Paula's choice Extra Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment with 5% Benzoyl Peroxide
Works for
Anti-blemishBenzoyl peroxide, AllantoinWorks well
“This oil-free, medicated, ultra-light lotion with 5% benzoyl peroxide helps fight existing acne breakouts and prevent future breakouts on the face or body.”
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: benzoyl peroxide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
MoisturizingAllantoin, Propylene glycol + 1 moreWorks
“It controls excess oil, soothes skin, and visibly calms redness, while its hydrating properties minimize dryness and flaking.”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": allantoin, caprylyl glycol.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: Benzoyl peroxideMedium risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
1 of 1 community members would buy it again.
I have used this cleanser for 20+ years and still love it.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Benzoyl peroxide5%
- Irritation risk
- High
A potent anti-bacterial ingredient that is effective against acne. Often leads to skin dryness and can be irritating
More about Benzoyl peroxideWater~40–60%
Propylene glycol~7.4–11.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
More about Propylene glycolBisabolol~5–7.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
More about BisabololAllantoin~3.2–4.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinAcrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~2.6–3.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerHydroxyethylcellulose~1.7–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures
More about HydroxyethylcelluloseSodium citrate~1.1–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products
More about Sodium citrateLaureth-4~0.8–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Laureth-4Caprylyl glycol~0.5–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolHexylene glycol~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a more spreadable product texture
More about Hexylene glycolSodium hydroxide~0.15–0.55%
Disodium edta~0.05–0.15%
Phenoxyethanol~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolIngredient list view
Benzoyl peroxide, Water, Propylene glycol, Bisabolol, Allantoin, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium citrate, Laureth-4, Caprylyl glycol, Hexylene glycol, Sodium hydroxide, Disodium edta, Phenoxyethanol
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| Paula's choiceExtra Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment with 5% Benzoyl PeroxideYOUR PRODUCT | CliniqueAcne Solutions All-Over Clearing Treatment Oil-Free | Kate SomervilleAnti Bac Acne Clearing Lotion | MaleziaAcne Treatment Gel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 56% | 52% | 51% |
| Price | — | — | — | $18.20 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 2 of 3 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 3 |
| Key difference | — | Acetyl Glucosamine | Ceramide Np | Glycerin |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | Contains drying alcohol | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: MD Complete by Dr. Brian Zelickson Breakout TreatmentRodan + Fields Spotless Acne Clearing Treatment
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 6 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 2Propylene Glycolpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycolonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 4
- 5
- 6Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Laureths 4 and 23journals.sagepub.com
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