Since benzoyl peroxide products intended for acne prone skin can be drying, the best moisturizer to use with PanOxyl depends on your skin.
Overview of Best Moisturizers for PanOxyl
- Best for Sensitive Skin: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
- Best for Dry Skin: La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
- Best Splurge: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore
PanOxyl Benzoyl Peroxide Wash
Benzoyl peroxide works in your skincare routine as a body wash or face wash by killing off acne causing bacteria. It’s a popular over the counter acne treatment because it’s affordable and fits into any skincare routine.
To make benzoyl peroxide work properly, you need the right moisturizer to go with it.
If you moisturize after you wash with benzoyl peroxide, you will:
- Protect your skin from irritation
- Treat acne
- Control excess oil production
- Get the smooth skin or clear skin you’re dreaming of!
Learn more about How Benzoyl Peroxide Works.
PanOxyl 10% Benzoyl Peroxide
Best for: body acne, acne prone skin types, or oily skin
Take Caution: this might be too strong for your face and can cause irritated skin.
You May Also Like: a full protocol to get rid of back acne and hyperpigmentation.
PanOxyl 4% Benzoyl Peroxide
Best for: Oily skin, combination skin, sensitive skin
This is more gentle and can also be used as a face wash. I like this for oily skin or if you have excess oil on your face after exercising.
Paula’s Choice 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide
Best for: combination skin, dry skin, and sensitive skin
This is the gentle way to go with benzoyl peroxide in skin care.
It’ll leave more oil on your face and will still treat acne depending on the severity and your skin type.
You may also like my review of Best Paula’s Choice Products.
Best Moisturizers to Use with PanOxyl
For a good moisturizer to use with PanOxyl, you want skincare products that won’t clog pores.
Best Moisturizer for Benzoyl Peroxide and Sensitive Skin
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
Ultra Repair Cream is phenomenal for sensitive skin thanks to the 1% colloidal oatmeal in the formula.
The hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate that attract moisture in the formula help keep skin hydrated too.
Be sure to check out my Ultra Repair Cream Review.
Best Moisturizer for Benzoyl Peroxide and Dry Skin
La Roche Posay Substiane Riche Moisturizer
The best moisturizers for dry skin when you’re using benzoyl peroxide are heavy moisturizers!
Check out my La Roche Posay Creams Review as well.
Splurge: Best Moisturizer to Use with PanOxyl
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore
One of the best moisturizers on the market in general is SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore.
This stuff is fragrance free and designed to mimic the natural oil your skin already produces.
It’ll moisturize and soothe irritation nicely.
What to Avoid in a Moisturizer if Using PanOxyl
If you’re using PanOxyl, you probably have acne prone skin. Therefore, I suggest being careful to avoid these ingredients because they’re known for clogging pores:
- Mineral oil
- Coconut oil
You’ll want a lightweight moisturizer if you deal with oily skin too.
Frequently Asked Questions About Benzoyl Peroxide
Does benzoyl peroxide kill bacteria?
Yes! Benzoyl peroxide is one of the best active ingredients for acne prone skin and oily skin. Just pair it with a hydrating skincare routine to protect your moisture barrier.
Can benzoyl peroxide be a spot treatment?
Yes, you can use it to spot treat those pesky breakouts on your skin. I suggest getting a benzoyl peroxide gel for this instead of a creamy wash like PanOxyl though.
What are acne fighting alternatives to benzoyl peroxide?
Other active ingredients include:
- Salicylic acid: beta hydroxy acids help with new blemishes
- Azelaic acid: great for redness (also check out my Green Tea Moisturizers Review)
- Adapalene: check out my Differin vs. La Roche Posay Adapalene Review
Salicylic acid can prevent breakouts with potentially less irritation than benzoyl peroxide depending on your skin type.
Also, adapalene helps clear out dead skin cells and smooth texture on the outer layer on your skin.
Salicylic acid treatments
CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
This cleanser is great for oily skin and acne prone skin.
Paula’s Choice 2% Skin Perfecting Liquid Exfoliant
This overnight exfoliant is great for acne prone skin, blackheads, and clogged pores.
Do I have to wear sunscreen if I use benzoyl peroxide?
It’s probably a good idea to use some level of sun protection factor in your skin care with benzoyl peroxide. SPF can also help prevent skin cancer and premature aging.
You’ll want to find a hydrating sunscreen that is non comedogenic. My favorite is this one from Elta MD.
Can you get benzoyl peroxide over the counter?
Yep! Similar to basic alpha hydroxy acids for example, you don’t need a prescription for PanOxyl.
There are some medications with benzoyl peroxide that you can get a prescription for though.
How often should I use PanOxyl?
As often as your skin can tolerate. Typically, 3-5 days per week is the sweet spot.
For people with oiler skin, you may be able to tolerate 6-7 days per week.
What kind of acne is PanOxyl good for?
PanOxyl will treat most acne except for severe cystic acne or fungal acne.
