it? Not correct. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are not the same thing – nowhere near. Each has its own purpose, pros and cons, and it's important to see the difference between the two. That's what we're here for. Keep scrolling to find out all about the difference between salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. You will also learn how to recognize which ones your skin needs.
Let's start by discussing salicylic acid, an ingredient found in detergents, masks, oils, moisturizers, and more. According to Corey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama, salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid derived from willow bark. ""Salicylic acidacid penetrates through the lipid layers between skin cells and into pores to clog them, dissolve skin debris, reduce skin inflammation, and treat acne papules and pustules, "he explains."
Loretta Ciraldo, MD, FAAD, a Miami-based dermatologist and founder of Dr. Loretta says salicylic acid is the only beta hydroxy acid (others like lactic acid and glycolic acid are alpha hydroxy acids). "Of all that hydroxy Acids, Salicylic acid is the best means of penetrating deep into your pores, so it's very effective at extruding dirt and oil buildup both in the pores and on the surface of the skin, "she says.
"Benzoyl peroxide is a peroxide that has antibacterial, irritant, keratolytic, anti-inflammatory, and comedolytic properties," explains Hartman. "It is a mainstay of acne therapy and has been part of dermatological care for decades."
It differs from salicylic acid in that it does not exfoliate the skin. Instead, it offers powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, it targets directly the bacteria that cause acne to break out in the first place. According to Ciraldo, benzoyl peroxide kills P. acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne.
You can tell which ingredient your skin needs by looking at the type of breakout. Since salicylic acid is an exfoliating acid, and thus dissolves pore-clogging residue, Hartman says that "it works best on blackheads and whiteheads," although "it's also great for aging skin, photodamaged skin, and uneven skin tones affected by hyperpigmentation." "
According to Ciraldo, benzoyl peroxide "works best on red, inflamed acne lesions because the inflamed acne lesions are those where P. acnes overgrowth occurs." This is different from whiteheads and blackheads, which are clogged pores without much bacterial growth.
To sum it up, if blackheads and whiteheads are the curses of your existence, reach out for a product that contains salicylic acidThis will break up the pore-clogging residue and increase cell turnover, revealing clearer, smoother skin. When you're dealing with angry, red, and sore acne, reach for a product that contains benzoyl peroxide. It will kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce existing inflammation.
Both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are not without their drawbacks. Let's talk about salicylic acid first. "When the concentration of Salicylic acidacid If the frequency is too high or the frequency of use is too high, it can cause irritation and excessive skin dryness, especially in people with naturally dry skin, "Hartman explains. You may find that you are using the ingredient excessively if you are peeling, reddening or notice irritation or itching.
Benzoyl peroxide dries even more than salicylic acid. "It should therefore be used with caution, if at all, in people with dry skin, eczema, or seborrheic dermatitis." It can also prove irritating which is why you should slowly introduce it into your routine. "Benzoyl peroxide has been shown to be irritating, especially in patients with darker skin tones," says Hartman. "It can also bleach clothing and should be used with caution to avoid damaging fabrics. Hands should be washed thoroughly after applying to the skin."
None of the ingredients should be overused if there is a risk of irritation and dryness. However, when used sparingly and deliberately, both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can prove effective in fighting acne.
"Our sulfate-free Dr. Loretta Micro Peeling Cleaner is excellent against acne," says Ciraldo. "We formulate it with organic coconut oil to moisturize the skin and have a calming effect to counteract the acidity of salicylic acid."
"Skinceuticals LHA Cleanser contains salicylic acid, along with other polyhydroxy acids, that help decongest pores, treat acne, and prevent aging in a gently foaming gel that leaves skin clean, yet hydrated," says Hartman.
This is another recommendation from Hartman, who says it is "a strong serum that contains both alpha and beta hydroxy acids in a natural vehicle with clean credentials". We like the fact that it contains vitamin C for antioxidant protection and whitening.
Grown Alchemist's blemish treatment gel stops breakouts in their tracks without causing excessive dryness or irritation. It's all thanks to chamomile and arnica extract – both of which reduce inflammation and soothe and soothe the skin.
Here it is – one of our favorite drugstore brands. This salicylic acid cleanser is part of the brand's Effaclar line, which was specially developed for acne-prone skin.
Verseds Acne-Calming Cream Cleanser contains apple fruit extract for a light peeling effect and Blue Tansy for natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Senior Beauty Editor Erin Jahns swears by these hydrocolloid spots that extract impurities, while salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and niacinamide work to treat the blemish.
Jahns also swears by these treatment pillows, which contain glycolic acid along with salicylic acid for a double exfoliation (not to mention the physical exfoliation created by the texture of the pads).
Beauty Editor Courtney Higgs reaches for that benzoyl peroxide cleaner when she breaks out. "I don't have outbreaks often, but here's a cleanser I like to have on hand in the rare event that I need more than one spot treatment," she says. "I believe this foaming cleanser can wash even the most stubborn oil off my skin. In fact, I sometimes use it after using heavy moisturizers for a couple of nights in a row, resulting in a build-up of product that is mild to me. Cleansers can't clear up." . "
Higgs also loves this trendy spot treatment from Glossier. "It's so effective for getting rid of one-off pimples and reducing swelling," she says. "It contains all three acne ingredients that are known to remove blemishes quickly: benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, and a less irritating derivative of salicylic acid."
We weren't kidding when we said La Roche-Posay was one of our favorite brands. This spot treatment is no exception. It contains 5.5% benzoyl peroxide to quickly zap acne-causing bacteria.
Along with 5% benzoyl peroxide, this Kate Somerville lotion contains argan, saw palmetto and sesame seed extracts to help absorb excess oil. This means that this is another option for people who want to keep the shine in check.
Sure, the price tag isn't something to make fun of, but with 5% benzoyl peroxide, this moisturizer is sure to keep blemishes at bay.
This face lotion contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide to fight acne-causing bacteria before they can damage your complexion. It also relies on a matte finish, which means your skin won't look shiny after it's applied.
Next: I spiked this random ingredient into my skin care regimen and my acne went away
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