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Neither benzoyl peroxide nor salicylic acid is better for your skin, as they both treat acne differently, says Dr. Levin. Salicylic acid exfoliates your skin and treats your acne by “loosening up the excessive dead skin cells, sebum, and build-up in your pores to help prevent blackheads and whiteheads,” she says.

Benzoyl peroxide, however, is a topical treatment that kills the “overgrowth of the bacteria on your skin that can be responsible for new pimples emerging, as well as treats the existing acne you have,” says Dr. Levin. That said, salicylic acid is much gentler than benzoyl peroxide, but is sometimes not as effective for persistent, cystic acne.

However, it’s not recommended to use both a benzoyl peroxide cleanser and a salicylic acid exfoliator in the same routine, as they can cause irritation and dryness when used together. Dermatologist Joshua Zechiner, MD, recommends sudsing up with a low-percentage benzoyl-peroxide cleanser at night, then a 2 percent salicylic-acid treatment or toner (like The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution, or my fave, Paula’s Choice 2 Percent Exfoliating BHA Toner) in the morning. Using these two products collectively is the best way to treat acne—if your skin can handle it—since you’re using “ingredients that address the different factors that lead to breakouts,” he says.

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