Amazon Basics Acne Cream Cleanser with 4% Benzoyl Peroxide

A clinically formulated, creamy foaming cleanser that utilizes 4% Benzoyl Peroxide to clear acne while preserving the skin’s moisture barrier with essential Ceramides and hydrating humectants.

Performance Rating: 4.5

This formula represents a high-performance acne treatment cleanser. The 4% Benzoyl Peroxide is a “sweet spot” concentration, offering powerful anti-bacterial properties to fight acne while causing less irritation than higher concentrations (like 10%). The inclusion of a Ceramide complex (NP, AP, EOP) is a significant performance booster, helping to repair the skin barrier and mitigate the inherent drying effects of the active ingredient. Glycerin provides essential hydration, while Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate ensures a deep cleanse, effectively removing oil and debris.

Safety Rating: 4.1

The safety profile is generally strong, particularly due to the apparent absence of added fragrance, which reduces the risk of allergic contact dermatitis. However, Benzoyl Peroxide is a known irritant that can cause dryness, peeling, and photosensitivity; users must use sunscreen. Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a strong surfactant that can be stripping for dry or sensitive skin types, though it is balanced here by humectants. Propylene Glycol is a safe ingredient but can be a sensitizer for a small percentage of the population.

Final Rating: 4.4

This is an expertly formulated product that solves the common problem of acne cleansers being too harsh. by pairing Benzoyl Peroxide with Ceramides and Glycerin, it effectively targets acne while maintaining skin health. It is an excellent choice for oily and acne-prone skin, though those with extremely sensitive skin should introduce it slowly due to the active ingredient.

Verdict

This cleanser represents a sophisticated balance between potent acne-fighting efficacy and necessary barrier support. The star ingredient, Benzoyl Peroxide at a concentration of 4%, is widely regarded by dermatologists as a ‘sweet spot’ for treating acne. It is strong enough to effectively penetrate pores and eliminate the P. acnes bacteria responsible for breakouts, yet it avoids the excessive irritation and burning often associated with higher concentrations, such as 10%. This makes it a highly effective choice for clearing existing blemishes and preventing new flare-ups without destroying the skin’s equilibrium.

What truly sets this formulation apart is its focus on maintaining skin health during treatment. Acne products are notoriously drying, but this formula includes three essential Ceramides (NP, AP, and EOP). These lipids are identical to those found naturally in the skin and act as the mortar holding skin cells together. By replenishing ceramides during the cleansing process, the product helps prevent the skin barrier from becoming compromised, which is crucial for reducing the redness and sensitivity often accompanying acne.

The inactive ingredient list further supports this gentle approach. The presence of Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, and Propanediol provides a humectant effect, drawing moisture into the skin to counteract the drying nature of the peroxide. Meanwhile, the surfactant system, featuring Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate and Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, allows the product to transform from a cream into a rich foam. This ensures a sensory feeling of deep cleaning without the harsh stripping effects of traditional sulfates.

Users should remain mindful that while this is a gentler formulation, Benzoyl Peroxide is still a strong active ingredient. It acts as an oxidizing agent, which means it can cause permanent bleaching of colored towels, pillowcases, and clothing. Additionally, new users may experience mild dryness or peeling as their skin adjusts. It is imperative to follow this cleanser with a moisturizer and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day, as the ingredients can increase sun sensitivity. Overall, this is an excellent, dermatologist-recommended option for consistent acne management.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Active Ingredients / 活性成分

🧪 Benzoyl Peroxide 4% / 过氧化苯甲酰

Purpose: Acne treatment, Antimicrobial

Concerns: Can cause dryness, peeling, and irritation. May bleach hair and fabrics.

Notes: An effective ingredient for treating acne by killing bacteria and clearing pores.

📁 Surfactants & Cleansing Agents / 表面活性剂和清洁剂

🧪 Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine / 椰油酰胺丙基羟基磺基甜菜碱

Purpose: Gentle surfactant, foam booster

Concerns: Generally mild.

Notes: Used to improve the foaming properties and mildness of the cleanser.

🧪 Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate / C14-16 烯烃磺酸钠

Purpose: Cleansing agent, foaming agent

Concerns: Can be drying or irritating to sensitive skin if used in high concentrations without moisturizing agents.

Notes: A strong cleanser derived from coconut.

🧪 Diethylhexyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate / 二乙基己基磺基琥珀酸钠

Purpose: Surfactant, emulsifier

Concerns: Low risk of irritation in rinse-off products.

Notes: Helps water mix with oil and dirt.

📁 Humectants & Solvents / 保湿剂和溶剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None.

Notes: The base of the formulation.

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None.

Notes: Draws moisture into the skin to prevent dryness.

🧪 Propylene Glycol / 丙二醇

Purpose: Humectant, penetration enhancer

Concerns: Can be sensitizing for a small percentage of people with eczema or sensitive skin.

Notes: Helps other ingredients penetrate the skin and hydrates.

🧪 Propanediol / 1,3-丙二醇

Purpose: Solvent, humectant

Concerns: Generally considered safe and less irritating than Propylene Glycol.

Notes: Often derived from corn sugar, improves texture.

📁 Skin Restoring Ingredients (Ceramides) / 皮肤修复成分 (神经酰胺)

🧪 Ceramide NP / 神经酰胺 NP

Purpose: Skin replenishing, barrier repair

Concerns: None.

Notes: Essential lipid found naturally in skin to maintain the moisture barrier.

🧪 Ceramide AP / 神经酰胺 AP

Purpose: Skin replenishing, barrier repair

Concerns: None.

Notes: Works with other ceramides to protect the skin barrier.

🧪 Ceramide EOP / 神经酰胺 EOP

Purpose: Skin replenishing, barrier repair

Concerns: None.

Notes: Helps lock in moisture and protect against environmental aggressors.

📁 Texture Enhancers & Adjusters / 质地改良剂和调节剂

🧪 Xanthan Gum / 黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener, stabilizer

Concerns: None.

Notes: Natural sugar-derived ingredient used to thicken the product texture.

🧪 Potassium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钾

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Corrosive in raw form but safe in formulated product.

Notes: Used to balance the acidity of the product.