benzoyl peroxide at a glance
Class
Topical anti-acne treatment with antibacterial and comedolytic actions
Licensed use
Acne affecting the face, chest or back where comedones and papules predominate
Form
Rinse-off gel applied to wet skin
Practical point
May bleach hair, clothing, towels and bedding
What is benzoyl peroxide used for?
The selected wash is licensed to treat acne vulgaris on the face, chest and back.
Acne in which blackheads, whiteheads and papules predominate
How does benzoyl peroxide work?
It has antibacterial activity against Cutibacterium acnes, a bacterium involved in acne. Its exfoliative and comedolytic actions help remove dead skin and reduce blocked pores. Skin absorption is low; absorbed material is mainly converted to benzoic acid and eliminated by the kidneys.
benzoyl peroxide preparations and strengths
Gel
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 2.5% w/w, 5% w/w, 10% w/w
How to take benzoyl peroxide
For external use only. Follow the product instructions.
Wash your hands and wet the affected skin.
Apply the wash with your hands, then rinse thoroughly and gently dry your skin.
Wash your hands afterwards.
Avoid the eyes, mouth, nostril angles, mucous membranes and damaged skin. Rinse thoroughly with water after accidental eye contact.
Minimise strong sunlight and UV exposure; use suitable sun protection when exposure cannot be avoided.
Keep it away from hair and coloured fabrics because it can bleach them.
benzoyl peroxide side effects
Common or expected effects
- Dry skin
- Redness
- Peeling
- Burning, stinging or skin pain
- Itching or irritant contact dermatitis
Get urgent medical advice
- Swelling or blistering of treated skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Facial swelling or other hypersensitivity reactions
- Anaphylaxis, including breathing difficulty or swelling of the mouth, tongue or throat
benzoyl peroxide in pregnancy
NHS information states that topical benzoyl peroxide can be used during pregnancy because systemic exposure is small. The selected wash's product information is more cautious and advises use only if clearly needed, so discuss it with a pharmacist, midwife or prescriber.
benzoyl peroxide while breastfeeding
NHS information considers benzoyl peroxide compatible with breastfeeding. Prevent the baby touching treated skin, wash your hands before handling the baby and do not apply it to the chest. The selected wash's product information advises caution because milk-excretion data are unavailable.
benzoyl peroxide interactions
The main concern is cumulative skin irritation rather than a systemic interaction.
Other benzoyl peroxide products
Using more than one product can substantially increase irritation and should occur only under medical supervision.
Other topical or systemic acne treatments
Combined use may make the skin very sore and should be supervised by a doctor or pharmacist.
Common questions about benzoyl peroxide
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is benzoyl peroxide an antibiotic?
No. It is a topical anti-acne agent with antibacterial activity and actions that help clear blocked pores.
Can it bleach clothes or hair?
Yes. Keep it away from hair, clothing, towels, bedding and other coloured materials.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.