Benzoyl Peroxide

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Jun 27, 2024

Warnings

Benzoyl Peroxide Risks, Warnings, and Complications

Benzoyl peroxide can cause or worsen skin problems in some people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other types of acne treatment if you are at increased risk of complications from benzoyl peroxide use.

SKINCARE: Check with your doctor before using benzoyl peroxide if you have very sensitive skin or a history of allergic reactions or contact dermatitis after using anti-acne skin products. If the application of benzoyl peroxide causes irritation, use the product less frequently or switch from higher concentrations to lower concentrations. Stop using the product and call your doctor if the irritation is severe. Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and use sunscreen when outside, even on cloudy days. Avoid the use of tanning beds and sunlamps.
BLEACHING: Avoid contact with colored clothes and hair, which can be bleached by benzoyl peroxide.

Precautions Before Starting Benzoyl Peroxide

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to benzoyl peroxide, any of the active or inactive ingredients in benzoyl peroxide formulations, or any other medications. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients.

Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, herbal products, and topical skin medications. This can help avoid possible interactions between your medications.

Give your doctor a complete medical history, including skin conditions. Using benzoyl peroxide may not be safe for a small percentage of people.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, plan to get pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

Precautions During Use of Benzoyl Peroxide

Keep all your medical and lab appointments during acne treatment with benzoyl peroxide. Tell your doctor if this medication causes severely irritated skin.

Avoid unnecessary sun exposure, tanning beds, and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and sunblock with at least SPF 15 when outside.

Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while on benzoyl peroxide.

Benzoyl Peroxide Drug Interactions

Certain other drugs can affect how benzoyl peroxide works. Possible interactions between benzoyl peroxide and other medicines can increase the risk of severe adverse effects.

Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, OTC medications, dietary supplements, herbal remedies, and skin medications. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription and over-the-counter medications.

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