Key takeaways
Sulfacetamide/sulfur (Plexion, Avar, Clenia Plus) and benzoyl peroxide (Advanced Acne Wash, PanOxyl, Benzac AC Wash) are both topical medications used to treat acne. However, they belong to different medication classes and have distinct characteristics. Sulfacetamide/sulfur is a combination of a sulfa antibiotic and a keratolytic agent, which also treats rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis, while benzoyl peroxide is an antiseptic and only approved for acne. Sulfacetamide/sulfur is prescription-only and comes in various forms like creams and lotions, whereas benzoyl peroxide is available in gels, creams, and lotions, and can be purchased without a prescription. Side effects of sulfacetamide/sulfur can include skin irritation and rare severe allergic reactions, especially if you have a sulfa allergy. Benzoyl peroxide may cause skin redness, burning, and can bleach hair and clothing. If you have sensitive skin, benzoyl peroxide might not be suitable for you.
