When you look at the ingredient list of most acne treatments, chances are you’ll see either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid listed. Which is better to treat your acne? Read on to find out:

• The causes of acne
• How benzoyl peroxide works
• How salicylic acid works
• Which should you use, benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid?
• Three benzoyl peroxide products to try
• Three salicylic acid products to try

In the showdown for the best acne fighter, there are two powerful ingredients in the ring: benzoyl peroxide vs. salicylic acid. Both of them are good for treating acne, but if you’re looking to clear your skin of unwanted blemishes, which should you use?

What Causes Acne?

When pores become clogged with excess sebum and dead skin cells, acne is the result. Bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes, which occurs naturally on the skin, also places a role in acne by causing inflammation and redness. Knowing those causes will help you understand how benzoyl peroxide works vs. how salicylic acid works.

How Does Benzoyl Peroxide Work?

Benzoyl peroxide is a chemical compound that reduces acne by killing the bacteria that causes inflammation, Propionibacterium acnes. It also removes dead skin cells and excess oil from your skin, which can prevent future acne flare-ups. You’ll find benzoyl peroxide in cleansers and skin treatments in strengths ranging from 2.5% to 10%.

How Does Salicylic Acid Work?

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that reduces inflammation and unblocks pores by dissolving the dead skin cells that cause those blockages. Salicylic acid also acts as a chemical exfoliator, sweeping away those dead skin cells so they don’t linger and cause future breakouts. You’ll find salicylic acid in both cleansers and skin treatments in strengths ranging from 0.5% to 2%.

Should I Use Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide?

“Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are both excellent and perform somewhat different roles,” says board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “Salicylic acid exfoliates and has a medicinal benefit as well, while benzoyl peroxide is a powerhouse that neutralizes bacteria and is effective in acne treatment alone or in conjunction with most medications. They both are useful, but some individuals are allergic to benzoyl peroxide, so it is important to look over ingredients if you are allergic. Salicylic acid is rarely an allergy for people, so it is more useful on the whole.”

What else should you know about benzoyl peroxide vs. salicylic acid? Benzoyl peroxide can be rather drying to skin and also causes sun sensitivity. It also has a bleaching effect on fabrics, so you have to be extra careful to avoid discoloring your clothes and towels—that’s a slight inconvenience to some people and a dealbreaker for others. Salicylic acid tends to be more widely tolerated, but it can also cause dryness or irritation, depending on the strength of the product you’re using.

It might take some experimentation with different products and strengths to figure out which one of these acne-fighting ingredients—or a combination of both—works best for you. Here are six of our favorites.

Three Benzoyl Peroxide Products to Try

Jan Marini Benzoyl Peroxide Facial Wash

This facial cleanser contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide to zap acne-causing bacteria and dissolve excess oil. It’s gentle enough to use daily for healing mild acne and preventing future breakouts without overdrying the skin.

PCA Skin Acne Cream

Target existing breakouts with this spot treatment, which contains 5% benzoyl peroxide accompanied by a supporting cast of other beneficial ingredients. Tea tree oil purifies pores, and lactic acid exfoliates away dead skin cells to prevent clogged pores while a botanical blend reduces redness and irritation.

Replenix Acne Solutions Acne Gel

For stubborn cases of acne, you may need to dial up the benzoyl peroxide strength to 10% with this treatment. Smooth a thin layer of this lightweight gel on acne-prone areas to heal existing pimples and reduce the bacteria buildup that fuels future breakouts.

Three Salicylic Acid Products to Try

Eminence Organics Acne Advanced Clarifying Hydrator

For sensitive skin types looking to treat acne, this powerful yet gentle treatment with 1% salicylic acid is a smart place to start. It contains salicylic acid in an encapsulated form that delivers time-released acne treatment, which helps prevent irritation. Plus hydrating zinc hyaluronate balances out salicylic acid’s drying effect. Lotus extract has a mattifying effect, balancing sebum production to reduce shine. It also contains arbutin—a natural, skin-brightening ingredient that helps fade acne scars.

LovelySkin LUXE Clarifying Gel Cleanser (2%)

This daily cleanser contains a trio of acne-fighting exfoliators: 2% salicylic acid, 2% glycolic acid and 3% afaLUXE, a dermatologist-developed molecule that boosts cellular turnover while maintaining skin’s moisture balance. “This is one of my all-time favorite cleansers,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “I recommend it to all my acne-prone patients, and they continue to be pleased with the results after incorporating it into their acne prevention routine.”

ClarityRx Fix It 2% Pore Perfecting Solution (2%)

This salicylic acid solution contains the maximum strength available for at-home use. With its liquid formulation, you can swipe it on using a cotton ball or pad to clear clogged pores and slough away the sebum and dead skin cells that lead to future blemishes.

Read up on more acne prevention tips in our recent blog post, How to Clear Your Skin of Unwanted Blemishes.