What are the common side effects of benzoyl peroxide. How can you manage skin irritation from benzoyl peroxide. When should you seek medical attention for benzoyl peroxide reactions. What precautions should you take when using benzoyl peroxide for acne treatment.

Understanding Benzoyl Peroxide and Its Uses

Benzoyl peroxide is a widely used topical medication for treating acne. It works by killing bacteria on the skin and helping to unclog pores. This over-the-counter treatment comes in various forms, including gels, creams, lotions, and face washes.

How does benzoyl peroxide work? The medication has two primary effects:

• Antibacterial action: It kills acne-causing bacteria on the skin
• Mild drying effect: This helps remove excess oil and dirt from the skin

While benzoyl peroxide is effective for many people, it’s important to understand its potential side effects and proper usage to maximize benefits and minimize risks.

Common Side Effects of Benzoyl Peroxide

Like all medications, benzoyl peroxide can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. The most common side effects occur in more than 1 in 10 people and include:

1. Dry Skin

Is dry skin unavoidable when using benzoyl peroxide? Not necessarily. To manage this side effect:

• Apply an oil-free moisturizer for sensitive skin regularly
• Use lip balm to prevent chapping
• Take shorter showers with warm (not hot) water

2. Peeling or Red Skin

Skin redness may be less noticeable on darker skin tones. To address peeling or redness:

• Reduce the frequency of application
• Temporarily stop using the product until irritation subsides
• Avoid using other skincare products on the affected area

3. Burning or Stinging Sensation

To manage skin irritation:

• Decrease application frequency (e.g., once daily instead of twice)
• Take a break from using the product for a few days
• Gradually reintroduce the treatment

If these side effects persist or worsen despite following these tips, consult a healthcare professional.

Serious Side Effects and Allergic Reactions

While rare, serious side effects can occur in less than 1 in 1,000 people. Discontinue use and seek medical attention if you experience:

• Swelling of the treated skin
• Blistering
• Symptoms that worsen or don’t improve within a few days

In extremely rare cases, a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) may occur. Seek immediate medical help if you notice:

• Severe skin rash (itchy, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling)
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Tightness in the chest or throat
• Trouble speaking
• Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat

Precautions and Contraindications

Are there situations where benzoyl peroxide should not be used? Yes, avoid using this medication if:

• You have an allergy to benzoyl peroxide
• You have very sensitive skin

Consult a healthcare provider before using benzoyl peroxide if:

• You have any existing skin conditions or allergies
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding
• You want to use it on a child (medical advice is required)

Proper Application and Usage Guidelines

To maximize the benefits of benzoyl peroxide while minimizing side effects, follow these guidelines:

1. Start with a lower concentration (2.5% or 5%) and gradually increase if needed
2. Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin
3. Use once daily initially, increasing to twice daily if tolerated
4. Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes
5. Be patient – it may take several weeks to see improvement

Can benzoyl peroxide be combined with other acne treatments? In some cases, yes, but always consult a healthcare provider before mixing treatments to avoid potential interactions or increased irritation.

Managing Expectations and Long-Term Use

Understanding what to expect when using benzoyl peroxide can help you stick with the treatment and achieve better results:

• Initial irritation is common and usually subsides within a few weeks
• Improvement in acne may take 4-6 weeks of consistent use
• Long-term use is generally safe, but regular skin checks are recommended
• Sun protection is crucial, as benzoyl peroxide can increase sun sensitivity

Is benzoyl peroxide a cure for acne? While it’s highly effective for many people, it’s not a permanent cure. Continued use is often necessary to maintain clear skin.

Alternative Treatments and When to Consider Them

If benzoyl peroxide isn’t suitable for you or doesn’t provide satisfactory results, other acne treatments are available:

• Salicylic acid: Helps unclog pores and reduce inflammation
• Topical retinoids: Promote cell turnover and prevent clogged pores
• Alpha-hydroxy acids: Exfoliate the skin and reduce acne
• Oral medications: For more severe cases, prescribed by a dermatologist

When should you consider alternatives? If you experience persistent side effects, see no improvement after 6-8 weeks, or have severe acne, consult a dermatologist to explore other options.

Reporting Side Effects and Seeking Help

Monitoring your skin’s response to benzoyl peroxide is crucial. If you experience unexpected or severe side effects:

• Discontinue use immediately
• Contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency care if symptoms are severe
• Report the side effect through official channels, such as the Yellow Card scheme in the UK

Remember, while side effects can be concerning, many people use benzoyl peroxide successfully with minimal issues. By following proper usage guidelines and staying vigilant about your skin’s response, you can maximize the benefits of this effective acne treatment.

Side effects of benzoyl peroxide

Like all medicines, benzoyl peroxide can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

These common side effects of benzoyl peroxide happen in more than 1 in 10 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:

Dry skin

Apply a moisturiser and lip balm regularly. The best type of moisturiser is an oil-free face moisturiser for sensitive skin. Try to take shorter showers, using warm water rather than hot.

Peeling or red skin

Redness may be less obvious on brown or black skin. Try using the gel or wash less often, or stop using it for a few days until the irritation goes away, then start again. Do not use other products on your skin until it gets better.

Speak to a doctor if your symptoms do not get better or are severe.

Burning or stinging (skin irritation)

Try using the gel or wash less often (once a day instead of twice, or every other day). It might help to stop using the gel for a few days until the irritation goes away, then start again.

If the irritation does not go away after this time, stop using it and speak to a doctor.

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects are rare and happen in less than 1 in 1,000 people.

Stop using benzoyl peroxide if:

• the skin that you’re treating becomes swollen
• you get blisters on your skin

If your symptoms do not get better within a couple of days or if they get worse at any time, contact a doctor or contact 111 straight away.

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, it’s possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to benzoyl peroxide.

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if:

• you get a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
• you’re wheezing
• you get tightness in the chest or throat
• you have trouble breathing or talking
• your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling

You could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.

Other side effects

These are not all the side effects of benzoyl peroxide. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.

Information:

You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.

Visit Yellow Card for further information.

Page last reviewed: 30 September 2022

Next review due: 30 September 2025

Benzoyl Peroxide Topical (Acne Treatment)

Brand Names:Acne-10, Acne-Clear, Acne Foaming Cream Face Cleanser, Acne Treatment, Ben-Aqua, Benoxyl 10

Reviewed: June 23, 2020

Benzoyl peroxide has an antibacterial effect. It also has a mild drying effect, which allows excess oils and dirt to be easily washed away from the skin.

Benzoyl peroxide topical (for the skin) is used to treat acne.

There are many brands and forms of benzoyl peroxide available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Benzoyl peroxide topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

uses

What is Benzoyl Peroxide Topical (Acne Treatment) used for?

• Acne

warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Benzoyl Peroxide Topical (Acne Treatment)?

You should not use benzoyl peroxide if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• very sensitive skin.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have any skin conditions or allergies.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not use this medicine on a child without medical advice.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Benzoyl Peroxide Topical (Acne Treatment)?

Benzoyl peroxide topical can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction or severe skin irritation. These reactions may occur just a few minutes after you apply the medicine, or within a day or longer afterward.

Stop using this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching; difficult breathing, feeling light-headed; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using benzoyl peroxide and call your doctor at once if you have any of these side effects on the treated skin:

• severe itching or burning;
• severe stinging or redness;
• swelling; or
• peeling.

Common side effects may include:

• mild stinging or burning;
• itching or tingly feeling;
• skin dryness, peeling, or flaking; or
• redness or other irritation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Can I take Benzoyl Peroxide Topical (Acne Treatment) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

C

Risk cannot be ruled out

Based on FDA pregnancy categories

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Interactions

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Benzoyl Peroxide Topical (Acne Treatment)?

Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes or mouth.

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Benzoyl Peroxide Topical (Acne Treatment)?

Use Benzoyl Peroxide Topical (Acne Treatment) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Benzoyl Peroxide Topical (Acne Treatment)?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

Overdose Signs

What happens if I overdose on Benzoyl Peroxide Topical (Acne Treatment)?

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Benzoyl Peroxide Topical (Acne Treatment),  call your doctor or the Poison Control center

(800) 222-1222

If someone collapses or isn’t breathing after taking Benzoyl Peroxide Topical (Acne Treatment), call 911

911

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Drugs A-Z provides drug information from Everyday Health and our partners, as well as ratings from our members, all in one place. Cerner Multum™ provides the data within some of the Overview, Uses, Warnings, Side Effects, Pregnancy, Interactions, Dosage, Overdose, and Images sections. The information within all other sections is proprietary to Everyday Health. 

DERMAQUEST » Retinoids and Benzoyl Peroxide: How to Use Together| Articles | Reviews

Retinoids and Benzoyl Peroxide are two of the most powerful substances used to treat acne. In addition to their effectiveness, there is a risk of skin irritation during their use.

If you want to get the most out of topical therapy for severe acne, use this combination.

How to use retinol in combination with benzoyl peroxide and how to avoid unwanted skin reactions – answers below.

CONTENTS

• When you need retinol and benzoyl peroxide

• How retinol and benzoyl peroxide work in combination

• How to prescribe retinoyl and benzoyl peroxide together

• Examples of means and purpose schemes

When you need retinol and benzoyl peroxide

Retinoids and benzoyl peroxide – ingredients of choice in the treatment of inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne . The Global Alliance of Dermatologists has developed regimens that are recommended for acne professionals.

Zero and initial stages of acne (comedones, hereinafter single rashes) – the 1st line drug is retinol and derivatives.

Medium and severe stages with papulopustular rashes (up to 40 pustular elements), increased oily skin and comedones.

CONSULTANCY

Free online consultations are available from leading cosmetologists of the Russian representative office of DermaQuest / Circadia.

Recommendations

First line drugs (the most effective therapy recommended in the first place) is a combination of two substances: retinoids + benzoyl peroxide (2.5 – 5%).

In case of insufficient effectiveness – 2nd line drugs – this is an addition to topical therapy of systemic therapy (antibiotic or antiandrogen). Practitioner only!

Summary : Severe and moderate forms of acne require co-administration of drugs from the group of retinoids + benzoyl peroxide.

How retinol and benzoyl peroxide work in combination

The synergy of these active substances affects all links in the pathogenesis of comedonal and inflamed acne:

• Optimizes keratinization,
• Normalizes sebum production,
• Reduces inflammation,
• Eliminates the causative agent of acne.

Please note : this combination of substances is best used in autumn-winter, when the sun is less active.

How to administer retinoyl and benzoyl peroxide together

When used together, be aware that both drugs have the potential to have a number of side effects that you need to be aware of.

BENZOYL PEROXIDE

• May cause skin irritation;
• Reduces the level of vitamin E in the skin;
• Provokes an increase in transepidermal moisture loss – dehydrates the skin.

RETINOL

• Increases transepidermal water loss;
• Relative thinning of the stratum corneum;
• Increases skin sensitivity due to loosening of the superficial zones of the stratum corneum;
• Cause of transient retinoid dermatitis (skin irritation).

How to avoid adverse reactions with Vitamin E content.

Examples of products and regimens

We recommend preparations of professional cosmetic brands from the USA – DermaQuest and Circadia – competent compositions, effective work, comfortable textures and aromas.

All preparations are developed in accordance with the latest requirements in acne therapy!

RETINOIDS

Circadia Revitalizing Night Cream is a lightweight daily cream with 0. 3% Retinyl Acetate and Vitamin C.

• A low percentage is relevant for getting rid of comedones (black dots) on the face and blockages (closed comedones).
• Gently removes and releases the ducts from keratinized scales (which prevent the normal release of sebum).
• Will reduce the need, and later on, there will be no need for mechanical cleaning to eliminate blockages.

The result of the application is clean, matte skin, cleansing and narrowing of pores, elimination of skin rashes.

Use daily in the evening on clean skin.

Circadia Revitalizing Night Cream PLUS is a similar cream with 0.5% retinyl acetate.

The formula is fortified with anti-aging ingredients and is recommended for the correction of late acne – double effect: anti-acne + rejuvenation.

• Ingredients: retinyl acetate 0.5%, vitamin C, matrixyl, carnosine and antioxidants.
• Restore the work of all skin cells to the level of a young age. It is important that the concentration of retinol allows you to use the cream daily, in the evening. Compliance with special schemes of application is not required.

DermaQuest Retinaldehyde Renewal Cream is a godsend for those with thin, sensitive skin.

• Formula fortified with Vitamin A simulant – Bakuchiol – increasing the effectiveness of retinaldehyde.
• Contains antioxidants and moisturizing complexes – a powerful prevention of inflammation and skin irritation, the safety of its barriers.

Retinaldehyde Renewal Cream – for the slightest fear of using retinoids and for a comfortable acquaintance of the skin with vitamin A!

BENZOYL PEROXIDE

Night cream for problem skin Circadia with 5% benzoyl peroxide is a therapeutic night cream with keratolytic, sebolytic and antimicrobial action applied to the pathogen acne, prevents and brightens post-acne pigmentation.

Problematic Skin Night Cream and Revitalizing Night Cream

• Promotes rapid regression of rashes, even at the initial stage of development;
• Eliminates hyperkeratosis, cleanses pores from comedones;
• Benefit – contains Vitamin E and Allantoin for comfortable application without redness, peeling and skin irritation.

Apply daily on clean skin in the evening to problem areas over retinol cream. Gradually reduce the frequency of use to 2-3 times a week.

DermaKlia Topical Serum for problem skin DermaQuest contains 10% benzoyl peroxide and can be used on thick, slightly sensitive skin in combination with retinoids.

Apply exclusively locally to the rash using the special applicator included in the product.

The composition of the serum includes ingredients of anti-inflammatory and anti-acne action: Lilac stem cells, micronized sulfur, neem and tea tree extracts, etc.

Application: locally on rashes in the morning and evening.

Curing Systems – Composite Group

For curing polyester resins at normal temperature (15-20°C), an initiator and an accelerator (hardener) are introduced. Peroxides, hydroperoxides or mixtures of peroxides (for example, benzoyl peroxide or ketone peroxides) are used as initiators.

A specific accelerator is used for each type of initiator. With ketone peroxides, cobalt naphthenate and cobalt octoate are used. The most effective accelerators used in combination with benzoyl peroxide are tertiary amines: dimethylaniline and diethylaniline.

We strongly recommend that a series of tests be carried out on any given material before it is used in the main production.

The curing initiator, peroxide or hydroperoxide, is an essential ingredient for converting polyester resins from a liquid to a solid state. When interacting with another necessary component – an accelerator, the initiator decomposes into free radicals that excite the chain polymerization process, turning polyester molecules into free radicals. This chain reaction proceeds at a high speed and releases a significant amount of heat. The initiator is added to the resin just before molding. Standard materials used as initiators in polyester resin curing systems are peroxides, namely methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) and dibenzoyl peroxide (BPO), as well as mixtures of peroxides.

MEKP

• Butanox M-50 medium reactivity, (AO – 8.9%)
• Butanox M-60 medium reactivity, (AO – 9.9%)
• Butanox HBO-50 high reactivity, (AO – 9.9%)
• Butanox LA low reactivity, (AO – 8.7%)
• Butanox LPT very low reactivity, (AO – 8.5%)

Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide (AAP)

• Trigonox 44B fast cure (AO – 4.1%)

Dibenzoyl Peroxide (BPO)

• Perkadox CH-50X bulk, general purpose, (AO – 3. 3%)
• Perkadox CH-50L free-flowing, for transparent plastics, (AO – 3.3%)
• Perkadox 40E liquid, (AO – 2.6%)
• Perkadox BT-50 paste, (AO – 3.3%)

Peroxide blends

• Trigonox 61 fast cure, PMEK/AAP blend, (AO – 7.8%)
• Trigonox 63 fast cure, PMEK/AAP blend, (AO – 6.6%)
• Trigonox 51 low exothermic peak, AAP blend, (AO – 5.8%)
• Trigonox 82 Low reactivity PMEK with low exothermic peak, (AO – 8.5%)

The curing accelerator is necessary for the reaction with the initiator, which results in the formation of free radicals that initiate the polymerization process. The accelerator can be introduced into the composition of polyesters both at the stage of manufacture and directly during their processing before the introduction of the initiator. For each type of initiators, a specific accelerator is used. With ketone peroxides, cobalt naphthenate and cobalt octoate are used. In combination with benzoyl peroxide, tertiary amines are used: dimethylaniline and diethylaniline.

Cobalt Accelerators

• NL-49P Cobalt Octoate 1%
• NL-51P cobalt octoate, 6%

Amine accelerators

• NL-63-10P dimethylaniline, 10%

Accelerator mixtures

• NL-23 Cobalt and amine accelerator mixture

Unsaturated polyester resins and without initiators and accelerators can generate free radicals themselves and polymerize prematurely during storage. To prevent premature polymerization, a curing inhibitor (retarder) is needed. The mechanism of its action consists in interaction with periodically arising free radicals with the formation of inactive radicals or compounds of a non-radical type. Phenol, tricresol, quinones and some organic acids are used as inhibitors. The average amount of input inhibitor 0.02-0.05% – at the manufacturing stage.

• NLC-1 1%
• NLC-10 10%

• Store below 25°C;

• Avoid exposure to heat or sunlight;

• Avoid storing the catalyst with other chemicals, especially accelerators;

• Direct mixing of the catalyst with the accelerator is not allowed.

Gel time, in addition to the curing system used, is also affected by factors such as temperature, presence of water and filler content, as shown in the graphs below.

The way in which peroxides or accelerators are added to the polyester resin depends on which peroxide is being used. If liquid peroxide is used, it is preferable to add the accelerator first and then the peroxide, as the polyester resin + accelerator mixture has a longer uncured pot life than the polyester resin + peroxy mixture. For powdered or pasty peroxides, it is recommended to first dissolve the peroxide in the polyester resin and then add the polyester resin curing accelerator. Since it takes some time for the solid peroxide to dissolve, the presence of accelerators in the reaction mixture can pre-start the reaction.

Another commonly used method is as follows: the peroxide is dissolved in half of the polyester resin being catalyzed, while the accelerator is dissolved in the remainder of the polyester resin. Before use, both components are mixed in equal parts.

We pay special attention to the fact that the direct mixing of accelerators with organic peroxides is extremely dangerous, as in these cases a violent reaction occurs and the probability of an explosion is high!

Rags impregnated with accelerators, capable of self-igniting in the presence of oils. In this regard, it should be quickly destroyed.

The data in this data sheet is the result of numerous studies.