The amount of studies suggesting the efficacy of benzoyl peroxide is comprehensive and definitive. Among benzoyl peroxide's virtues is its ability to penetrate into the hair follicle to reach the bacteria that cause the problem, and then destroy them with a tiny likelihood of sensitivity. It also doesn't raise the issue of bacterial resistance that other drug topical antibacterials (antibiotics) do.

Benzoyl peroxide solutions range in strength from 2.5% to 10% It is safer to start with lower concentrations as a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide product is far less irritating than a 5% or 10% concentration, and it can be just as effective.