What is Benzoyl Peroxide: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

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Benzoyl Peroxide overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Acne Control Cleanser, Acne Foaming Face Wash, Acne Medication, Acne Medication 10, Acne Medication 5, Acne Treatment, Benzac AC, BenzEFoam, BenzEFoam Ultra, BPO-10, BPO 4% Creamy Wash Complete Pack, BPO 4% Gel, BPO-5, BPO 8% Gel, BPO Foaming Cloths

Generic Names:

  • Benzoyl Peroxide

Uses:

  • Treats acne and other skin conditions.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiacne, Antiacne Antibacterial, Antiacne Keratolytic, Keratolytic

Forms:

  • Bar, Cream, Foam, Gel/Jelly, Liquid, Lotion, Pad, Soap

How it’s taken:

  • On the skin

What is Benzoyl Peroxide used for?

Benzoyl Peroxide is used to treat mild to moderate acne and perioral dermatitis. It works by decreasing the number of bacteria that causes acne. It also causes the skin to become dry and peel. Benzoyl Peroxide is indicated for use by both adolescents and adults and is available as a soap bar.

What form(s) does Benzoyl Peroxide come in

  • Bar

  • Cream

  • Foam

  • Gel/Jelly

  • Liquid

  • Lotion

  • Pad

  • Soap

What are common Benzoyl Peroxide doses?

  • Tube 60GM of 2.5%

  • Tube 60GM of 5%

  • Tube 90GM of 5%

  • Tube 60GM of 10%

  • Tube 90GM of 10%

  • Bottle 113GM of 9.8%

Common Benzoyl Peroxide prescriptions

  • Benzoyl Peroxide
    60 pad box

  • Benzoyl Peroxide
    56gm of 10% tube

  • Benzoyl Peroxide
    60gm of 2.5% tube of gel

  • Benzoyl Peroxide
    60gm of 5% tube of gel

  • Benzoyl Peroxide
    90gm of 5% tube of gel

How to take Benzoyl Peroxide

  • When you first begin to use this product, apply it to 1 or 2 small affected areas of the skin for 3 days. If no discomfort occurs, follow the directions on the product label or use the medicine as directed by your doctor.

  • Topical application routeUse this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

  • Missed dose:Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.

  • Missed dose:Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • When you first begin to use this product, apply it to 1 or 2 small affected areas of the skin for 3 days. If no discomfort occurs, follow the directions on the product label or use the medicine as directed by your doctor.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.

  • Topical application routeUse this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

What to do if you miss a dose of Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide.

Benzoyl Peroxide warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you ever had an allergic reaction to an acne product.

  • This medicine may bleach your hair or clothes.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Benzoyl Peroxide interactions

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you ever had an allergic reaction to an acne product.

  • This medicine may bleach your hair or clothes.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Benzoyl Peroxide side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Fainting

  • Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Burning, blistering, swollen, or peeling skin

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild stinging, itching, redness, or dry skin

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