Differin Daily Deep Cleanser Sensitive Skin Formula, 4 Ounce

• Contains 5% benzoyl peroxide (as effective as 10% benzoyl peroxide, but with less irritation and dryness)
• Dual-action, micronized formula penetrates deep into pores to absorb excess oil, while releasing a gentle moisturizer that won’t clog pores

Benzoyl peroxide is a well-known ingredient to anyone who’s tried product after product to clear acne as a teenager (myself included). More than 10 years later, I’ve mostly abandoned the ingredient—it gives me flashbacks to high school and bleached pillowcases, three-step skincare routines, and too oily skin. 

But because benzoyl peroxide (BP) still reigns as a top acne-fighting ingredient—and the breakouts on my jawline persist—I was excited to see if I’d written off the powerhouse ingredient too early. Enter Differin's Daily Deep Cleanser. It's an acne-clearing face wash formulated with BP designed for sensitive skin. My curiosity was peaked. Could this cleanser actually clear my breakouts without wreaking havoc on my skin? Read on to discover my results.

Benzoyl peroxide is the star ingredient in this cleanser and is actually FDA approved for acne. Benzoyl peroxide prevents and clears acne through a few different methods. It unclogs pores by exfoliating skin to remove dead skin cells and built-up sebum, both of which can cause pimples. It also kills P. acnes, an acne-causing bacteria.
Why not just slather your face in BP, then? That is a case of too much of a good thing. Benzoyl peroxide can be incredibly drying, and in some cases, this can make acne worse, like if you start to destroy your skin’s acid mantle.