Benzac AC Moderate Strength 5% Acne Gel Versus Proactiv Repair Repairing Treatment
Updated on March 24, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both facial treatments. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain benzoyl peroxide
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne and dry skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Benzac AC Moderate Strength 5% Acne Gel 9 ingredients
Proactiv Repair Repairing Treatment 20 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Benzac AC Moderate Strength 5% Acne Gel 9 ingredients
Proactiv Repair Repairing Treatment 20 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%
Water
Skin ConditioningEthoxydiglycol
HumectantCyclotetrasiloxane
Emollient
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCeteareth-20
Cleansing
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingDiazolidinyl Urea
Preservative
Methylparaben
Preservative
Propylparaben
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%, Water, Ethoxydiglycol, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Panthenol, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Ceteareth-20, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Parfum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Benzoyl Peroxide is famous for fighting acne. This is because it does a variety of tasks on the skin: it helps reduce excess oil, kill bacteria, and clear out dead skin cells. In other words, it is effective at unclogging pores.
These properties make it great at fighting different types of acne, including cystic and inflammatory types of acne.
When targeting the bacteria in your pores, Benzoyl Peroxide has been shown to kill the bacteria without causing sensitivity. It also helps keep your skin's natural bacteria and biome balanced. Having a healthy biome protects your skin from external harmful factors.
Once Benzoyl Peroxide is absorbed into the skin, our bodies turn it into benzoic acid and quickly exits in urine.
When using Benzoyl Peroxide, it may be irritating for some people due to a variety of reasons, such as a broken skin barrier or just an allergic reaction. We recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient if you have concerns.
Learn more about Benzoyl PeroxideCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Benzac AC Moderate Strength 5% Acne Gel 9 ingredients
Proactiv Repair Repairing Treatment 20 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Benzac AC Moderate Strength 5% Acne Gel 9 ingredients
Ruined my skin barrier, but made my skin clear ðŸ˜
Proactiv Repair Repairing Treatment 20 ingredients
drastically cools inflaming pimples the day after I use it. it does burn a bit.
