Drying Lotion vs Perrigo 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Gel
Buy Mario Badescu Drying Lotion for a single surface pimple you want dried down overnight, especially on sensitive skin. Buy the Perrigo 2.5% benzoyl peroxide gel if you have recurring or widespread breakouts and want a full-face treatment you can use day and night. The Drying Lotion is 1 oz and the Perrigo tube is 60 g, so the gel gives far more applications per tube. Check current prices at each store on this page before deciding.
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Drying Lotion
4.5Choose the Drying Lotion if you want a targeted overnight spot treatment for one or two surface blemishes and prefer salicylic acid plus sulfur over benzoyl peroxide.
- Works overnight on surface blemishes
- Salicylic acid, sulfur and zinc oxide in one spot treatment
- Unscented, alcohol-free and paraben-free
- Long record with sensitive-skin users
- Awards from Allure and Beauty Inc
- Only 1 oz, and spot use means slow consumption
- Very visible pink lotion, so night use only
- Can leave skin dry and flaky at the spot
- Not for babies or kids
What separates them
| Drying Lotion | Perrigo 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Gel | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredients | Salicylic acid 0.56 g in 29 mL plus sulfur and zinc oxide | Benzoyl peroxide 2.5% |
| Form | Bi-phase pink lotion, dabbed on with a cotton swab | Clear gel, spread over the face |
| When to use | Overnight only; too visible for daytime | Day use; can be used morning and night |
| Coverage | On-the-spot only | Full-face treatment and prevention |
| Size | 1 oz (29 mL) glass bottle | 60 g tube |
| Skin type | All skin types, including sensitive | Marketed for sensitive skin; benzoyl peroxide can still irritate |
| Drying effect | Strong drying action from sulfur and zinc oxide | Non-comedogenic gel; less drying, but can cause peeling and redness |
Price history
- Drying Lotion: lowest $12.59 on Nov 1 at Amazon.
- Perrigo 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Gel: lowest $15.19 on Nov 1 at Walmart.
Prices at every store
Drying Lotion
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- eBayCheck price at eBay
- Macy'sCheck price at Macy's
Perrigo 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Gel
- WalmartCheck price at Walmart
- WalmartCheck price at Walmart
Specs compared
| Spec | Drying Lotion | Perrigo 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Gel |
|---|---|---|
| Body Part | Face | Face |
| Form | Lotion | Gel |
| Skin Type | All Skin Types | Sensitive |
| Active Ingredients | Salicylic Acid, Sulfur, Zinc Oxide | Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% |
| Container Type | Bottle | Tube |
| Scent | Unscented | Unscented |
| Size | 1 oz | 2.10Z (60 g) |
| Key Ingredient | Salicylic Acid, Sulfur | — |
| Skin Concerns | Acne | — |
| Acne Treatment Type | Surface blemishes | — |
What reviewers say
Drying Lotion
With roughly 37,900 ratings at 4.5, owners largely report smaller blemishes by morning and say it suits sensitive skin. The recurring complaints are dryness around the spot and the visible pink residue.
- Blemishes look significantly smaller by morning
- Works on sensitive skin without stinging
- Clears spots without leaving dark marks
- Long-time users keep repurchasing
- Leaves skin dry or flaky
- Pink paste is too visible for daytime
- Does little for deep or cystic acne
Perrigo 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Gel
Reception is thin, with a 5 out of 5 average from 7 ratings. Benzoyl peroxide gels at this strength are generally well regarded for mild acne when used consistently.
Questions and answers
- Which is better for a single pimple before an event?
- The Drying Lotion. It is made for one surface blemish and works overnight. Apply it at night, since the pink lotion is visible.
- Which is better for frequent breakouts all over the face?
- The Perrigo benzoyl peroxide gel. It is a full-face treatment that also helps prevent new blemishes, and the 60 g tube lasts much longer.
- Can I use both together?
- Yes, but not on the same spot at the same time. Both dry the skin, so using them on the same area can cause irritation. Alternate them or use the gel on the full face and the lotion on a single pimple.
- Which is gentler on sensitive skin?
- The Drying Lotion is the safer first try for sensitive skin, since it goes only on the spot. Benzoyl peroxide can cause redness and peeling even at 2.5%.
- Does the benzoyl peroxide gel bleach fabric?
- Yes. Benzoyl peroxide can bleach towels, pillowcases and clothing. Let it dry fully and use white linens.
- Is the Drying Lotion worth the extra cost?
- Only if you get occasional single pimples. For recurring breakouts, the larger Perrigo tube gives more treatment for the money. Compare the current prices above.
