Is benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid better for spot treatment?

They target different problems. Benzoyl peroxide (found in the Neutrogena, Amazon Basics, and AcneFree gels here) kills the bacteria behind inflammatory, pus-filled pimples and works fast, but it can dry and irritate skin and bleach fabric. Salicylic acid (Murad, La Roche-Posay) exfoliates inside the pore and is better for blackheads, whiteheads, and congestion. Many people use both for different blemish types.