Spot Treatment Gel 10%
Spot Treatment Gel 10%
Product Description
Product overview
A high-strength 10% benzoyl peroxide spot treatment gel that kills up to 94% of acne-causing bacteria within 7 days. Formulated with Galderma's exclusive Acrylates Copolymer (AC) technology, micro-beads absorb up to 4x their weight in excess oil while glycerin keeps skin hydrated — delivering powerful acne-fighting action with reduced irritation.
Kills 94% of Acne Bacteria
Clinically proven to eliminate C. acnes bacteria responsible for breakouts within just 7 days of consistent use.
Texture & feel
SENSORYKills 94% of Acne Bacteria
Clinically proven to eliminate C. acnes bacteria responsible for breakouts within just 7 days of consistent use.
AC Technology Oil Control
Exclusive Acrylates Copolymer micro-beads absorb up to 4x their weight in sebum while leaving essential skin moisture intact.
Unclogs Pores & Exfoliates
Keratolytic action breaks down dead skin cells, clearing blocked pores, blackheads, and whiteheads at the source.
Hydrating Water-Based Gel
Glycerin-enriched formula provides moisture to offset drying effects of benzoyl peroxide, leaving skin smooth and soft.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEUse only if clearly needed. No evidence of harm in animal studies or decades of clinical use, but consult your doctor before use during pregnancy.
Use with caution. Do not apply on the chest area to avoid accidental transfer to the infant. Consult your healthcare provider.
Contains no ferments, fatty acids, esters, or polysorbates. Benzoyl peroxide itself has antifungal properties that may help fungal acne.
Oil-free, silicone-free formula with a comedogenic rating of 0/5. Will not clog pores or worsen existing breakouts.
Benzoyl peroxide increases photosensitivity. Always wear SPF 30+ sunscreen during the day when using this product.
Benzoyl peroxide can bleach colored fabrics, towels, and hair. Use white pillowcases and towels during treatment.
Initial breakouts, redness, and peeling are normal during the first 2–4 weeks. This is part of the skin renewal process — not a sign to stop.
Unlike topical antibiotics, bacteria do not develop resistance to benzoyl peroxide, making it effective for long-term use.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSBenzoyl Peroxide 10%Proven
The gold-standard topical acne treatment. An oxidizing agent with potent antibacterial and keratolytic (exfoliating) properties. Kills C. acnes bacteria by releasing oxygen into clogged pores, while dissolving dead skin cells and reducing sebum production.
- Mechanism: Releases free-radical oxygen that destroys P. acnes bacteria cell walls on contact
- Efficacy: Clinically proven to kill up to 94% of acne-causing bacteria within 7 days
- Advantage: Bacteria cannot develop resistance to BPO, unlike topical antibiotics (clindamycin, erythromycin)
- Strength: 10% is the highest OTC concentration — best for moderate to stubborn acne
Glycerin HumectantProven
One of the most effective and well-studied humectant moisturizers. Naturally present in skin, it attracts water to the upper skin layers, helping to offset the drying effects of benzoyl peroxide.
- Study: A 2016 study found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid
- Function: Pulls moisture into deeper skin layers due to its low molecular weight
- Bonus: Has antimicrobial and skin-barrier-strengthening properties
Acrylates Copolymer AC TechnologyPatented
Galderma's exclusive AC Technology. Microscopic polymer beads that act as tiny sponges, selectively absorbing excess oils (sebum) while leaving the water your skin needs untouched.
- Capacity: Each micro-bead absorbs up to 4x its own weight in oil
- Selectivity: Targets sebum specifically — does not strip essential moisture
- Benefit: Reduces irritation typically associated with high-strength benzoyl peroxide products
Propylene Glycol HumectantProven
A colorless, odorless humectant that helps skin retain moisture and enhances the penetration and delivery of benzoyl peroxide into the skin. Also provides antimicrobial preservation.
- Function: Penetration enhancer that helps BPO reach deeper into pores
- Preservation: Extends product shelf life with antimicrobial properties
11 ingredients
Benzoyl Peroxide (10%), Docusate Sodium, Disodium Edetate, Poloxamer 182, Carbomer 940, Propylene Glycol, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycerol, Silicon Dioxide, Purified Water, Sodium Hydroxide (pH adjuster). May contain Citric Acid to adjust pH.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply only to affected areas after cleansing. Use before moisturizer. In AM routine, always follow with broad-spectrum SPF 30+. Can be used in PM routine as an overnight spot treatment.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Dry
Wash face with a gentle cleanser (avoid SLS-based cleansers). Pat skin completely dry with a clean towel before application.
Apply Thin Layer to Spots
Apply a thin film of gel directly onto affected areas only. Do not apply to unaffected skin. Use a cotton bud for precise, targeted application.
Week 1: Start Slowly
Apply once daily and leave on for 2 hours, then rinse off. If tolerated after 3 days, leave on overnight. After 7 days with no irritation, increase to twice daily if needed.
Moisturize & Protect
Follow with a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer. In the morning, always apply SPF 30+ sunscreen as the final step.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have moderate to stubborn acne that hasn't responded to lower concentrations (2.5% or 5%)
- You deal with inflammatory papules, pustules, or cystic breakouts
- You have oily or combination skin prone to excess sebum
- You want a clinically-proven, no-nonsense OTC acne treatment
- You need a spot treatment that won't cause antibiotic resistance
- You prefer a minimal, fragrance-free ingredient list
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very sensitive, dry, or eczema-prone skin (start with 2.5% instead)
- You are a first-time benzoyl peroxide user (work up from a lower concentration)
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (consult doctor first)
- You want an all-over face treatment rather than spot treatment
- You cannot commit to daily sunscreen use
- You primarily deal with closed comedones or non-inflammatory acne
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESIdeal match. AC Technology absorbs excess oil without stripping moisture. Matte finish controls shine throughout the day.
Works great as a targeted spot treatment on oily T-zone areas. Apply only to breakout-prone zones for best results.
Effective for occasional breakouts. Pair with a solid moisturizer to maintain skin balance and prevent over-drying.
10% concentration may be too drying. Consider starting with 2.5% or 5%. If using, apply sparingly and always follow with a rich moisturizer.
High concentration may cause redness and irritation. Patch test essential. Start with short-contact therapy (apply, wait 10 min, rinse off).
This is exactly what the product is designed for. Non-comedogenic, oil-free, and fungal-acne safe. Clinically proven results.
Results timeline
MONTHS 2–3+Initial Drying & Tingling
Mild burning, tingling, or tightness at application site. Active pimples begin to dry out and flatten. Slight redness is normal.
80% noticed drying of active spotsBacteria Reduction & Possible Purging
Up to 94% of acne bacteria killed. Existing pimples dry out significantly. Some users experience temporary purging as trapped impurities surface.
70% saw visible improvement in active breakoutsClearing Phase
New breakouts become less frequent. Peeling and dryness peak then gradually subside as skin adjusts. Pores appear cleaner and less congested.
65% reported significant acne reductionVisible Transformation
Major improvement in overall skin clarity. Inflammatory lesions resolve. Post-acne marks begin to fade. Skin texture becomes smoother.
85% achieved noticeable clearingMaintenance & Long-Term Results
Skin is significantly clearer with only occasional minor breakouts. Continued use prevents relapse. Some users report up to 95% clearing.
90% maintained clear skin with consistent useRatings by platform
750+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Clinically proven to kill 94% of acne bacteria in 7 days
- Bacteria cannot develop resistance (unlike antibiotics)
- Clean, minimal 11-ingredient formula — no fragrance, oils, or parabens
- AC Technology controls oil while preserving skin hydration
- Effective on inflammatory, cystic, and hormonal acne
- Trusted pharmaceutical brand (Galderma) with decades of clinical evidence
- Affordable compared to prescription treatments
- Fungal acne safe formula
Criticized
- Causes dryness, peeling, and redness — especially during first 2–4 weeks
- Bleaches colored fabrics, towels, pillowcases, and hair on contact
- 10% concentration may be too harsh for sensitive or dry skin types
- Initial purging phase can temporarily worsen skin appearance
- Increases sun sensitivity — requires daily SPF use
- Cannot be used with certain actives (retinol, AHA/BHA) without caution
- Small tube size (60g) for the price
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Nearly identical active ingredient at the same 10% concentration. Uses the same poloxamer 182 and carbomer base. Lacks Benzac's proprietary AC Technology oil-absorbing beads, so slightly more drying.
Same 10% BPO concentration but in a wash-off foaming format rather than leave-on gel. Less contact time means less irritation but also less potency as a spot treatment. Great as a complementary cleanser.
Much lower 2.5% BPO concentration in a vanishing cream formula. Significantly gentler and less effective on stubborn acne, but a good starting point for BPO-naive skin or mild breakouts.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
6 MONTHS6 months after opening
Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat. Do not freeze. Keep tube tightly closed after each use.
Plastic squeeze tube with screw-top cap. White opaque tube protects the active ingredient from light degradation.
Yes — 60g is under the 100ml/100g carry-on liquid limit. Compact tube fits easily in travel toiletry bags.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. Animal studies and decades of clinical use have shown no evidence of harm from topical benzoyl peroxide at concentrations up to 10%. However, the official recommendation is to use only if clearly needed during pregnancy. For breastfeeding, do not apply on the chest area to prevent accidental transfer to the infant. Always consult your healthcare provider before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Yes. The formula contains no ferments, fatty acids, esters, or polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast. With only 11 clean ingredients, it is considered fungal acne safe. Benzoyl peroxide also has antifungal properties that may provide additional benefit for fungal acne sufferers.
Use caution when combining. Benzoyl peroxide can deactivate retinol and vitamin C if applied at the same time. Use BPO in the morning and retinol/vitamin C at night, or alternate days. AHA/BHA combined with 10% BPO can cause excessive dryness and irritation — introduce one at a time and allow skin to adjust. Never layer these actives simultaneously without consulting a dermatologist.
Best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types with moderate to stubborn breakouts. The AC Technology oil-absorbing beads make it especially effective for oily skin. Those with dry or sensitive skin should start with the 2.5% or 5% versions and work up gradually. The 10% strength is the strongest available and is recommended for those who have already built tolerance to lower concentrations.
Most users notice active pimples drying within 1–3 days. Significant improvement in overall acne typically occurs within 4–8 weeks of consistent use. During the first 2–4 weeks, you may experience a purging phase where skin temporarily looks worse as trapped impurities come to the surface — this is normal and a sign the product is working. Full results with maintained clear skin usually appear after 2–3 months. If no improvement after one month, consult a healthcare professional.
Apply after cleansing and toning, but before moisturizer and sunscreen. Use it as a targeted spot treatment on affected areas only — not all over the face. In a morning routine: Cleanser → Toner → Benzac (spots only) → Moisturizer → Sunscreen. In an evening routine: Cleanser → Toner → Benzac (spots only) → Moisturizer. Allow the gel to dry before applying the next step.
No. Benzac Spot Treatment Gel 10% has a comedogenic rating of 0/5. The formula is completely oil-free, silicone-free, and contains no known pore-clogging ingredients. In fact, benzoyl peroxide actively unclogs pores through its keratolytic action, dissolving dead skin cells and clearing blocked pores, blackheads, and whiteheads.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 6 months. After opening, use within 6 months for optimal potency and safety. Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Always check the expiry date printed on the tube and carton before use. If the gel changes color or consistency, discard and replace.
Verdict: Benzac Spot Treatment Gel 10% is a powerful, clinically proven acne fighter backed by Galderma's pharmaceutical expertise. Its standout feature is the exclusive AC Technology that absorbs excess oil while maintaining hydration — a meaningful advantage over generic benzoyl peroxide gels. The ultra-clean 11-ingredient formula (fragrance-free, oil-free, paraben-free, fungal-acne safe) makes it suitable for even the most ingredient-conscious users. The 10% concentration is best for those with moderate to stubborn acne who have already built tolerance to lower strengths. Expect initial drying and peeling, but stick with it — the results after 4–8 weeks are well worth the adjustment period. A trusted staple in acne treatment for good reason.
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
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.