Benzoyl Peroxide vs. Salicylic Acid: Choosing the Right Ingredient for Breakouts
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are two common skincare ingredients used for breakout-prone skin. While both effective, they work in different ways and may be better suited to certain types of breakouts. In this guide, we’ll help you better understand each ingredient, their distinct properties, and which option is best for your skin concerns.
How does benzoyl peroxide work?
Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient in skincare products formulated for blemish-prone skin. It works as an oxidizing agent, flooding the pores with oxygen and making it an inhospitable environment for pimple-causing impurities and irritants.
What are the benefits of benzoyl peroxide?
Benzoyl peroxide benefits skin types prone to active breakouts, as it helps to:
- Eliminates pimple-causing impurities by releasing oxygen into the pores, preventing the formation of pimples.
- Visibly reduces redness and discomfort associated with pimples.
- Help to unclog pores by breaking down comedones (blackheads and whiteheads).
- Prevents the buildup of oil, dead skin cells and impurities that contribute to breakouts.
How does salicylic acid work?
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), a type of chemical exfoliant that breaks down bonds between dead skin cells, preventing clogged pores and reducing blackheads and whiteheads. Exfoliants have several beneficial effects on the skin, helping not only with breakouts but also uneven skin texture, rough skin and ageing skin concerns.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid?
Salicylic acid’s primary function is to exfoliate the skin, which has a number of skin benefits:
- Breaks down the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to shed more effectively and preventing buildup that can clog pores.
- Oil-soluble, so it can penetrate deeper into the pores to clear out trapped oil and debris.
- Prevents both blackheads and whiteheads by unclogging the pores.
- Improves skin texture, helping to smooth out rough patches of skin.
- Supports skin cell turnover, helping with ageing skin concerns, like fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin.
Can I use benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid together?
Combining both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can increase the risk of skin irritation and usually isn’t recommended. It’s best to start with one and see how your skin reacts. Speak to a dermatologist if you’re looking for tailored skin recommendations.
Which should I choose: benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid?
If you struggle with active breakouts, appearing as red bumps and pustules, you’ll likely benefit more from benzoyl peroxide. If you struggle with whiteheads or blackheads caused by pores clogged with oil and dead skin cells, go for salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is also a better option if you’re looking for an exfoliant to incorporate regularly into your routine.
What concentration should I use?
Benzoyl peroxide products typically range from 2.5% to 10%, and salicylic acid products range from 0.5% up to 30%. When first introducing a new ingredient, always start with a lower concentration, so 2.5% for benzoyl peroxide, and 0.5-2% for salicylic acid. A dermatolgoist can help determine the ideal concentration for your skin type and concerns.
What are some common side effects of salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide?
Both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can lead to dryness, redness and peeling. Salicylic acid, being an exfoliant, also has a risk of over-exfoliation if used improperly, which can compromise the skin moisture barrier. When introducing either ingredient, gradually introduce products with a lower concentration, and always include a moisturiser to minimise the risk of dryness or irritation.
How long does it take to see results?
Products containing these ingredients are formulated to provide long-term skin benefits, so it can take several weeks to see noticeable improvement. Patience and consistency is key when addressing persistent breakouts.
Does benzoyl peroxide cause purging?
Yes, benzoyl peroxide can sometimes cause purging (a temporary increase in breakouts) as it brings underlying breakouts to the surface of the skin. You may initially notice an increase in pimples as the skin sheds more cells than usual, but this should go away after a few weeks.
Does salicylic acid cause purging?
Salicylic acid can also cause purging, but it's less common than with benzoyl peroxide. If you do notice an increase in breakouts, don’t worry, it’s only temporary! Continue using your salicylic acid product and purging should stop after a few weeks once the skin acclimatises.
Can benzoyl peroxide help post-blemish marks?
Benzoyl peroxide primarily targets active breakouts, not marks. It can reduce the formation of marks caused by breakouts, but it’s better to use other ingredients if you want to address uneven skin tone and dark marks.
Can salicylic acid help post-blemish marks?
Salicylic acid can help improve the appearance of some post-blemish marks by exfoliating the skin and revealing fresher, clearer skin. It won’t, however, remove them completely, and other ingredients that directly target pigmentation (like niacinamide) are better suited if this is your primary issue.
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