Benzoyl Peroxide Uses

Benzoyl peroxide is used to treat mild to moderate acne vulgaris.

There may be other uses of topical benzoyl peroxide, such as for red bumps and redness caused by rosacea. Your health system pharmacists or doctors can give you further drug information.

Benzoyl Peroxide Mechanism of Action

Benzoyl peroxide helps to treat acne (pimples and red bumps) through its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It slows the production of sebum, which is an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. It also stops the formation of comedones (blemishes that form when oil and dead skin cells become trapped in skin pores and hair follicles). In addition, benzoyl peroxide is an antiseptic and reduces the number of bacteria on the skin’s surface.

Benzoyl Peroxide Doses

Benzoyl peroxide is available in the form of creams, gels, lotions, cleansing bars, and cleansing liquids in concentrations ranging from 2.5% to 10%. You should use a benzoyl peroxide product 1-2 times a day as prescribed by your healthcare provider or recommended on the package. 

Combination products containing benzoyl peroxide and other ingredients such as antibiotics (for example, clindamycin) are also available. The FDA has approved a new treatment paradigm, Cabtreo, containing benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, and adapalene.