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Overview: Benzoyl peroxide is used to prevent and treat acne. Some forms of benzoyl peroxide are also used to treat rosacea. Benzoyl peroxide works by killing bacteria, or germs, that cause acne, and helping remove dead skin. Common side effects include pain, redness, itching, and swelling where the medicine is applied. Benzoyl peroxide is available in various forms that are applied to the skin.

Uses

What is benzoyl peroxide used for?

Benzoyl peroxide is commonly used to prevent and treat acne vulgaris. Acne vulgaris is a common type of acne that causes blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of pimples on your skin. It often appears on the face, chest, shoulders, and back. Some forms of benzoyl peroxide are also used to treat rosacea, a skin condition that can cause redness and pus-filled bumps on your skin.

Benzoyl peroxide may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does benzoyl peroxide work (mechanism of action)?

Benzoyl peroxide works by killing bacteria (germs) and helping remove dead skin. 

How is benzoyl peroxide supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Benzac
  • Benzagel
  • BPO
  • Brevoxyl
  • Clean and Clear
  • Clearasil
  • Epsolay
  • Lavoclen
  • Oxy 10
  • PanOxyl
  • Persadox
  • Persa-Gel
  • Proactiv
  • Triaz
  • Zapzyt

Example dosage forms and strengths

  • 2.6%, 4%, 5%, 10% topical cream
  • 2.5%, 4%, 5%, 10% topical gel
  • 10% topical lotion
  • 10% soap

How should I store benzoyl peroxide?

Storage may vary slightly by product. In general, benzoyl peroxide should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, away from heat. Do not freeze. Keep the product tightly closed when not in use. Check the prescription label or package label for other storage requirements.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of benzoyl peroxide?

The most common side effect of benzoyl peroxide is pain, redness, itching, and swelling at the site of application. Tell your healthcare provider if you have pain, redness, itching, or swelling that bothers you. 

There may be other side effects of benzoyl peroxide that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of benzoyl peroxide?

While less common, the most serious side effects of benzoyl peroxide are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Benzoyl peroxide may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using benzoyl peroxide and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Skin Irritation. Benzoyl peroxide may cause skin irritation. Symptoms may include red, peeling, dry, stinging, or burning skin. You can use a moisturizing product if you have skin irritation. If you have skin irritation that is severe or does not improve, call your healthcare provider. You may need to stop using benzoyl peroxide.

Sensitivity to Sunlight. Your skin may be very sensitive to light from the sun and devices that give off similar light, such as sunlamps and tanning beds, while you are using certain drugs, including benzoyl peroxide. This is called photosensitivity. Use sunscreen and wear a hat and clothes that cover your skin if you need to be in the sunlight, or if you are going outside after using benzoyl peroxide. Exposing your skin to this kind of light, even for a short time, can cause your skin to be severely sunburned, blistered, or swollen. Stop using benzoyl peroxide and tell your healthcare provider right away if any of these happen.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use benzoyl peroxide?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use benzoyl peroxide.

  • Benzoyl peroxide
  • Benzac
  • Benzagel
  • BPO
  • Brevoxyl
  • Clean and Clear
  • Clearasil
  • Epsolay
  • Lavoclen
  • Oxy 10
  • PanOxyl
  • Persadox
  • Persa-Gel
  • Proactiv
  • Triaz
  • Zapzyt
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific benzoyl peroxide products they stock.

Sensitive Skin. If you have very sensitive skin, you should not use benzoyl peroxide. If you are not sure if your skin is very sensitive, ask your healthcare provider before using benzoyl peroxide.

What should I know about benzoyl peroxide before using it?

Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly use your benzoyl peroxide product. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider. Wash your hands after using your benzoyl peroxide product.

Benzoyl peroxide is available in both over-the-counter and prescription forms. If you are using a prescription product, use it as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not share prescription benzoyl peroxide with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them. 

Check the expiration date for the benzoyl peroxide product you are using. Some prescription products expire within 60 days after the first use.

Keep benzoyl peroxide out of the reach of children.

Benzoyl peroxide can make your skin more sensitive to light from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. This is called photosensitivity. Exposure to this light can cause severe sunburns, blisters, and swelling. If you need to be in sunlight, wear sunscreen, a hat, and clothing that covers your skin.

If your skin is irritated when using benzoyl peroxide, you can use a moisturizer. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you need a recommendation for a moisturizing product. If your skin irritation does not improve or is bothering you, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. Your healthcare provider may advise you to stop using benzoyl peroxide, or use it less frequently. 

Benzoyl peroxide is only applied to your skin. Do not use the medicine in or on the eyes, mouth, lips, or vagina. 

Avoid getting benzoyl peroxide in your hair or on colored or dyed fabrics, as it may bleach hair or fabric.

Do not use benzoyl peroxide on areas where your skin is cut, scraped, broken, sunburned, or affected by eczema. 

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using benzoyl peroxide?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if benzoyl peroxide is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Skin Problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any skin problems, such as eczema, cuts, or sunburn.

Other Topical Acne Medicines. Using benzoyl peroxide with other topical acne medicines may cause skin irritation and dryness. Before using benzoyl peroxide, tell your healthcare provider about any other acne medicines you are using.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how benzoyl peroxide could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if benzoyl peroxide passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use benzoyl peroxide while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does benzoyl peroxide interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between benzoyl peroxide and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between benzoyl peroxide and alcohol, but alcohol may worsen certain skin conditions. 

Does benzoyl peroxide interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between benzoyl peroxide and other medicines. However, using other topical acne medicines with benzoyl peroxide may cause skin irritation and dryness. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much benzoyl peroxide?

If you or someone else has used too much benzoyl peroxide, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of benzoyl peroxide?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.