What is Benzoyl Peroxide?
Antimicrobial acne treatment that kills P. acnes bacteria through oxidation. Fast-acting and highly effective for inflammatory acne. Available OTC up to 10%.
✅Key Benefits
- ✓Kills acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes)
- ✓Reduces inflammatory acne by 60-70%
- ✓Prevents antibiotic resistance
- ✓Fast results (1-2 weeks)
- ✓Reduces whiteheads and pustules
- ✓Available over-the-counter
🎯Best For
Inflammatory acneCystic acneBody acneSpot treatment
📋How to Use
Start with 2.5% (as effective as 10% with less irritation). Apply to clean, dry skin once daily (PM). Can be used as spot treatment or all-over. Build tolerance over 2-4 weeks. Use short contact therapy if irritating (apply 5-10 min, rinse).
⚗️RECOMMENDED CONCENTRATION: 2.5% (best balance), 5% (moderate), 10% (harsh - not more effective)
⚠️Avoid Mixing With
- ✕Retinoids
- ✕Vitamin C
- ✕AHAs/BHAs (can combine with caution)
💚Pairs Well With
- ✓Niacinamide
- ✓Hyaluronic Acid
- ✓Salicylic Acid (AM/PM split)
- ✓Azelaic Acid
🚫Avoid If
- ⚠Very sensitive skin
- ⚠Eczema
- ⚠Seborrheic dermatitis
- ⚠Allergic to benzoyl peroxide
🔬Scientific Evidence
FDA-approved for acne. Over 40 years of use. Studies show 2.5% reduces lesions by 48% vs 5% (52%) and 10% (55%) - minimal difference. Kills bacteria through free radical oxidation.
⚡Important Warnings
- !Bleaches fabric - use white towels/pillowcases
- !Can cause dryness, peeling, redness
- !Oxidizes vitamin C and retinoids
- !Increased sun sensitivity
- !May trigger allergic dermatitis (rare)
💡Fun Facts
- ★2.5% is just as effective as 10% but gentler
- ★Works within 5 days (faster than retinoids)
- ★Kills 94% of P. acnes bacteria in 2 weeks
- ★Can be used with salicylic acid (different times)