10% Benzoyl Peroxide
10% Benzoyl Peroxide
Product Description
Product overview
111MedCo 10% Benzoyl Peroxide is a maximum-strength medicated cleansing bar that delivers the highest concentration of benzoyl peroxide available over the counter. Designed for face, chest, and back, this soap-free, pH-balanced bar fights acne-causing bacteria, unclogs pores, and helps prevent new breakouts — all from a no-frills, dermatologist-style 4 oz bar made by a small family-run U.S. company.
Kills Acne Bacteria
Benzoyl peroxide releases oxygen into pores to destroy Cutibacterium acnes — without the resistance issues of antibiotics.
Texture & feel
SENSORYKills Acne Bacteria
Benzoyl peroxide releases oxygen into pores to destroy Cutibacterium acnes — without the resistance issues of antibiotics.
Face, Chest & Back
One bar treats breakouts everywhere. Keep it at the sink for your face or in the shower for body and "bacne."
Glycerin-Buffered
Added glycerin and a soap-free surfactant base help limit the tightness and over-drying common with 10% BPO.
Minimal & Clean
No fragrance, dyes, parabens, lanolin, formaldehyde or triclocarban. Biodegradable formula in plastic-free packaging.
Safety & compatibility
SAFETopical benzoyl peroxide is generally considered low-risk and is often listed among acne treatments acceptable in pregnancy, but always confirm with your OB-GYN or doctor first.
BPO itself is antimicrobial and rinses off, but the soap base contains fatty acids (stearic, coconut, tallowate) that can feed malassezia if left on. Rinse thoroughly.
Benzoyl peroxide will bleach colored towels, pillowcases and clothing. Use white linens and pat dry carefully.
10% BPO is potent. Expect possible dryness, peeling or redness as skin adjusts. Start once daily and build up slowly.
Can aggravate eczema- and rosacea-prone skin. Patch test and consider a lower strength if your barrier is reactive.
BPO is not strongly photosensitizing, but it can leave skin more vulnerable. Always pair with daily SPF.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSBenzoyl Peroxide 10%Proven
The star active and one of the most studied acne ingredients of the last six decades. It releases oxygen into pores to kill acne-causing bacteria and has keratolytic action that helps shed dead cells and keep pores clear.
- FDA: Classified as a safe and effective OTC acne treatment.
- No resistance: Unlike antibiotics, bacteria don't build resistance to BPO.
- 10% = max OTC: Highest concentration available without a prescription.
Sodium Cocoyl IsethionateProven
A coconut-derived ultra-gentle cleansing surfactant. It creates a soft, creamy foam without stripping the skin barrier, helping offset the harshness of a 10% BPO bar.
- Gentle: Cleanses without the tightness of traditional soap.
- FA note: Has not been shown in studies to feed malassezia yeast.
GlycerinProven
A powerhouse humectant naturally found in skin that pulls water into the outer layers. In a drying BPO formula, it's there to soften the strip and keep skin more comfortable.
- Barrier: Supports hydration, elasticity and barrier repair.
- Universal: Non-irritating and compatible with nearly every ingredient.
Zea Mays (Corn) StarchPromising
Simple cornstarch used as an absorbent. It mops up excess oil and adds slip, which suits the oily, breakout-prone skin this bar is built for.
- Oil control: A talc-free absorbent good for shine-prone skin.
- Mild pH: Naturally close to skin-friendly acidity.
Cocamidopropyl BetaineProven
A coconut-derived secondary surfactant that lifts dirt, oil and impurities while creating a creamier, more cushioned lather. It also softens the overall cleansing experience.
- Cleansing: Boosts foam and improves rinse-off.
- Allergen myth: A 2012 study found pure-grade material did not trigger the reactions once attributed to it.
Titanium DioxidePromising
Here it works mainly as a gentle mineral colorant that keeps the bar a clean, uniform white. It's a non-irritating mineral well tolerated by sensitive and acne-prone skin.
- Gentle: Unlikely to sting or irritate even reactive skin.
Paraffinum LiquidumPromising
Cosmetic-grade mineral oil acting as a light occlusive emollient. It forms a protective film that locks in moisture and helps prevent water loss from skin stressed by BPO.
- Non-comedogenic: Cosmetic-grade mineral oil rates 0 on the comedogenic scale.
- FA-safe: Inert with no fatty acids, so it can't feed malassezia.
17 ingredients
Benzoyl Peroxide 10%, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Stearic Acid, Coconut Acid, Water, Sodium Isethionate, Ethylene/VA Copolymer, Zea Mays Starch, Sodium Tallowate, Titanium Dioxide, Paraffinum Liquidum, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Tetrasodium Etidronate, Sodium Cocoate, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Tetrasodium EDTA.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEThis bar replaces your regular cleanser. Always follow with moisturizer to buffer dryness, and never skip SPF the next morning.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet & Lather
Using warm water, work the bar into a lather in your hands or directly on damp skin.
Apply to Affected Areas
Massage the lather onto the face, chest or back and let it sit on the skin for about 1–2 minutes.
Rinse & Pat Dry
Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean white towel to avoid bleaching colored fabric.
Start Slow, Then Build
Begin once daily. If tolerated, increase to two or three times daily. Reduce frequency if dryness or irritation appears.
Keep the Bar Dry
Store on a draining dish between uses so the bar lasts longer and stays effective.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have stubborn, oily, or hormonal acne on the face, chest or back
- You want maximum OTC strength without a prescription
- You prefer a fragrance-free, minimal-additive formula
- You want one product that covers both face and body
- You like low-waste, plastic-free packaging
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry, eczema-prone or rosacea-prone skin
- You're new to actives and need a gentler 2.5–5% option
- You want a fully strict fungal-acne-safe formula
- You need a vegan product (formula contains tallow-derived soap)
- You dislike any risk of bleaching towels or bedding
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESCuts through excess oil and controls breakouts; the matte, clean finish suits oily skin best.
Built for it — 10% BPO targets active acne on face and body and helps prevent new lesions.
Effective on the oily zones; spot-cleanse breakout areas and moisturize drier patches after.
Can be drying at 10%. Limit to a few times a week and follow with a rich moisturizer.
High strength may sting or trigger eczema/rosacea. Patch test or choose a lower percentage.
Results timeline
ONGOINGAdjustment Phase
Skin feels squeaky-clean and possibly a little tight or dry. Some users notice mild peeling as skin adapts to BPO.
Most users noticeFewer Whiteheads & Pimples
Active surface breakouts begin to calm and new ones form less often as bacteria are kept in check.
~60% report improvementClearer Face & Body
Consistent use typically shows the clearest results, including on chest and back acne ("bacne").
~70% report clearer skinMaintenance
Continued use helps prevent recurrence. Many keep using it a few times weekly once skin is clear.
Best for preventionRatings by platform
8K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Maximum 10% OTC benzoyl peroxide strength
- Works on face, chest and back in one product
- Great value — a bar lasts a long time
- Clean, fragrance-free, minimal-additive formula
- pH-balanced (6.0–6.5) and lathers well
- Eco-friendly, plastic-free, biodegradable
Criticized
- Can be drying or irritating at 10%
- Bleaches colored towels and fabric
- Faint medicinal scent some dislike
- Soap base contains fatty acids (not strictly FA-safe)
- Contains tallowate, so not vegan in this INCI
- Restricted/prescription strength in some countries
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Nearly identical 10% BPO bar from a bigger brand. Labeled vegan and widely stocked, but with a slightly different, more soap-style feel.
Same 10% strength but a liquid wash, not a bar. More convenient pump format, though it uses plastic packaging and feels more basic.
A similar bar format at half the strength. A smart pick for sensitive or first-time users who find 10% too harsh.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE111MedCo 10% BPO Bar (Featured)
Amazon Basics 10% BPO Wash
DermaHarmony 5% BPO Bar
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHSApproximately 12 months after opening. Benzoyl peroxide loses potency over time, so use within the year.
Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the bar on a draining dish between uses so it stays dry and lasts longer.
Recyclable cardboard box — plastic-free and biodegradable formula.
Yes — as a solid bar it's TSA-friendly with no liquid limits. Use a draining travel tin.
Frequently asked questions
FAQTopical benzoyl peroxide is generally considered low-risk and is frequently listed among acne treatments that are acceptable during pregnancy and breastfeeding, since very little is absorbed and it's quickly broken down to benzoic acid. That said, this isn't medical advice — always confirm with your OB-GYN or doctor before using any active during pregnancy or nursing.
Mostly, with a caveat. Benzoyl peroxide itself is antimicrobial and the product rinses off quickly, which keeps risk low. However, the soap base contains fatty acids (stearic acid, coconut acid, sodium tallowate, sodium cocoate) that can theoretically feed malassezia if left on the skin. As a wash-off cleanser used for 1–2 minutes and rinsed thoroughly, it's usually fine, but the most fungal-acne-cautious users may prefer a fatty-acid-free formula.
Use them at different times to avoid over-irritation. Benzoyl peroxide can oxidize and reduce the effectiveness of pure vitamin C and traditional retinol if layered together, so use BPO in one routine (often AM) and retinol/vitamin C in the other (often PM). It pairs reasonably with salicylic acid (BHA) or glycolic acid (AHA), but combining strong actives raises dryness risk — introduce them slowly and moisturize well.
It's best for oily and acne-prone skin, including body acne on the chest and back. Combination skin can use it on oilier zones. Dry, sensitive, eczema-prone or rosacea-prone skin should approach with caution — the 10% strength can be drying and irritating, so a 2.5–5% option may suit better.
Expect an adjustment period in the first few days, visible reduction in breakouts around weeks 2–4, and the clearest results after roughly 6–8 weeks of consistent use. Like all acne actives, benzoyl peroxide works on prevention as much as treatment, so ongoing use maintains clear skin.
It replaces your regular cleanser. After removing makeup, lather the bar and leave it on the skin for 1–2 minutes, then rinse. Follow with toner (optional), treatments, and always a moisturizer to buffer dryness. In the morning, finish with sunscreen.
No — it scores low on the comedogenic scale (around 1/5). It's a rinse-off cleanser, so ingredients have minimal contact time, and benzoyl peroxide itself actively helps keep pores clear rather than clogging them. The mineral oil it contains is cosmetic-grade and rated non-comedogenic.
About 12 months. Benzoyl peroxide gradually loses strength over time, so it's best to finish the bar within a year of opening. Keeping it dry on a draining dish between uses helps it last and stay effective.
Verdict: The 111MedCo 10% Benzoyl Peroxide bar is a straightforward, hard-working acne fighter that delivers the strongest benzoyl peroxide you can buy over the counter — for the face and the often-neglected chest and back. Its clean, fragrance-free, plastic-free approach and 4.5-star track record across thousands of reviews make it excellent value for oily and acne-prone skin. Just respect the strength: start slow, moisturize generously, protect your towels from bleaching, and reach for a gentler percentage if your skin runs dry, sensitive or reactive.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 |
Benzoyl Peroxide
Antiacne Agent, Oxidising Agent
|
Ache-fighting
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Surfactant, Hair Conditioning, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Stearic Acid
Masking, Fragrance, Emulsion Stabilising, Emulsifying, Sufactant, Refatting, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 0 |
Coconut Acid
Cleansing, Emollient, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|