MAXIMUM STRENGTH 10% BENZOYL PEROXIDE: Strongest over-the-counter (OTC) strength concentration without a prescription
STARTS WORKING FAST: Starts working immediately to help clear acne while also preventing future breakouts
EFFECTIVE, PROVEN RESULTS: Helps eliminate 99.99% of acne-causing bacteria in 15 seconds *Based on an independent laboratory in vitro study
DUAL-ACTION FOAMING FORMULA: Cream to foam cleanser, suitable for face and all over body, including chest and back
HOW TO USE: Wet area to be cleansed, apply and massage into skin for 20-30 seconds, rinse thoroughly and pat dry
Description
Differin Maximum Strength Acne Foaming Cleanser is a cream to foam acne face wash and body wash designed specifically for acne-prone skin. Formulated with 10% benzoyl peroxide (BPO), the strongest OTC strength concentration without a prescription, it starts working immediately to help clear acne while also preventing future breakouts. This dual-action formula acne wash can be used for face and all over body, including chest and back, helping you target and cleanse acne breakouts where they can pop up most. Micronized benzoyl peroxide penetrates into the skin to eliminate most acne-causing bacteria, resulting in longer-lasting clearer skin, and has shown to be less irritating than traditional non-micronized benzoyl peroxide formulas. Use as a part of your daily cleansing routine to assist with acne treatment. Apply to wet skin and gently massage for about 20-30 seconds, avoiding the eye area. Rinse the facial cleanser and body cleanser thoroughly and pat dry for best results. Start with one application daily and gradually increase to two or three times a day as needed.Key Ingredient:Benzoyl Peroxide
Scent: Unscented
Health Facts: Paraben-Free, Alcohol-Free, Contains Benzoyl Peroxide, Noncomedogenic, No Fragrance Added
Content on this site is for reference purposes only. Target does not represent or warrant that the nutrition, ingredient, allergen and other product information on our Web or Mobile sites are accurate or complete, since this information comes from the product manufacturers. On occasion, manufacturers may improve or change their product formulas and update their labels. We recommend that you do not rely solely on the information presented on our Web or Mobile sites and that you review the product's label or contact the manufacturer directly if you have specific product concerns or questions. If you have specific healthcare concerns or questions about the products displayed, please contact your licensed healthcare professional for advice or answers.
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Active ingredients
benzoyl peroxide' '10.0%
Purpose
Acne treatment
Directions
Directions
■ Wet face and gently massage all over face for about 20 - 30 seconds, avoiding the eye area. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
■ Because excessive drying of the skin may occur, start with one application daily, then gradually increase to two or three times daily if needed or as directed by a doctor.
■ If bothersome dryness or peeling occurs, reduce application to once a day or every other day.
■ If going outside, apply sunscreen after using this product. If irritation or sensitivity develops, stop use of both products and ask a doctor.
Estimated ship dimensions: 2.19 inches length x 2.6 inches width x 6.75 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 5 pounds
Return details
This item can be returned to any Target store or Target.com.
This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, delivered to the guest, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or picked up by the guest.
Q: I think I asked about using this as my regular body wash and I'd like to add do I have to do any prior cleansing to using this product and same question with the 5% formulation?
submitted by David S - 11 months ago
A: Hey David,
Great question! No need to use any prior cleansing product before using the Differin Maximum Strength Acne Foam Face and Body Cleanser. For real-time answers to all your beauty questions, use the “Chat with a Virtual Beauty Consultant” button on any beauty product page. https://www.target.com/c/beauty/-/N-55r1x
submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 11 months ago
Brand expert
Q: Does this replace my regular face and body wash?
submitted by David S - 11 months ago
A: Hey David,
Great question! This all will depend on your skin's tolerance and acne needs. We recommend to introduce the Differin Maximum Strength Acne foam face and body cleanser slowly into your routine. Gradually increase up to daily and then multiple times a day, if needed. For real-time answers to all your beauty questions, use the “Chat with a Virtual Beauty Consultant” button on any beauty product page. https://www.target.com/c/beauty/-/N-55r1x
submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 11 months ago
Brand expert
Q: Does this bleach clothes or towels?
submitted by Tucsongal - 2 years ago
A: It does so be careful
submitted bySM - 1 year ago
Q: For folliculitis of the scalp, what is the best treatment? Oral RX or shampoo or both?
submitted by Terry - 2 years ago
A: Hi there - Our Maximum Strength Acne Foaming Cleanser with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide is a dual action cream-to-foam cleanser. It has the strongest over-the-counter concentration of Benzoyl Peroxide without a prescription. It starts working immediately to help clear acne and prevent future breakouts! It can be used to cleanse both the face and body.
However, we recommend consulting with your dermatologist to find the right products for your skin concerns. We hope this helps!
submitted byGalderma Team Member - 2 years ago
Brand expert
Q: Can I use salicylic acid serum after this cleanser?
submitted by Bethany - 2 years ago
A: Hi there - Generally we do not recommend mixing Differin Maximum Strength Acne Foaming Cleanser with other active ingredients, however we would recommend checking in with your dermatologist who can provide guidance for your unique skin!
submitted byGalderma Team Member - 2 years ago
Brand expert
Q: Can I use this on my back as well?
submitted by Julie - 3 years ago
A: Hey Julie,
Great question! Differin Foaming face cleanser is a dual-action formula acne wash that can be used for face and all over body, including chest and back, helping you target and cleanse acne breakouts where they can pop up most! For all your future beauty questions, get real-time answers using the “Chat with a Virtual Beauty Consultant” button, found on every product page.
submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 3 years ago
I was loyal to the Clean & Clear Acne Wash (the purple bottle!) for what feels like forever. It was part of my routine for an embarrassingly long time because, honestly... if it isn't broken, don't fix it! Then Clean & Clear discontinued it, and I was devastated. I tried several other washes with similar ingredients, but none of them kept my skin clear without leaving it feeling dry and stripped. Then I found Differin Maximum Strength Foaming Wash, and it has been an absolute lifesaver. I honestly think it's even better than my old lifelong favorite. Please, Differin, never discontinue this! I'm in my early 40s and still deal with hormonal acne, but you'd never know it as long as I'm using this. It keeps my skin consistently clear without making it feel tight or over-dried. Now all of my teenagers use it too, and they all have clear, smooth skin. Their friends are constantly telling them they're jealous that they never seem to get acne, and I always tell my kids, "Don't gatekeep! Tell them what you use to wash your face!"
Squeakerbox
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value: 5 out of 5
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1 out of 5 stars
14 June, 2026Verified purchase
(no review title)
Not good drys your face
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2 out of 5 stars
20 May, 2026
(no review title)
I’m not sure why but this one doesn’t work as well as the panoxyl cleanser. My acne came back.
Thu
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5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommendWould recommend
21 April, 2026Verified purchase
(no review title)
was very effective on helping with acne!
comJan
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5.0 out of 5
effectiveness: 5 out of 5
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quality: 5 out of 5
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5.0 out of 5
value: 5 out of 5
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1 out of 5 stars
1 March, 2026
originally posted on differin.com
Be Aware
This product chemically burned my entire face. Instantly once my face was covered it started burning and I ended up at the ER.
NEgirly
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5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommendWould recommend
11 February, 2026Verified purchase
Differin Foaming Face Wash
really foams and gets your face clean and helps with acne
Neph Jones
effectiveness
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effectiveness: 5 out of 5
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5.0 out of 5
quality: 5 out of 5
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5.0 out of 5
value: 5 out of 5
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1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommendWould not recommend
10 February, 2026
(no review title)
I don’t have sensitive skin however, this left my skin burning and flaking even after using moisturizer and serum’s. Worsened my breakouts and overall was not a good product had to stop using immediately.
Emma
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1.0 out of 5
effectiveness: 1 out of 5
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1.0 out of 5
quality: 1 out of 5
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1.0 out of 5
value: 1 out of 5
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4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommendWould recommend
17 December, 2025Verified purchase
Love it
Face wash helped clear up my teens acne. I do recommend using a good moisturizer because item is very drying. Also clears up body acne.
Sigh_25
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5.0 out of 5
effectiveness: 5 out of 5
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4.0 out of 5
quality: 4 out of 5
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5.0 out of 5
value: 5 out of 5
1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommendWould recommend
11 December, 2025Verified purchase
(no review title)
i was using it everyday and although it cleared up my acne it made my skin dryer than usual so i switched it up and started using it 3-4 times a week, maybe less i noticed i get the same results but with hydrated, soft, and clean skin… i also have a combination of dry and soft skin so im not sure if that plays apart in this.. you definitely have to moisturize after use.. it has a scent but its bearable.. every time i use it i feel like skin feels a lot cleaner even after i use other cleanser’s
sam
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effectiveness: 5 out of 5
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5.0 out of 5
quality: 5 out of 5
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5.0 out of 5
value: 5 out of 5
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5 out of 5 stars
15 November, 2025
originally posted on differin.com
A real foaming cleanser
I normally use SA cleansers to keep my skin clear, but this stopped working when I got a labor job. I realized I needed something stronger to kill acne bacteria. I tried several cleansers $$$ and I hated how much I had to use and that they were creamy since I have oily skin. I LOVE this cleanser and hope Differin never stops making it. A small amount foams into a lot of product and it washes off really well, which is great for my oily skin's needs.
BusyBee
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5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommendWould recommend
19 August, 2025Verified purchase
Best product for acne!
This is one of the only products that has helped with my adult acne prone skin. It doesn’t make my face feel tight after washing it. It helps clear any breakouts that arise within two days.
Kg1122
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quality: 5 out of 5
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5.0 out of 5
value: 5 out of 5
1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommendWould not recommend
26 July, 2025Verified purchase
Please do not purchase. No moisturizing ingredients what so ever in this product.
Tried for 4 days it dried out my skin like crazy, switched back to panoxyl. The mistake they made was not putting any ceramides, or moisturizing ingredients in this which is why it dries out so many people’s skin.
Taylor
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1.0 out of 5
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1.0 out of 5
value: 1 out of 5
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1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommendWould not recommend
30 November, 2024Verified purchase
Made my acne worse
I had even more breakouts. I had to switch back to cerave’s acne wash.
Piqster23
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1.0 out of 5
effectiveness: 1 out of 5
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quality: 3 out of 5
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4.0 out of 5
value: 4 out of 5
1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
4 out of 5 stars
24 October, 2024
originally posted on differin.com
Effective
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] My skin is very sensitive. So I wouldn’t only use a small amount once a day. Its was drying for me, so you’d need a very good moisturizer. Worth giving it a try
kimesha810
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5 out of 5 stars
10 October, 2024
originally posted on differin.com
Works!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This is such a great foaming cleanser. It rivals really expensive ones and helps with acne. Even tho it’s not specifically for sensitive skin it’s really not too harsh.
larkinr1
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5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommendWould recommend
31 August, 2024Verified purchase
Left my skin baby soft!
This is the first product I’ve used from this brand and I’m officially obsessed. This made my face feel so clean and soft way better than anything I’ve purchased at Sephora. There’s a very slight bit of exfoliation to it that I LOVE.
MelB
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effectiveness: 5 out of 5
1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommendWould recommend
19 August, 2024
WORKS
Okay i want to come on here and say it works very good but it does dry out your skin alot so youll have to hydrat alot of water and mostrieze with lotion but other then that pretty much cleared up all my acne now
Alexander
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2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
5 out of 5 stars
13 August, 2024
originally posted on differin.com
The best stuff!!!
Amazing! I have extremely sensitive skin but struggle with acne, perioral dermatitis and demodex flares. This stuff works! Only three ingredients is hard to find.
Chronicallyillnchill
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1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommendWould not recommend
7 August, 2024Verified purchase
Dont buy, will ruin your skin
I’ve used panoxyl for about 2 yrs and wanted to try something different so I bought this product after seeing reviews on TikTok. Worst decision ever. It made my skin burn and itch for 2 weeks and made my acne way worse than before. I tried it for 2 months for consistency and nothing changed. I had to throw it away and go back to panoxyl, a safer and better option. My skin is finally back to normal thankfully
