Benzoyl peroxide: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews (2024)

What is Benzoyl peroxide?

What is Benzoyl peroxide used for?

Acne

How Benzoyl peroxide works

Benzoyl peroxide is an antiseptic. It prevents acne-causing bacteria from growing and multiplying on your face.

info

Are you looking for information on BenzaClin (clindamycin / benzoyl peroxide) or Benzamycin (erythromycin / benzoyl peroxide) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAdvanced Acne Wash, PanOxyl, Benzac AC Wash, Neutrogena Clear Pore, BenzePrO Creamy Wash

Drug ClassAntiseptic

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusLower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription or over-the-counter

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Avg retail price

$20.14

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What are the side effects of Benzoyl peroxide?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Redness
Burning
Itching
Peeling
Swelling
Dryness

Source:DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Burning, itching, crusting, or peeling of treated skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
Sensitivity to light

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Pros and cons of Benzoyl peroxide

Pros

Lower-cost and available over-the-counter

Comes in many different forms (e.g., gel, cream, and lotion) and strengths

Easy to apply

Can be used by people with either dry or oily skin

Cons

Makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight

Can bleach your hair, clothing, and bedding

Might not work well for people with severe acne

Can cause uncomfortable side effects, like skin burning and itching

Not a good option for people with sensitive skin

Pharmacist tips for Benzoyl peroxide

Wash your hands after using benzoyl peroxide to avoid accidentally bleaching your hair or clothing.

Wear sunscreen or a hat when going into the sun, since this medication can cause you to become sunburned more easily.

It is normal to experience skin irritation during the first weeks of using benzoyl peroxide. If the irritation gets worse, talk to your provider, who might switch you to a lower strength of the medication or have you use it less often.

If you are using the gel, foam, or cream form of the medication, clean your skin well before applying it. Start with applying a thin layer 1 time daily and then gradually work your way up using it 2 to 3 times daily if needed or as instructed by your provider.

If you are using the liquid or lotion, shake the bottle well first, then wet the area that needs to be cleaned. Apply the medication to the affected areas of your face and massage it gently into your skin for 10 to 20 seconds, before rinsing off and patting your face dry.

If your skin feels dry after using benzoyl peroxide, talk to your provider to see if you can apply a moisturizer.

Frequently asked questions about Benzoyl peroxide

How long does it take for benzoyl peroxide to start working?

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Generally it takes around 4 weeks for your acne to improve, but full effects from the medication can take 2 to 3 months. Keep in mind that your acne will get worse in the first few weeks before it starts getting better.

I have pretty severe acne. Will benzoyl peroxide work for me?

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If you have severe acne, this medication might not be the best option for you. Talk to your provider about other treatments that are better for your type of acne.

My skin is sensitive, but I still want to give benzoyl peroxide a try. Should I do it?

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If you have sensitive skin, talk to your provider to see if this is the right medication for you. However, if you want to try it on your own, it is recommended that you apply benzoyl peroxide to a small area of your face first to test how sensitive your skin is and then use it on a larger area if you can tolerate the medication.

Benzoyl peroxide comes in many different strengths. How do I know which one is right for me?

expand_more

It is best to start with a lower strength of benzoyl peroxide to see how it works for you and then slowly move to a higher strength, if needed. You can also talk to your provider to see which strength is appropriate for you to start with.

If my skin completely clears up after using benzoyl peroxide for a few months, can I just stop applying it?

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What are the risks and warnings for Benzoyl peroxide?

Benzoyl peroxide can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Bleaching of hair and clothing

Benzoyl peroxide can bleach your hair and clothes. Be careful when you are applying the medication and wash your hands well after using it.

Skin irritation

Benzoyl peroxide can cause skin redness, burning, peeling, or swelling, which is more likely to happen if you use other acne medications at the same time. Talk to your provider if the irritation gets worse over time or if it bothers you too much.

Sensitive skin

Don't use this medication if you have sensitive skin, unless your provider tells you it is okay to do so.

Benzoyl peroxide dosage forms

Bottle of cleanser

Dosage	As low as
170.3g of 6%	$14.75 for 1 bottle
340.2g of 6%	$19.50 for 1 bottle

Bottle of wash

Dosage	As low as
142g of 5%	$6.33 for 1 bottle
148g of 5%	$6.41 for 1 bottle
227g of 5%	$7.43 for 1 bottle
237g of 5%	$7.56 for 1 bottle
142g of 10%	$6.69 for 1 bottle
148g of 10%	$6.78 for 1 bottle
227g of 10%	$8.00 for 1 bottle
237g of 10%	$5.76 for 1 bottle

Can of foam

Dosage	As low as
100g of 5.3%	$66.35 for 1 can
100g of 9.8%	$150.12 for 1 can

Tube of gel

Dosage	As low as
60g of 2.5%	$8.83 for 1 tube
42.5g of 4%	$307.54 for 1 tube
42.5g of 5%	$5.49 for 1 tube
60g of 5%	$7.52 for 1 tube
90g of 5%	$10.03 for 1 tube
42.5g of 8%	$146.51 for 3 tubes
60g of 10%	$7.69 for 1 tube
90g of 10%	$9.29 for 1 tube

Tube of lotion

Dosage	As low as
29.5ml of 5%	$5.16 for 1 tube

Typical dosing for Benzoyl peroxide

Lotion or liquid: Apply a thin layer to the affected areas 1 to 3 times daily or as directed by your provider, then wash and rinse well.
Gel, cream, or foam: Apply a thin layer to the affected areas 1 to 3 times daily or as directed by your provider.
Foaming cloth: Wet the cloth, clean the face with the cloth for 10 to 20 seconds, rinse well, and then pat dry. Do this routine 1 to 2 times daily.

How much does Benzoyl peroxide cost?

To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.

BenzeFoam (brand)

savings_outlinedGoodRx lowest price$7.43(save 61.81%)

Benzoyl peroxide (generic)

savings_outlinedGoodRx lowest price$7.56(save 62.47%)

What are alternatives to Benzoyl peroxide?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Benzoyl peroxide. Compare a few possible alternatives below.

Benzoyl peroxide

Used for:

Acne

$7.56 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide

Used for:

Acne

$35.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

Salicylic acid

Used for:

Acne
Burns
Calluses
Corns
Dandruff
Fungal infections
Insect bites
Warts
Other conditions that cause thickened skin (such as ichthyosis vulgaris and pityriasis rubra pilaris)
Psoriasis
Seborrheic dermatitis

$63.01 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

What is the latest news about Benzoyl peroxide?

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