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If you’ve ever battled acne, you know the struggle: endless derm appointments, meds that come and go, and concealers that either cake or highlight every bump—it’s exhausting. I still get the occasional breakout, but one $9 upgrade has drastically improved my bumpy-textured skin: the PanOxyl Acne Treatment Bar, which also happens to be a 2025 Allure Best of Beauty winner.
Panoxyl
Acne Treatment Bar
Amazon
We love drugstore products as much as the next person, but how exactly is something so affordable so…effective? Well, Kristina Collins, MD, a dermatologist based in Austin, broke it down for me. Packed with the maximum over-the-counter dose of benzoyl peroxide (10%), an acne-fighting powerhouse that kills bacteria, unclogs pores, and reduces inflammation, this sudsy face and body bar is “highly effective for both inflammatory acne (red pimples) and comedonal acne (blackheads and whiteheads),” says Dr. Collins. Aside from benzoyl peroxide, glycerin softens and plumps the skin by attracting moisture. "[Glycerin] also contains cleansing and lathering agents that help distribute the active ingredient [benzoyl peroxide] evenly across the skin,” she says.
However, the crowning feature of this simple-but-mighty cleanser? The obvious! “What makes this product unique is that it comes in a convenient bar format, making it easy to use on both the face and larger body areas like the chest and back,” says Dr. Collins. In fact, the PanOxyl Acne Treatment Bar won Best Body Acne Bar this year, proving it punches above most acne products that are only designated for the face. “It’s especially helpful for athletes or those who sweat frequently, since sweat and friction can trigger breakouts,” Dr. Collins adds.
Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner applying the PanOxyl Acne Treatment Bar
Wohlner getting the bar foamy before use
As far as my acne goes, it’s less about angry, red zits and more about texture—tiny bumps, clogged pores, the sneaky kind that makes skin look rough when light hits skin. My derm tells me the fix is equal parts bacteria-killing power players (looking at you, benzoyl peroxide) and exfoliants to keep dead skin from building up. The problem? Most formulas in this category leave my already-finicky combination skin—a.k.a., dry at baseline, but shiny by midday—feeling bone-dry, which means I end up piling on layers of moisturizer to compensate.
Here’s the kicker: PanOxyl is different. After just a few uses, I had that fresh, post-facial glow, while staying bouncy, thanks to the glycerin. However, if you have super dry skin, New York City board-certified dermatologist Jessica Krant, MD points out that high concentrations of benzoyl peroxide (anything above 5%) can be too stripping, so it’s best to ease in or try a lower strength if you’re sensitive.
As far as use goes, the brand suggests cleansing as usual before using the bar as a second cleanse to kill the acne-causing oils and bacteria and offer deeper exfoliation. Work it into your hands with water until it’s foamy, spread the lather across your face in circular motions, rinse, and pat dry. Start with once daily, and if your skin can handle it, gradually increase to two or three times per day.
Wohlner with freshly-cleansed skin before using the PanOxyl Acne Treatment Bar
Lily Wohlner
Wohlner immediatley after using the PanOxyl Acne Treatment Bar
Lily Wohlner
I followed the instructions exactly, using the bar after my daily gel cleanser, SkinCeuticals’ Simply Clean Cleanser. I lathered it up and applied it everywhere, concentrating on my forehead and cheeks where I tend to get texture. After rinsing, I followed with my go-to hydrating and brightening serum and a heavier moisturizer to replenish any of the moisture loss from the benzoyl peroxide. I also tested it on my chest post-spin class (prime acne territory) and never experienced a breakout. Quick heads-up: The peroxide can bleach dark towels, so stick to light-colored ones unless you want an accidental tie-dye moment.
After a few weeks of using this bar, I’m honestly impressed. My skin looks so much smoother with less texture and has that just-left-a-facial glow that lasts all day. I don’t need it every night because it could be too drying, but I can see myself reaching for it three to four times a week to use on my face and body, especially after a full day of wearing makeup or a sweaty workout. It gives that extra-deep clean that dives into your pores and leaves skin feeling fresh.
Panoxyl
Acne Treatment Bar
Amazon
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