Salicylic Acid vs. Benzoyl Peroxide For Acne – Which is Better?

When it comes to battling acne, two of the most popular and effective ingredients are salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Both of them are FDA-approved for the treatment of acne. You will find them in washes, toners, leave-ons, masks, spot treatments and so much more. However, each works in different ways and may be more suitable for certain skin types or specific acne concerns. Understanding how these two ingredients differ can help you decide which one is right for your skin.

Salicylic acid is best suited for those with blackheads and whiteheads, these types of acne are non-inflammatory meaning has no bacteria in the mix. When salicylic acid is applied, it goes deep into your pores to clear out any dirt or gunks that may be lurking in your pores. While benzoyl peroxide is best suited for inflamed acne such as pustules, papules and cyst, killing whatever bacteria that is causing acne.

Now that you know the basics and what ingredient is best suited for your type of acne, let’s get to know more about salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide and how to use them together in a skincare routine.

What Is Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is oil-soluble, making it particularly effective for treating acne. It works by penetrating deep into the pores, exfoliating from within, and dissolving excess sebum, dead skin cells, and other debris that can lead to clogged pores. This exfoliating action helps to prevent the formation of blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of acne.

At 2% or less, salicylic acid acts as an anti-inflammatory and keratolytic agent (exfoliates), which is the ideal percentage for both whiteheads and blackheads. I would recommend you pick a 2% leave-on product for acne. While salicylic acid does a great job of exfoliating the pores, it is less aggressive in exfoliating the rest of our skin structure. This makes it less irritating and more tolerating compared to other acne treatments.

Benefits Of Salicylic Acid

• Deep Exfoliation: Salicylic acid is excellent for unclogging pores and preventing breakouts.
• Anti-Inflammatory: It has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce redness and swelling, making it ideal for treating inflammatory acne.
• Gentle on Skin: Salicylic acid is generally well-tolerated and less likely to cause irritation compared to benzoyl peroxide, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

Best Leave-On Salicylic Products

If you have whitehead or blackhead, using a leave-on salicylic acid exfoliant will not only help dissolve existing acne but also keep new ones at bay. For best results, apply the leave-on product once or twice weekly depending on how sensitive your skin is.

What Is Benzoyl Peroxide?

Benzoyl peroxide is a gold standard acne-fighting ingredient that works by killing the bacteria that cause acne, Propionibacterium acnes. It also helps to remove excess oil and dead skin cells, which can clog pores. Unlike salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial agent, making it particularly effective against inflammatory acne, such as pustules and cysts.

Benzoyl peroxide works amazingly well by poisoning acne-causing bacteria with oxygen. Apart from killing bacteria, it is also anti-inflammatory, keratolytic and wound healing. Another great thing about benzoyl peroxide is that there is nothing like bacteria resistance with it, it will continue to work.

So when using benzoyl peroxide, you need to be extremely patient because it takes up to 6 weeks to start seeing results and you may encounter side effects like dryness, flaking and sensitivity and it may age your skin faster because it causes free radical formation.

I recommend you start using it at night at 2.5% only on acne lesions not all over your face. Also, be careful when applying it as it may bleach and stain your clothes, it can also increase the risk of sunburn so always apply sunscreen when using benzoyl peroxide. You can either use it as a wash-off or spot treatment.

Benefits of Benzoyl Peroxide

• Antibacterial: Benzoyl peroxide effectively kills acne-causing bacteria, making it ideal for treating more severe cases of acne.
• Exfoliating: It helps to remove dead skin cells and reduce excess oil, preventing future breakouts.
• Reduces Inflammation: Benzoyl peroxide can help to reduce the size and severity of pimples by reducing inflammation.

Best Benzoyl-Peroxide Products

Salicylic Acid vs. Benzoyl Peroxide: How Do They Compare?

Mechanism of Action:

• Salicylic Acid: Exfoliates inside the pores, preventing clogs and treating blackheads and whiteheads.
• Benzoyl Peroxide: Kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces oil production, making it effective for inflamed acne.

Best For:

• Salicylic Acid: Ideal for blackheads, whiteheads, and people with sensitive skin.
• Benzoyl Peroxide: Best for inflammatory acne, such as cysts and pustules.

Side Effects:

• Salicylic Acid: Can cause mild dryness or peeling, but is generally well-tolerated.
• Benzoyl Peroxide: More likely to cause dryness, irritation, and redness. It can also bleach hair and fabrics.

Usage:

• Salicylic Acid: Can be used daily, often in cleansers, toners, or serums.
• Benzoyl Peroxide: Often used as a spot treatment or in a cleanser, and should be introduced slowly to avoid irritation.

Which One Should You Use?

The choice between salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide depends on your skin type and the type of acne you have:

• Mild to Moderate Acne: If you struggle with blackheads, whiteheads, or have sensitive skin, salicylic acid is likely the better option. It gently exfoliates and prevents clogs without being too harsh on the skin.
• Moderate to Severe Acne: For more severe or inflammatory acne, benzoyl peroxide is a stronger option. Its antibacterial properties can effectively reduce the bacteria that cause painful, red pimples.

Can You Use Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide Together?

While both ingredients are effective on their own, combining them in a skincare routine can be too harsh for your skin, leading to excessive dryness and irritation. It’s generally recommended to use one or the other, depending on your specific skin needs. However, some skincare routines may alternate between the two on different days or use benzoyl peroxide as a spot treatment while using salicylic acid more regularly.

If you want to use both together, use them with caution. They can both be extremely drying when used together. It is best to use one of them in the morning and the other at night as opposed to using both in the same routine. Don’t forget to apply sunscreens during the day to avoid sun sensitivity.

Other Options Aside From Salicylic Acid vs. benzoyl Peroxide For Acne

If both ingredients are a no-no for you, there are other options to help treat your acne

• Topical Retinoids
• Topical Antibiotics (erythromycin and clindamycin)
• Oral antibiotics
• Spironolactone
• Oral contraceptives
• Isotretinoin
• Sodium sulfacetamide and Sulfur
• Azelaic acid

Please note that these other options also come with their side effects. Therefore, do diligent research before using any of them and confirm with your healthcare professionals.

Bottom Line

Both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are powerful tools in the fight against acne. Understanding how each works can help you tailor your skincare routine to your specific needs. Whether you choose the gentle exfoliating action of salicylic acid or the bacteria-busting power of benzoyl peroxide, clear, healthy skin is within reach with the right approach.