Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide at a Glance

• OTC topical antibacterial acne treatment
• Helps fight acne bacteria at the source
• Does not disrupt skin’s microbiome
• Solutions range in strength from 2.5% to 10%

Benzoyl Peroxide Description

Benzoyl peroxide is widely considered the most effective over-the-counter choice for a topical antibacterial agent in the treatment of acne.

The amount of research (well over five decades) demonstrating the effectiveness of benzoyl peroxide is exhaustive and conclusive. Among benzoyl peroxide’s attributes is its ability to penetrate the hair follicle to reach the bacteria that cause the problem, and then kill them—with a low risk of sensitivity. It also doesn’t pose the problem of bacterial resistance that some prescription topical antibacterials (antibiotics) do.

bacteria.

Benzoyl peroxide treatments range in strength from 2.5% to 10%. It is best to start with lower concentrations because a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide product is much less irritating than a 5% or 10% concentration, and it can be just as effective. Because of its low systemic absorption, it is considered generally safe for use by people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

It is metabolized within the skin to benzoic acid and any residual amount that is absorbed into the body is quickly excreted via urine. Benzoyl peroxide is considered a weak allergen and tends to only cause irritation if applied too frequently or to skin whose barrier is impaired.

Benzoyl Peroxide References