When it comes to battling breakouts, benzoyl peroxide historically got a front-row seat in many skin care routines. It’s been marketed as the go-to ingredient for quickly clearing acne, but there’s a hidden side to this popular treatment. In some instances, benzoyl peroxide can actually do more harm than good, especially if you’re seeking long-term skin health. Here’s why benzoyl peroxide may be causing issues for your skin and why our expert formulas omit it, in favor of gentler, more effective alternatives. 

What is benzoyl peroxide?

Benzoyl peroxide is an over-the-counter acne treatment that works by decreasing inflammation and killing or preventing the growth of bacteria on your skin. Sounds great, right? Not so fast! While it’s known to fight acne-causing bacteria, it’s also known for drying out the skin, causing redness, irritation and even peeling, particularly those with sensitive or dry skin types. 

The side effects of using benzoyl peroxide

Using benzoyl peroxide may feel effective at first – but this fix can come with some skin responses: 

• Dryness and flakiness: Benzoyl peroxide works by creating a harsh environment for acne-causing bacteria, but in doing so, it also disrupts the skin’s natural hydrolipidic barrier, resulting in dryness and flakiness. 
• Redness and irritation: Benzoyl peroxide's potency in combating bacteria often comes at a cost of skin comfort, as it can provoke redness and irritation, especially in individuals with sensitive skin types. 
• Increased sensitivity: Over time, repeated benzoyl peroxide use may heighten sensitivity by compromising barrier function, making it increasingly difficult to maintain balanced and resilient skin. When the barrier becomes compromised, it slows down the healing process and actually over responds with dysfunction as it can no longer protect itself. It becomes dry, tight, flaky and red – an atmosphere where acne can thrive. 

Why our formulas (including acne) are benzoyl peroxide-free 

At Bioelements, we love to say "no." Our formulas, including our Acne Activists + Pore Activists, are free of benzoyl peroxide, phthalates, mineral oil, petrolatum, parabens, fragrance and dyes. Why? Because we've been skin-conscious, mindful and responsible formulators since 1991.  

“We were inspired by the philosophy of corneotherapy while developing our Acne + Pore Activist collection, aiming our focus on repairing, maintaining and safeguarding the skin barrier,” said Terry Schatz, CEO of the independently-owned Bioelements brand. “We’ve omitted harsh ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, alcohol and surfactants, and prioritized skin health with non-stripping cleansers, barrier-friendly botanicals, and milder, large-molecule acids, and carefully calibrated pH levels to ensure effectiveness without irritation.”

All of our clinical, professional formulas are proven to provide incredible results, both in the spa treatment room and at home – free from harsh ingredients. Each product is formulated with skin-beneficial, clinically proven ingredients, whether innovated in the lab or sourced directly from nature. 

Our NEW Acne + Pore Activists are no different. Formulated to clear your breakouts while repairing your barrier, our proof-based, innovative line redefines the treatment of acne. Suitable for all skin types and skin tones, these formulas are created to minimize inflammation, allow active acne to heal, and strengthen the barrier so it can better respond to future acne stages. 

Benzoyl peroxide-free acne products 

• Pore Thing: A barrier-friendly, daily cleansing gel with multi-level exfoliators to target problem pores and clarify skin. 
• Peel Breaker: A 2% BHA + PHA leave-on liquid exfoliating treatment to break up pore blockage oils + dead cells.
• Daily Meds: An acne-clearing serum with medicinal beta + alpha hydroxy acids plus niacinamide to target lines, tone + dullness.
• Spot Defy: A 5% sulfur overnight acne spot treatment to clear + heal active acne breakouts.

Benzoyl peroxide alternatives

• Salicylic acid: This beta-hydroxy acid is a go-to for unclogging pores and reducing inflammation. It penetrates deep into the skin to exfoliate and prevent future breakouts.
• Azelaic acid: This natural exfoliator dissolves the bonds of pore-clogging dead cells.
• Willow bark extract: Helps vacuum clogged pores and reduce excess oil production. 
• Gluconolactone: This large molecule poly-hydroxy acid is known for its gentle exfoliating abilities. It works by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, which helps remove surface flakes and smooth out rough textures – revealing a brighter and more even complexion.