Is Benzoyl Peroxide Comedogenic?
Comedogenic rating: 0/5 — Non-comedogenic
Benzoyl Peroxide is a functional active ingredient with a targeted skincare benefit. In cosmetics it is typically found in treatment serums, moisturizers and targeted products.
| Comedogenic rating | 0/5 — Non-comedogenic |
|---|---|
| Pore-clogging | Unlikely |
| Fungal-acne safe | Yes |
| Category | Active |
Is Benzoyl Peroxide comedogenic?
No — Benzoyl Peroxide scores 0 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale. It is considered non-comedogenic and will not clog pores for the overwhelming majority of users, which makes it a reliable choice for acne-prone, oily and congestion-prone skin.
Does Benzoyl Peroxide cause fungal acne?
Benzoyl Peroxide is generally considered fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe. It is not among the oils, fatty acids or polysorbates known to feed Malassezia yeast, so it should not aggravate fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) for most people.
Should you use Benzoyl Peroxide if you're acne-prone?
Benzoyl Peroxide is suitable for virtually all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. You can generally use it with confidence in daily skincare.
How Benzoyl Peroxide compares to other actives
| Ingredient | Rating | Pore-clogging |
|---|---|---|
| Benzoyl Peroxide | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Allantoin | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Niacinamide | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Retinol | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Salicylic Acid | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) | 0/5 | Unlikely |
Frequently asked questions
Is Benzoyl Peroxide comedogenic?
No — Benzoyl Peroxide scores 0 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale. It is considered non-comedogenic and will not clog pores for the overwhelming majority of users, which makes it a reliable choice for acne-prone, oily and congestion-prone skin.
Does Benzoyl Peroxide cause fungal acne?
Benzoyl Peroxide is generally considered fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe. It is not among the oils, fatty acids or polysorbates known to feed Malassezia yeast, so it should not aggravate fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) for most people.
Is Benzoyl Peroxide safe for acne-prone skin?
Benzoyl Peroxide is suitable for virtually all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. You can generally use it with confidence in daily skincare.
What products is Benzoyl Peroxide found in?
Benzoyl Peroxide is a functional active ingredient with a targeted skincare benefit, and is commonly found in treatment serums, moisturizers and targeted products.
What can I use instead of Benzoyl Peroxide?
Look for non-comedogenic emollients rated 0–1 such as squalane, glycerin, hemp seed oil or sunflower oil.
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