For best results, Humane Acne Wash must be used consistently, and left on skin for a minimum of 1-2 minutes before rinsing. Benzoyl peroxide needs time to oxidize and absorb: The longer you can tolerate it before rinsing, the more effective it should be.

If you’ve never used an acne treatment with benzoyl peroxide before, we recommend patch-testing a small, affected area of skin first and watching it for a few days. If you don’t experience any unusual sensitivity, you can begin treatment.

In some cases, benzoyl peroxide can cause minor temporary redness, irritation, dryness, burning, peeling or swelling. If any of these reactions occur, reduce usage to once daily or every other day. These types of reactions are not considered serious and often can be minimized simply by using the products less often. Once you confirm that you can tolerate it, we recommend using the product twice daily.

1) Wash: Massage a dime-size amount of Humane Acne Wash into damp skin, avoiding the area near eyes. Let solution sit on skin for 1 minute initially, and gradually increase to 2-3 minutes if you can tolerate it. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.

2) Hydrate: After cleansing, apply a high-quality moisturizer (such as Humane Oil-Free Moisturizer) to skin to soothe and rehydrate. Follow with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen if going outdoors.

That all depends. Some customers have seen their acne start to clear up in a few days; for others, it's taken well over a month to see results. Everyone's skin is different, and any genuine acne treatment will require a certain amount of time and discipline to deliver results. If after 6-8 weeks you're not seeing results, please contact us directly. Below is an overview of a typical treatment (results may vary):

Week 1: You'll notice benzoyl peroxide will leave skin really dry. Stave off some of the dryness and flaking by following up with a good oil-free moisturizer. It's normal for benzoyl peroxide to burn or sting just a little bit when you apply it. The treated skin may also get red and feel a little itchy. New pimples at this stage are completely normal. Don't expect any results just yet. Benzoyl peroxide is a slow worker. Even though you'll be excited to get things going, start slow and try to be patient.

Weeks 2-3: In addition to red, itchy skin, you're probably experiencing some peeling and flaking too. You'll be happy to know that these side effects usually start to recede after this time (although as long as you use benzoyl peroxide you'll probably always notice some dryness). Soldier through the side effects if you can, and don't be discouraged if the treated skin is still breaking out. Again, this is to be expected. Your treatment still needs more time to work. If the side effects are making you really uncomfortable, it's okay to skip a day here and there. Just don't give up on the treatment yet.

Weeks 4-6: By now, you should be noticing an improvement in the treated skin. While pimples may be popping up here and there, they'll likely be smaller and less noticeable. Unfortunately, there may be some discoloration (purple, pink or brown spots) where the pimples used to be. Take a deep breath and relax. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a normal part of the healing process. Often these marks fade away all on their own, but there are many ways to treat them (starting with getting your acne under control!). The most important thing you can do now is remain consistent with your treatment. Try not to skip days. Keep at it!

One of two things is happening: The treated skin is purging or you're having a reaction to a new product. Purging is the skin's way of getting rid of excess sebum or debris in the skin, generally through the initial process of breaking out. It sometimes occurs when using an acne-related product, (cleansers, exfoliants and other topical medications such as salicylic acid, Retin-A/tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide). Some pore blockages resolve easily, while others do not, which can lead to a whitehead or an inflammatory pimple.

Reactions to new products can also cause initial breakouts, along with irritation and other symptoms, Some people may be more sensitive than others, especially when using topical products that thin the top layer of skin. Unlike purging, new product reactions can occur with a full range of skincare and facial makeup products.

Over time these reactions should subside. How long the initial breakout may last differs from person to person. It depends on how sensitive the skin is, and the severity of the acne before you started the new product. The best advice is to stick with it. Any legitimate skincare treatment will take time and consistency to work.  

If you suffer from a skin condition in addition to acne, we recommend you speak with a dermatologist before trying any over-the-counter acne treatment.

Everyone has different skin types and sensitivities. Like any new topical skincare treatment, this product may cause a reaction and/or an initial breakout. Additional acne and irritation may occur as you adjust to a new medication; this is normal.

In rare instances, using benzoyl peroxide can cause a serious allergic reaction or severe irritation. Symptoms can include breathing problems, lightheadedness and swelling of the face, eyes and lips, as well as tightening of the throat. If serious reactions occur, discontinue use immediately and consult a doctor.

This was intentional on our part. Foaming agents are often added to personal-care products solely for their psychological appeal. We're conditioned to think that if it's foaming, it must be working. But this isn't true; these additives don't make a product more effective.

The most widely used ingredient that allows products to foam or lather is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), or a variant of it. SLS has been linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, organ toxicity, skin irritation and endocrine disruption. We wouldn't want to put this on our skin, and felt our customers wouldn't want to either.  

Any product with benzoyl peroxide, including our Acne Wash, can bleach fabrics if you aren't careful. Make sure to rinse the treated skin thoroughly at the sink or in the shower. We recommend using old (or white) washcloths, towels and sheets for the duration of your treatment. Be especially careful of shirts and even bath mats, as any fabric that comes into contact with benzoyl peroxide will be impacted.

All over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are required by law to have a National Drug Code (NDC) registration number. The humane benzoyl peroxide acne wash NDC number is 73010-900-00.

You can search the FDA database (by brand name) here: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ndc/

The active ingredient in our Clarifying Toner is salicylic acid, which is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), or chemical exfoliant. It accomplishes the same goals in skin care as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like lactic acid and glycolic acid, but it’s used in much weaker concentrations. Skincare products may contain as much as 30% AHA, but the same action is achieved with just 1% to 2% of a BHA. And because salicylic acid is effective at low concentrations, it’s significantly less irritating than other products.

Salicylic acid works on the surface of skin and inside the pore to gently dislodge dead cells, oil and debris from skin. It’s also a good choice for dealing with scarring and hyperpigmentation once the pimple is gone.

Gently sloughing dead cells does more than just open pores; it also increases cell turnover, evening skin’s texture and tone. In addition, BHAs also provide the desired benefit of increased collagen production, plumping up skin and giving it a more youthful look.

This toner is ideal for normal, combination and oily skin prone to bumps, blemishes and clogged pores. However, if you have a darker skin complexion, use caution, as the extra melanin may cause hyperpigmentation.

Do not use if you are allergic to aspirin.

Apply the Clarifying Toner once or twice daily after cleansing. Lightly soak a cotton ball or pad and apply to the T-zone or the entire face if appropriate, avoiding the areas closest to eyes. Do not rinse. The product absorbs quickly into skin. Follow with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen if going outdoors.

Be aware that the toner is most effective if applied continually even after skin has cleared up. In the absence of the exfoliating and cleansing effects of BHA, the pores can clog again, resulting in the return of acne.

Results may vary when using our Clarifying Toner, but you should see some improvement after a week of consistent use, and noticeable improvement after 4 weeks of consistent use. The treated skin should appear clearer, smoother and brighter.

Beta hydroxy acids have to be sufficiently acidic to break down fats and open pores. This is why our product has an optimal pH range of 3.3—3.7. Due to this lower pH, you may experience a slight burning/stinging sensation initially. Most users report that this subsides after a few uses. If, for any reason, you find the toner to be too irritating or uncomfortable after the first few applications, discontinue use and contact us directly.

All of our products are made here in the USA in an FDA/cGMP-compliant facility.

We use only gluten-free ingredients. And while Humane's manufacturing facility may process gluten, it follows a strict sanitization and cleaning protocol between production runs.

Humane's skincare products contain zero animal-based ingredients and are never tested on animals. We are members of PETA's Beauty Without Bunnies program.

We recommend using our products within 12 months after opening. We produce in small batches to ensure you always get a fresh product.

Orders placed on this site before 2pm EST ship that same day. Orders placed after 2pm EST ship the following business day. Please note that all processing and shipping transit times are business days, which exclude weekends and holidays.

You should receive a tracking number once your shipment has been processed. If you ordered from this site and have a question or concern about your shipment, simply email us with your order number at cs@gethumane.com.

Why doesn’t my order have tracking information?

Some small items may ship via USPS, which may not have tracking information immediately available. Certain items may be drop-shipped directly from the manufacturer. These items will not receive an automated tracking number. Please contact us directly if you have any questions regarding the status of your shipment.

Tracking information says my package is “Out for Delivery,” but it hasn’t arrived!

For packages delivered by UPS, please note that all shipments are scheduled for delivery by End-of-Business-Day by default. In most districts, End-of-Day is defined as 9PM Local Time. Deliveries with alternative delivery windows will be indicated as such.

My order says it was delivered, but I can't find it!

Most missing packages will usually show up within our standard delivery time frame (5 business days for US Standard orders, 2 business days for 2-Day Express), even if tracking says it was delivered. If you have not received your order for any reason, our policy is to wait at least 1 additional business day before taking further steps for assistance. If it does not arrive after that time has elapsed, please contact us via email, or chat.

What if I ordered Humane products from another retailer?

If you have purchased The Humane Company products from one of our authorized resellers, such as Amazon or Walmart, please contact that retailer directly with any shipping questions or concerns.

Unfortunately, our fulfillment partner does not yet ship outside of the US. We understand that there is significant demand for our products in other countries and we are in the process of exploring solutions for fulfilling international orders. We apologize for the inconvenience.

If you receive a damaged or defective item, we will ship you a replacement for the exact same item within 60 days of the purchase. Please contact us at cs@gethumane.com to submit a request.

Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your replacement product to reach you may vary.

To release a stuck pump:

1) Loosen the pump's collar and remove the pump.

2) Hold the pump base (not the bottle), and turn the nozzle in the direction of the circular arrow to release.

3) Firmly reattach the pump. This should release the pump; in the case it doesn't, contact us directly for a replacement.

NOTE: Benzoyl peroxide tends to "clump" up when it dries out, so we recommend giving the pump nozzle an occasional rinse with hot water to reduce clogging. If the nozzle has already clogged, using a toothpick to clear it works well.  

We stand behind every product we sell. If you are not absolutely satisfied with your purchase for any reason, we will happily provide a refund for products returned within 60 days and store credit up to 180 days after your purchase date for orders placed on thehumanecompany.com store. We're sorry, but shipping/import fees are non-refundable.

Please follow the steps below to start your request:

1. Send a refund request to hello@thehumanecompany.com include your name, email address, and order number.

2. Once we have approved your request, package the products and your Return in any secure box of your choosing and include your original order number.

3: Mail your items and form to:

The Humane Company Returns, PO Box 517, Southold, NY 11971

**Please note that you are responsible for shipping costs and the safe return of merchandise, but you can select the carrier that works best for you.**

4. Most returns are processed within 10 business days of receipt. You will receive an email confirmation once your return or exchange has been processed.

RETURNS RECEIVED WITHIN:

0 - 60 days from purchase date: Returns will be processed as a refund, back to the original payment method. Refund can also be a store credit, if preferred.

60 - 180 days from purchase date:Returns will be issued as store credit only. Store credit never expires but it does not have cash value and cannot be refunded.

180+ days from purchase date: Returns will not be accepted.

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND:

- Products can be used but we do not accept empty bottles.

- If your order is lost or damaged, we are happy to assist within 180 days from the date of purchase. Please contact hello@thehumanecompany.com so we can resolve this for you promptly.

- If an exchange is requested, a store credit will be issued for the returned item and the credit will be used to purchase the new product.

- Products purchased with store credit will be reimbursed as store credit.

- Promotion codes are considered a discount on the order and the value of the discount will not be refunded when your return or exchange is processed. Promotion codes and discounts will not apply to exchanges.

- We are unable to issue a refund or exchange for any gift with purchase. You do not need to return free gifts with purchase along with your other products.

- For products purchased from Amazon, Walmart and other authorized resellers, please contact that retailer for return/exchange information. We can only accept returns/exchanges for orders placed with The Humane Company directly on our online store.

- If your original payment method is expired or no longer valid, we are only able to issue a refund in the form of a store credit.

- If you received your product as a gift, it is eligible for a store credit or exchange. Please reach out to hello@thehumanecompany.com, so we can attempt to obtain and confirm the original order details.

- International Clients: We are unable to refund duties and taxes as these are collected by the governing country, not The Humane Company. This includes import fees.

We do our best to answer within a couple of hours, but we're a small, family-run business, so please allow up to 24 hours for us to get back to you.