What it actually does: kills acne bacteria, calms inflammation, gently normalises cell turnover, and inhibits pigment production - but selectively, targeting overactive pigment cells. That selectivity makes it a favourite for melasma and post-inflammatory marks on brown skin.
Who it’s for: acne-prone skin that finds benzoyl peroxide too harsh, redness-prone and rosacea-prone skin, and anyone fighting dark marks. It’s also pregnancy-safe, which almost nothing else on this page is.
How to use it: 10% is available over the counter; 15–20% is prescription. Morning and/or night. Mild tingling on application is normal and fades.
Plays well with: basically everything, including retinoids and acids once your skin is settled.
Honest expectations: slower than the loud ingredients - give it two to three months. What you get for the wait: results without the barrier damage.
Watch out for: nothing much, honestly. Its biggest flaw is texture (some formulas feel grainy) and a low profile. If it had better PR it would be as famous as niacinamide.
The BYOUT Library is educational content, not personalised medical advice. For persistent or severe skin concerns, a dermatologist beats any article, including ours.