
Acne Treatment · $$
CLEAR Regular Strength 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide Treatment
Paula's Choice
See reviewsA leave-on 2.5% benzoyl peroxide lotion that releases oxygen to kill acne-causing C. acnes; 2.5% is as effective as higher strengths with less irritation, softened by bisabolol and allantoin.
- Best for
- Oily skin
- Price
- $$
- Targets
- Acne
- Key actives
- Benzoyl Peroxide, Allantoin, Bisabolol
Benefits
- 2.5% benzoyl peroxide clears and prevents blemishes without resistance
- Bisabolol and allantoin reduce dryness and irritation
- Effective at the gentlest effective strength
Key ingredients explained
Benzoyl Peroxide
ActiveAs listed: Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%
An oxidizing agent that concentrates in the follicle and releases reactive oxygen species which kill C. acnes without inducing bacterial resistance, with mild comedolytic and keratolytic action. It treats inflammatory acne.
In the guideAllantoin
SoothingA urea derivative that is keratolytic — helping shed excess keratin and smooth skin — while soothing irritation and promoting wound healing by stimulating cell proliferation and extracellular-matrix synthesis.
In the guideBisabolol
SoothingA sesquiterpene alcohol from German chamomile that soothes skin by suppressing inflammatory mediators (iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α) and inhibiting NF-κB. It has good dermal absorption with low toxicity and no sensitization — well suited to calming reactive skin.
In the guideFull ingredient list
Highlighted ingredients are explained above.
How to use
- 01Apply a thin layer to affected areas after cleansing.
- 02Start once daily and build up.
- 03Use SPF; BPO can increase sensitivity.
Warnings
- Can bleach fabric and towels.
- May be drying; pair with moisturizer.
- Do not layer with L-ascorbic acid at the same time.
Expert summary
2.5% benzoyl peroxide is the sweet spot, as effective as 10% with far less irritation; the added soothers make this a very usable daily anti-acne leave-on.
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