Medication guide
Benzoyl Peroxide
- Generic name
- Benzoyl Peroxide
- Common brand names
- PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash, Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10
- Medication class
- Topical antibacterial/keratolytic
Overview
Its medication class is Topical antibacterial/keratolytic. Common uses include Acne treatment. Product forms and labels can differ, so follow the specific package instructions and ask a pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional about individual questions.
How to Take it
- Route
- Topical skin product.
- Time of day
- Apply once to twice daily; for rash/fungal products continue through full course.
- With food/water
- External use only.
- Preparation
- Apply thin layer to clean, dry skin; patch test where possible.
- Safe dose
- Small layer over affected lesions only.
- Max dose
- Do not exceed area/frequency limits on label.
- Frequency
- Usually once to twice daily.
- Other recommendations
- Stop if severe burning, swelling, or spreading redness appears.
Common uses
- Acne treatment
Common side effects
- Dryness
- peeling
- redness
- burning
- itching
- contact dermatitis
- and skin irritation
Important warnings
- Can bleach fabrics and irritate skin; avoid contact with eyes and mucosa. Use caution on damaged skin and during sun exposure. Avoid combining with harsh products and other irritants until tolerated. Seek care for severe rash, wheeze, widespread swelling, or persistent pain.
General interactions information
Can increase irritation when combined with retinoids/α-hydroxy acids
Sources / references
- Benzoyl Peroxide Topical — MedlinePlus
U.S. National Library of Medicine
These references offer further reading. A source link does not establish that a clinician has reviewed every statement in this guide.
Editorial record
Recorded content review date:
A named medical reviewer and their credentials have not yet been documented for this guide.
Editorial standards and corrections