Uses and Benefits of Benzoyl Peroxide
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Medically reviewed by Brendan Camp, MDMedically reviewed by Brendan Camp, MD
Benzoyl peroxide is used primarily for the topical treatment of acne. It may be prescribed by your healthcare provider, but it’s mostly commonly sold as an over-the-counter (OTC) product as a cleanser, lotion or cream, gel, or mask.
Benzoyl peroxide has certain properties that make it a good medication for treating acne. It has antibacterial and antiseptic qualities, and it also reduces yeast production on the skin. Additionally, benzoyl peroxide is a strong oxidizing agent and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Here's all you need to know about benzoyl peroxide, from how to use it, different types, potential side effects, safety issues, and how to pick the best product for your needs.
Types of Benzoyl Peroxide and Their Uses
Benzoyl peroxide is most commonly used as an OTC treatment for acne. It’s also FDA-approved as a prescription acne medication. Benzoyl peroxide has antibacterial qualities that can penetrate the surface of the skin and the hair follicles. It also works to reduce sebum, or oil made by the glands, and break down the outer layers of the skin, which can help prevent and treat acne.
Although benzoyl peroxide is only FDA-approved for acne treatment, it is sometimes used off-label to treat the following conditions:
Rosacea
Progressive macular hypomelanosis
Pressure ulcers
Pitted keratolysis
Perforating dermatoses
Benzoyl peroxide comes in several different forms and types, including cleansers (soaps, bars, cleansing lotions), gels, lotions, masks, pads, and cloths. Benzoyl peroxide is also sold in combination with other medications.
Cleansers
You can use benzoyl peroxide cleansers to wash your face and any other areas affected by acne. Cleansers are typically used 1-3 times daily, depending on your tolerance and your healthcare provider's recommendation.
Cleansers are usually less potent than products meant to be left on the skin, like gels. When using a benzoyl peroxide cleanser, it’s recommended that you leave it on your face for no longer than 1-2 minutes before washing it off.
Gels, Lotions, or Creams
Benzoyl peroxide lotions, creams, or gels are usually used to “spot treat” acne. This means that you apply the product directly to the areas where the acne is.
It’s usually recommended that you wash your face or body thoroughly and then pat your skin dry. Next, squeeze out a small, pea-sized amount and apply it to the areas of your skin where you have acne. A thin layer is all that’s needed.
Masks
You can purchase face and body masks with benzoyl peroxide as a main ingredient. They are used as a thin layer that is left on your face for about 15-25 minutes so that the benzoyl peroxide can penetrate the skin and treat your acne. These masks should not be used very frequently, usually not more than once per week.
Combination Products
Benzoyl peroxide is often packaged or prescribed with other skincare products. For example, it's used alongside topical antibiotics. Research has found that this combination is often a more effective acne treatment than using either product alone.
Sometimes, benzoyl peroxide is combined with oral antibiotics. It may also be combined with tretinoin for acne treatment.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Cystic Acne
How To Use
You would likely use benzoyl peroxide on your face and other body parts affected by acne. Never use it near your eyes, nose, mouth, or any areas where your skin has been cut or is irritated or inflamed. If you get benzoyl peroxide in your eyes, rinse your eyes with water for at least 15 minutes. If you ingest benzoyl peroxide, call poison control (1-800-222-1222), your healthcare provider, or 911.
Benzoyl peroxide products are sold in different concentrations—typically, 2.5%, 5%, and 10%. Dosing for benzoyl peroxide depends on the type of benzoyl peroxide product you use and the instructions. For instance, it’s usually recommended that you use benzoyl peroxide cleansers 1-3 times daily. On the other hand, benzoyl peroxide gels, creams, or lotions are usually meant to be used only once or twice a day and only once daily if you have sensitive skin.
When using a benzoyl peroxide product for the first time, start with a skin patch test:
Apply a tiny amount of the product to a small patch of your skin in the area you want to treat
Wait a few days to see how your skin reacts
Perhaps try a different product if you experience irritation (e.g., a product with a lower concentration of benzoyl peroxide or a different acne product)
Safety and Side Effects
Benzoyl peroxide is usually fairly well tolerated, but it can cause side effects in some people. Some possible side effects of benzoyl peroxide usage include:
Irritated skin
Warmth on the skin
Tingling or stinging skin
Serious side effects may also occur when using benzoyl peroxide, such as burning or blistering. These require immediate medical attention, as they may indicate an allergic reaction:
Serious itching
Tightening of the throat area
Trouble breathing
Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
Feeling dizzy or faint
It’s also important to keep in mind that benzoyl peroxide has qualities of bleach products. This means that benzoyl peroxide on your hair, clothing, or other fabrics could cause bleaching and discoloration.
While benzoyl peroxide is safe for most people, certain people should stay away from it, including:
People with a known sensitivity to benzoyl peroxide
People with strong sensitivities to cinnamon
People with strong sensitivities to other benzoic acid derivatives
There isn't much data on the safety of benzoyl peroxide in children or people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. However, it’s unlikely that your skin would absorb benzoyl peroxide deeply enough to affect you systemically. Health experts suggest it's safe to use in limited amounts during pregnancy.
If you are breastfeeding, it’s important not to put benzoyl peroxide on your breast or nipple because you don’t want your baby to ingest it. Make sure to talk to your healthcare provider before adding benzoyl peroxide to your skincare routine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Choosing a Benzoyl Peroxide Product
It’s best to consult your healthcare provider before selecting a benzoyl peroxide product to use. They may be able to give you a prescription for benzoyl peroxide. They can also recommend an OTC benzoyl peroxide product that’s best for your skin and for your particular acne.
Concentration
Prescription benzoyl peroxide tends to be stronger in concentration than OTC products and may be combined with other prescription skin products. Whether OTC or prescription, benzoyl peroxide is usually sold in concentrations between 2.5% and 10%.
Most healthcare providers recommend starting with a product that contains a low concentration of benzoyl peroxide, like 2.5%, especially when you are using a product that’s meant to be left on the skin for a long time, such as gel or cream. You can try applying the product for 5-15 minutes, rinse it off, and see how you react.
It’s also a good idea to try a low concentration for a few days to see if it helps the acne. If so, moving up to a product with a higher concentration may not be necessary. Higher concentrations tend to cause more skin irritation and dryness.
Product Type
Cleansers are some of the most commonly used benzoyl peroxide products. They're usually used a few times daily to wash the acne-prone area. These products are not left on the skin for long periods. Other commonly used benzoyl peroxide products are gels, lotions, and creams only applied to areas specifically affected by acne.
Your healthcare provider will tell you which benzoyl peroxide product is best for your skin and your acne. Usually, benzoyl peroxide cleansers are used for less serious cases of acne, but leave-on products are used for more serious cases.
A benzoyl peroxide product can take 4-6 weeks to work for acne. Contact your healthcare provider if you don’t see improvement after this time.
A Quick Review
Benzoyl peroxide is an FDA-approved topical treatment for acne. It’s available both by prescription and OTC. Benzoyl peroxide has strong antibacterial qualities and can reduce oil. It also works by breaking down the outer layer of the skin and removing pimples.
The most common types of benzoyl peroxide are facial cleansers and gels or lotions, which are left on the acne-prone areas of your skin. Benzoyl peroxide is usually well tolerated but can cause drying and irritation. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider about the best form of benzoyl peroxide to use for you.
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