What are the common side effects of benzoyl peroxide. How to manage skin irritation from benzoyl peroxide. When to seek medical attention for benzoyl peroxide reactions. What precautions should be taken when using benzoyl peroxide for acne.

Understanding Benzoyl Peroxide: A Powerful Acne-Fighting Agent

Benzoyl peroxide is a widely used topical medication for treating acne. Its effectiveness stems from its dual action: it has antibacterial properties that fight acne-causing bacteria and a mild drying effect that helps remove excess oils and dirt from the skin. While it’s available in various forms and brands, all benzoyl peroxide products work on the same principle of combating acne at its source.

How does benzoyl peroxide work to treat acne? The medication penetrates the skin and releases oxygen, which kills the bacteria responsible for acne formation. Additionally, it helps unclog pores by removing dead skin cells and excess sebum, thereby preventing new acne lesions from forming.

Common Side Effects of Benzoyl Peroxide: What to Expect

Like all medications, benzoyl peroxide can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. It’s essential to be aware of these potential reactions to manage them effectively:

• Dry skin
• Peeling or red skin
• Burning or stinging sensation (skin irritation)

These side effects are relatively common, occurring in more than 1 in 10 people who use benzoyl peroxide. It’s important to note that the severity of these reactions can vary from person to person.

Managing Dry Skin

Is dry skin inevitable when using benzoyl peroxide? Not necessarily, but it is a common side effect. To combat dryness:

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

Dealing with Peeling or Red Skin

Peeling and redness are signs that your skin is adjusting to the medication. To minimize these effects:

• Reduce the frequency of application
• Temporarily stop using the product until irritation subsides
• Avoid using other skincare products until your skin improves

It’s worth noting that redness may be less noticeable on darker skin tones. If symptoms persist or become severe, consult a healthcare professional.

Alleviating Burning or Stinging Sensations

Skin irritation can be uncomfortable, but there are ways to manage it:

• Use the product less frequently (once a day instead of twice, or every other day)
• Discontinue use for a few days to allow your skin to recover
• Gradually reintroduce the product once irritation subsides

If irritation persists despite these measures, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider.

Serious Side Effects: When to Seek Medical Attention

While rare, serious side effects can occur with benzoyl peroxide use. These affect less than 1 in 1,000 people but require immediate attention. Stop using benzoyl peroxide and seek medical help if you experience:

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

Recognizing Signs of a Serious Allergic Reaction

In rare cases, benzoyl peroxide can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). This is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. Call emergency services if you experience:

• Sudden swelling of lips, mouth, throat, or tongue
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Tightness in the throat or trouble swallowing
• Skin, tongue, or lips turning blue, grey, or pale (may be more noticeable on lighter skin tones)
• Sudden confusion, drowsiness, or dizziness
• Fainting or unresponsiveness
• In children: limpness, floppiness, or uncharacteristic behavior

A raised, itchy, blistered, or peeling rash may also accompany these symptoms, indicating a serious allergic reaction requiring immediate hospital treatment.

Precautions and Considerations When Using Benzoyl Peroxide

Before using benzoyl peroxide, it’s crucial to consider certain factors to ensure safe and effective use:

• Allergy: Do not use if you’re allergic to benzoyl peroxide
• Sensitive skin: Consult a healthcare provider if you have very sensitive skin
• Existing skin conditions: Discuss with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any skin conditions or allergies
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Seek medical advice before use
• Use in children: Consult a healthcare provider before using on a child

Are there any interactions with other medications? While benzoyl peroxide is generally safe, it’s always best to inform your healthcare provider about all medications you’re using, including topical treatments, to avoid potential interactions.

Maximizing the Benefits of Benzoyl Peroxide Treatment

To get the most out of your benzoyl peroxide treatment while minimizing side effects, consider these tips:

1. Start with a lower concentration and gradually increase if needed
2. Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin
3. Use sunscreen daily, as benzoyl peroxide can increase sun sensitivity
4. Be patient – it may take several weeks to see significant improvement
5. Combine with other acne-fighting ingredients as recommended by your dermatologist

How long should you use benzoyl peroxide? The duration of treatment varies depending on the severity of your acne and your skin’s response. Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations.

Alternative Acne Treatments: When Benzoyl Peroxide Isn’t Suitable

If benzoyl peroxide isn’t suitable for your skin or doesn’t provide the desired results, several alternative acne treatments are available:

• Salicylic acid: Helps unclog pores and reduce inflammation
• Retinoids: Promote cell turnover and prevent clogged pores
• Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs): Exfoliate the skin and promote cell renewal
• Tea tree oil: Natural antimicrobial properties
• Prescription medications: For severe or persistent acne

Can these alternatives be used in combination with benzoyl peroxide? In some cases, yes, but always consult with a dermatologist before combining treatments to avoid potential irritation or interactions.

Reporting Side Effects and Seeking Further Information

It’s important to report any suspected side effects of benzoyl peroxide to help improve medication safety. In the UK, you can use the Yellow Card safety scheme to report side effects. For more comprehensive information about benzoyl peroxide, including its full list of side effects, always refer to the leaflet inside your medicine packet.

Where can you find reliable information about acne treatments? Trusted sources include:

• Your healthcare provider or dermatologist
• Reputable health websites like NHS or Mayo Clinic
• Professional dermatology associations
• Pharmacists

Remember, while benzoyl peroxide is an effective acne treatment for many, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you have concerns about your acne or the use of benzoyl peroxide, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

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, call a doctor or call 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 now if:

• your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
• you’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
• your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
• your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
• you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
• someone faints and cannot be woken up
• a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)

You or the person who’s unwell may also have a rash that’s swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.

These can be signs of 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. 

ICSC 0225 – BENZOYL PEROXIDE

ICSC 0225 – BENZOYL PEROXIDE

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	SPECIAL HAZARDS	PREVENTIVE MEASURES	FIRE EXTINGUISHING
FIRE AND EXPLOSION	Many reactions can lead to fire or explosion. Risk of fire or explosion. Explosive. See Chemical Hazards.	DO NOT use open flames, DO NOT spark, DO NOT SMOK. NO contact with flammable substances. DO NOT allow contact with hot surfaces. DO NOT subject to friction or shock. Use a hand tool that does not generate sparks.	Use plenty of water. In case of fire: cool drums, etc. spraying water. Fight fire from cover.

PREVENT DUST!
	SYMPTOMS	PREVENTIVE MEASURES	FIRST AID
Inhalation	Cough. Sore throat.	Use local exhaust or respiratory protection.	Fresh air, peace.
Leather	Redness.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothing. Rinse and then wash skin with soap and water.
Eyes	Redness.	Wear protective goggles.	First of all, rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if possible without difficulty), then seek medical advice.
Ingestion		Do not eat, drink or smoke while working.	Rinse your mouth. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Seek medical attention.

NOTES
Carrier solvents used in commercial formulations may alter physical and toxicological properties. Wash contaminated clothing with plenty of water as there is a risk of fire.

What can benzoyl peroxide do in cosmetics? Beauty educational program per minute

Contents:

1. Benzoyl peroxide: action
2. Properties of benzoyl peroxide
3. Indications for use
4. Precautions
5. Application of Benzoyl Peroxide
6. Benzoyl peroxide side effects

Upon contact with the skin, benzoyl peroxide decomposes into benzoic acid and oxygen. Benzoic acid stimulates the process of cell renewal, due to which keratinized scales are removed from the surface of the epidermis, which prevent the proper secretion of sebum.

The basis of the effectiveness of this substance against acne is the destruction of Propionibacterium acnes bacteria, which, as you might guess from the name, provoke rashes on the skin. And it is oxygen that kills them – one of the decomposition products of benzoyl peroxide.

The healing properties of benzoyl peroxide are due to its strong antibacterial action: it inhibits the growth of P. Acnes bacteria and exfoliates the upper layer of the epidermis, preventing the accumulation of fat and dirt in the pores.

With prolonged use, cosmetics with benzoyl peroxide can greatly reduce the number of rashes and prevent the appearance of new ones, and at the same time even out skin tone and relief.

Indications for the use of benzoyl peroxide – acne, seborrhea, excessive sebum secretion, characteristic of oily and combination skin. As a rule, cosmetologists and dermatologists prescribe cosmetic preparations containing this component for people with mild to moderate acne.

Since cosmetics, which include benzoyl peroxide, are freely sold in any Russian pharmacy, many people prescribe it to themselves as a measure to combat rashes.

It is better not to self-medicate – first consult a dermatologist or cosmetologist.

Despite the fact that only cosmetic products with a conditionally safe percentage of benzoyl peroxide are in free circulation in the Russian Federation, it is still worth following some recommendations.

1. Although benzoyl peroxide is not prohibited during pregnancy, it should be used with caution. Dermatologists insist: when pregnancy occurs, the dose should be reduced and such cosmetic products should be applied only pointwise.

2. Like all exfoliating ingredients, benzoyl peroxide increases the skin’s photosensitivity to UVA and UVB rays. When applying cosmetics with this component, protect your skin from the sun with an SPF cream.

3. Many people who have experienced the use of benzoyl peroxide report dry, irritated skin. And it’s true: benzoyl peroxide mercilessly dries the skin, and in combination with salicylic acid, which is effective against acne, it can even turn it into a state of parchment.

But this is exactly the case when beauty requires sacrifice: a period that is unpleasant for the skin can only be endured, the main thing is to intensely moisturize and nourish the skin, and also do not forget about protection from the sun.

4. When using cosmetics with benzoyl peroxide, add a good nourishing cream to your skin care routine, as this substance destroys the hydrolipidic mantle of the skin, which needs to be restored and strengthened.

Apply cosmetics with benzoyl peroxide once a day is sufficient. This should be done in the evening on dry, cleansed skin, avoiding the area around the eyes. The most effective will be the use of the course – for an obvious and lasting result, three months of use will be enough.