Equate 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Gel, 1oz, Compare to Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 (1 Pack) Review
Our verdict
Equate's 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Gel is a budget alternative to Clean and Clear Persa-Gel 10, and its 4.5 star average across 237 ratings shows shoppers are happy with the swap. At around $9 for a 1 ounce tube, it's an easy way to add a strong benzoyl peroxide option to a breakout routine without paying name brand prices.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Anyone with acne prone skin who wants a straightforward, unscented benzoyl peroxide gel at a lower price than the brand name version it's designed to match.
Skip if
Your skin has reacted poorly to benzoyl peroxide before, since 10 percent is on the stronger end of over the counter concentrations and can be drying for some people.
- Priced 55% below the category median ($19.99 across 238 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.5/5
4.5 average across 237 owner ratings
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Popularity1.7/5
237 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other women's everyday face care: moisturizers, face mists, facial kits, rollers, cleansing brushes and steamers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
This gel is built around 10 percent benzoyl peroxide, an ingredient long used in over the counter acne products to target breakouts. Equate markets it as a direct match for Clean and Clear Persa-Gel 10, aiming to give shoppers the same active ingredient concentration at a lower price. The formula is unscented and packaged in a simple 1 fluid ounce tube.
Beyond the active ingredient, the gel is labeled fragrance free and hypoallergenic, and it's free of microbeads, so it's meant to feel gentle in its base formula even though benzoyl peroxide itself can be a strong ingredient for some skin types. It's designed for spot application on blemish prone areas rather than an all over face wash.
With 237 ratings and a 4.5 star average, this gel has earned solid marks from a decent sized group of reviewers. The current monthly purchase figure is low, which suggests this is more of a steady, occasional pickup than a viral bestseller, but the rating itself points to consistent satisfaction among people who have tried it.
Pros
- 10 percent benzoyl peroxide at a fraction of name brand pricing
- 4.5 star average across 237 ratings
- Fragrance free and hypoallergenic formula
- Microbead free
- Simple, no frills tube format for spot application
Cons
- 10 percent benzoyl peroxide can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin
- Small 1 ounce size means frequent repurchasing for regular use
- Low recent monthly purchase volume compared to bigger sellers
Performance notes
Benzoyl peroxide works by targeting the bacteria associated with breakouts and helping clear pores, and at 10 percent this formula sits at the higher end of over the counter strength. That can make it effective for stubborn spots, but it also means it may help with the look of fewer breakouts while still causing some dryness or peeling, especially when first introduced into a routine.
What buyers say
A 4.5 star average across 237 ratings is a strong showing for a budget acne gel, especially one explicitly positioned as a comparison to a well known brand name product. The rating suggests most buyers feel it performs comparably to the pricier option it's designed to match.
Similar women's everyday face care: moisturizers, face mists, facial kits, rollers, cleansing brushes and steamers to consider
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from Clean and Clear Persa-Gel 10?
Equate markets this gel as a direct comparison to Clean and Clear Persa-Gel 10, meaning it's formulated to match the same 10 percent benzoyl peroxide concentration. The main difference shoppers report is price, since store brand versions like this one typically cost less than the name brand.
Can I use this on my whole face?
It's generally used as a spot treatment on blemish prone areas rather than an all over face application, since 10 percent benzoyl peroxide can be drying if spread across your entire face. Starting with targeted spots and watching how your skin reacts is a reasonable approach.
Is this gel good for sensitive skin?
The base formula is fragrance free and hypoallergenic, but benzoyl peroxide itself, especially at 10 percent, can be too strong for very sensitive or reactive skin. If you're new to benzoyl peroxide, easing in with less frequent use is worth considering.