A controlled, randomized clinical study comparing different commercially available benzoly peroxide gels and tretinoin cream was undertaken by four investigators using similar protocols and case report forms. Results were based on lesion-count reduction over an 8-week period. No significant difference in reduction of total acne lesions was detected between the benzoyl peroxide gels and tretinoin cream. However, benzoyl peroxide was significantly better (P less than .02) in reduction of papules and as good as tretinoin in reduction of comedones. Results of this study suggest that excessive drying and peeling are not essential in the reduction of acne lesions.