Salicylic Acid Vs. Benzoyl Peroxide: Which is More Effective for Acne-Prone Skin?

DR SABA QUTUB
Skincare
A woman with oily skin looking at herself in the mirror

Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two of the most effective topical skincare ingredients to treat acne — a common dermatological condition that arises from many etiological factors, yet eminently treatable, and associated concerns. 

You’ve probably seen them everywhere in the form of cleansers, moisturisers, and serums. But which one is right for your skin? While they share a common goal of targeting acne, they work differently. Understanding their differences can help you make the best choice. 

Here's everything you need to know about salicylic acid vs benzoyl peroxide for acne-prone skin.

What is Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid lies in beta hydroxy acids or BHAs and is derived naturally from willow bark or synthesised in laboratories. It is a clinically proven skincare ingredient trusted for more than 2000 years by dermatologists and skincare enthusiasts for treating a variety of concerns, including;

But its benefits are not restricted to skincare for oily skin only. It has natural exfoliating properties that cleanse the skin from within leaving no room for acne-causing bacteria to develop. 

How Salicylic Acid Works For Your Acne-Prone Skin

Salicylic acid as a BHA can increase the rate of cellular turnover in the skin, and exfoliate it which further helps to shed dead skin cells. This restricts them from clogging the pores and causes acne. 

Let’s explain it a bit deeper; 

Salicylic acid is also known as a desmolytic agent which means it can encourage the natural exfoliation process of the skin. Your skin cells have a bond between them responsible for holding them together, salicylic acid being a chemical exfoliant can weaken those bonds and remove the dead cell buildup. This dead skin cell buildup can clog your skin's pores and give rise to various acne.  

From serums, cleansers, lotions, and moisturisers, to patches, and medication wipes, you can buy them in any form according to the need. 

5% Salicylic Acid Serum

If you’re following a skincare routine with salicylic acid, it’s time to level up with Repair serum. It has 5% salicylic acid combined with a medical-grade potent blend of AHA and BHA, biomimetic peptides and barrier-repairing botanicals. The serum can effectively target pigmentation, blackheads, and acne. 

A bottle of Repair serum with 5% salicylic acid


It's a lightweight and silky formula to exfoliate the skin mildly while promoting deep hydration to your skin. 

Simply cleanse your skin with any of the cleansers suitable for your skin type, smooth apply one to two drops over the face, neck, chest, and back of hands. Avoid the delicate eye area. End the regimen with a moisturiser. Start with using this 1-2 times per week. Increase to more frequent use depending on your skin type and skin tolerance.

Use this as a SPOT TREATMENT, to treat active acne breakouts, blemishes, benign keratosis etc.

Apply it 1-2 times per day on the areas of concern until it fully resolves. 

You might feel an initial stinging sensation when applying it on inflamed areas which only lasts a few seconds. Blow some cool air to ease the sensation. Wash off and remove the product if the stinging sensation is not settling after 1-2 minutes. 

What is Benzoyl Peroxide 

Benzoyl peroxide was synthesised years after salicylic acid was discovered, and is not a naturally occurring ingredient but a synthetic compound specifically formulated for cosmetic and medical-grade use. Although it’s not widely accepted as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide is considered a dermatological and cosmetic staple.

Due to its antibacterial and exfoliating properties, it mimics salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide provides several advantages to the skin;

  • targets pus-filled pimples
  • removes dead cells
  • aids acne
  • helps with redness and inflammation

Also read: How to Get Rid of Red, Irritated Skin: Skincare Routine

How does Benzoyl Peroxide Treat Acne

A woman doing skincare using benzoyl peroxide

Though benzoyl peroxide can effectively target acne, the way of treating it is entirely different. Benzoyl peroxide stands as the most powerful acne-fighting solution available without a prescription. When benzoyl peroxide is applied to your skin's surface, it breaks down to release oxygen. This oxygen helps to kill the acne-causing bacteria, including P.acnes. 

Benzoyl peroxide works in either of these two ways;

  • It cleans your pores by removing excessive oil and dirt. This prevents buildup in the pores. 
  • It discourages the acne-causing bacteria on your skin. 

When to Use Benzoyl Peroxide Vs Salicylic Acid

Where salicylic acid encourages the exfoliation process of your skin, benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria. Acne-prone skin comes with multiple concerns—so how do you decide which ingredient will work best for each one?

Salicylic acid can majorly work on;

  • hormonal acne
  • clogged pores
  • blackheads
  • oily skin
  • comedonal acne

You are advised to use benzoyl peroxide when dealing with; 

Benzoyl peroxide can do wonders for papules and pustules for effectively reducing bacterial formation and redness. 

But whatever among them you are opting for, always try to follow a disciplined skincare routine as none of these can yield overnight results for you. 

Add a comparison chart

Can Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide Be Used Together?

Since both of these skincare actives serve similar purposes and benefit acne-prone skin, it doesn't seem like a smart tactic to use them combined or layered as they can make your skin too rough, irritated, and peeled. 

Still, to cope with more than one form of acne or associated concern for your acne-prone skin, you can very well incorporate both of them in your treatment plan but this needs to be highly strategic and must be done with an expert’s advice only.  

What you can do is try using different products containing either of these two ingredients. 

For example, you can wash your face with a salicylic acid cleanser and follow with a benzoyl peroxide-infused moisturiser. 

However, most skin experts and dermatologists do not recommend them together. 

Benzoyl Peroxide Vs. Salicylic Acid: How to Make a Right Choice

Apart from the type of acne you have, there are also other parameters to consider when deciding which ingredient to use;

  • Know the severity of your breakouts. If your acne condition is mild to moderate, doctors can recommend any of these ingredients simply depending upon the type. 
  • If you are seeking benzoyl peroxide vs salicylic acid spot treatment, benzoyl peroxide can show improvement better than salicylic acid. 
  • You must check with your dermatologist to know if your decided ingredient aligns with your health. From a multitude of skin conditions to other health issues, these two ingredients may or may not suit you. 
  • If you are a gym freak and sweat a lot during rigorous exercises, benzoyl peroxide can get transferred to your clothes through sweat and stain them. Either you can opt for salicylic acid if other conditions are met or simply apply benzoyl peroxide at night.

It is extremely essential to listen to your skin before making any decision. Understand its problems and learn what it wants. Seeking a skincare practitioner’s advice is highly recommended to get you an accurate treatment and save you from future breakouts. 

Side Effects of Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide 

Salicylic acid cleanser vs. benzoyl peroxide – choosing the right one depends on your skin type and acne concerns, but if your skin doesn't tolerate either of these ingredients, you could become susceptible to one or more risks.

Salicylic acid side effects

If your skin is not compatible with salicylic acid, you may feel;

  • skin irritation
  • tingling sensation around the affected area where you applied the product

In case you witness severe side effects ranging from;

  • nausea
  • headache
  • dizziness
  • fast breathing
  • buzzing in the ears

You must instantly see your doctor as these are the serious side effects that require medical attention. 

Benzoyl peroxide side effects

A girl with irritated skin is crying in pain

Topical use of benzoyl peroxide can cause a few mild side effects. These include;

  • Very dry skin
  • peeling skin
  • stinging or tingling sensation
  • itching
  • warmth feeling

In case you feel severe side effects like;

  • blisters
  • rashes
  • redness
  • swelling
  • burning sensation

You must call your doctor immediately as these effects are not normal. 

Tips to Get Started With Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide 

If you are a beginner with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, you must keep a few things in mind;

Begin with a low concentration: Whether it is salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, you can start with a lower-strength option and try to use it two to three times a week. It is the best way to introduce any ingredient to your skin and check whether your skin accepts it. 

Avoid bleaching your skin with benzoyl peroxide: Bleaching your face with benzoyl peroxide can harm your skin. If you have sensitive skin, it can damage beyond what you can think of. 

Don’t expect your skin to heal overnight: It’s important to make up your mind before start buying any of the products. You have to be consistent with your treatment plan to see your skin healing. It cannot happen in a few days but can take a few weeks to months. 

Use a moisturiser: Always end your routine with a mild, non-greasy, and non-comedogenic moisturiser for your acne-prone skin. It helps to lock in the benefits of the ingredient and maximise its effectiveness. 

Frequently Added Questions

  • Can I use salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide in the same skincare routine?
    We do not recommend using salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide in the same routine, as together they can impart irritation and itching. Moreover, your skin does not need them together. 

  • Is it safe to use benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid on alternate days? 
    If your skin genuinely requires both of these skincare ingredients and your doctor allows it, you can proceed with using salicylic acid one day and benzoyl peroxide the other. 

  • Salicylic acid vs benzoyl peroxide; which works better for blackheads and whiteheads?
    Salicylic acid can deal better with blackheads and whiteheads by gently exfoliating and unclogging your pores. 

  • Can I use sunscreen with salicylic acid?
    Yes, salicylic acid being an exfoliant can make your skin more susceptible to sun damage and may increase sensitivity towards UV rays so, it's advisable to opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen while starting with salicylic acid treatment. 

Key Takeaways 

  • Salicylic acid belongs to the beta hydroxy acid group and is an excellent exfoliant while benzoyl peroxide is a synthetic compound that mimics salicylic acid features. 
  • Both the ingredients work effectively for acne-prone skin but their approaches are different. 
  • Salicylic acid exfoliates the skin and benzoyl peroxide reduces the acne-causing bacteria.  
  • You can use benzoyl peroxide for major back acne, blackheads and whiteheads, salicylic acid for clogged pores, and comedonal and hormonal acne. 
  • It is usually not recommended to use them together as they both serve similar purposes. 

Resources:

https://www.pierre-fabre.com/en-us/press_release/pierre-fabre-laboratories-presents-the-first-global-study-on-the-epidemiology-of-acne

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

American Academy of Pediatrics

https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/beta-hydroxy-acids

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