Benzoyl Peroxide

Also listed as BPO

What it does

An antibacterial that kills the acne bacterium C. acnes by releasing oxygen into the pore. Bacteria do not become resistant to it, which keeps it a mainstay of acne treatment. It dries the skin and bleaches fabric.

How to use it

Start at 2.5 percent; stronger versions irritate more without clearing acne much faster. Use it once a day, as a short-contact wash or a leave-on treatment, and switch to white towels and pillowcases.

In our catalog

None of the products in our catalog contain Benzoyl Peroxide; it is mostly sold as a prescription or pharmacy treatment rather than as a cosmetic. Its pairings still apply if you use it alongside your K-beauty routine.