What benzoyl peroxide is for

Benzoyl peroxide is an antiseptic medicine that's used to treat acne.

It works by reducing the amount of bacteria on your skin and helps improve symptoms such as spots and blocked pores (blackheads and whiteheads).

Some benzoyl peroxide products are for your face only. Others can be used on the face, back and chest.

Sometimes benzoyl peroxide comes combined with other medicines, such as an antibiotic.

How to use benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide comes as a gel. There are 2 main types:

a gel that you apply to your skin and leave to absorb
a gel wash that you use to clean your skin and then rinse off

You can get it in different strengths. Always start with the lowest strength to see how well your skin tolerates it.

You usually use benzoyl peroxide once or twice a day.

Benzoyl peroxide usually starts to work within 4 weeks. Speak to a pharmacist or see a GP if your acne gets worse, or if it does not improve after 12 weeks.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or GP for advice if you're not sure how to use it or have any problems using it.

How to use common types of benzoyl peroxide

Gel (including facial gel)

When using benzoyl peroxide gel:

Wash your hands first.
Gently clean and dry your skin.
Apply a thin layer of gel to the affected area.
Wash your hands afterwards.

Gel wash (including facial gel wash)

When using benzoyl peroxide gel wash:

Wash your hands first.
Wet the affected area.
Wash your skin with a small amount of gel for 1 to 2 minutes.
Rinse off the gel with water and pat your skin dry.
Wash your hands afterwards.

Things to avoid

do not use benzoyl peroxide on infected skin, cuts or grazes
do not use benzoyl peroxide near your eyes – if it gets into your eyes, rinse them with plenty of water
do not use benzoyl peroxide near your mouth – get medical help if you swallow it accidentally
do not stay in the sun too long and always use sunscreen, plus avoid sunbeds and sunlamps – benzoyl peroxide makes skin more sensitive to sunlight
do not get benzoyl peroxide onto clothing, other fabrics or hair – it may bleach them

If you use too much benzoyl peroxide

Using more than the recommended amount of benzoyl peroxide will not mean the medicine works faster and can increase the risk of side effects.

Non-urgent advice: Speak to a pharmacist if:

you've used more benzoyl peroxide than it says on the packet or leaflet and it's causing symptoms such as dry, peeling or itchy skin

Find a pharmacy

Side effects of benzoyl peroxide

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

Common side effects

Common side effects of benzoyl peroxide include:

hot, itchy or painful skin
skin redness – redness can be harder to see on black or brown skin
dry or peeling skin

These side effects usually improve after a few days, or if you use the gel or gel wash less often.

Benzoyl peroxide will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery.

Non-urgent advice: Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if:

you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away

They may be able to give you advice about how you can reduce the side effects.

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Serious side effects

It's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to benzoyl peroxide, but this is rare.

Symptoms include a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash and difficulty breathing.

Immediate action required: Call 999 if:

you're using benzoyl peroxide and think you might be having anaphylaxis

If you think you're having any other serious side effect, call NHS 111.

More about side effects

These are not all the side effects of benzoyl peroxide.

For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.

You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website

Who can and cannot use benzoyl peroxide

Most adults and children aged 12 years or older can use benzoyl peroxide.

But benzoyl peroxide is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:

you've had an allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide
you have a skin infection
you have broken skin, cuts or grazes

Before using benzoyl peroxide, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and benzoyl peroxide

You may be able to use benzoyl peroxide while breastfeeding, but check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

If they say it's OK to use benzoyl peroxide, avoid using it on your breasts.

It's rare for breastfed babies to get any side effects from medicine you're taking, but speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby.

Pregnancy and benzoyl peroxide

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or get pregnant while using benzoyl peroxide.

Benzoyl peroxide can usually be used during pregnancy, but it's best to check.

Using benzoyl peroxide with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with benzoyl peroxide.

This includes medicines that irritate the skin or cause dryness and peeling, such as other acne skin treatments.

Only use benzoyl peroxide together with other acne treatments if your doctor or pharmacist has told you that you can.

Before using benzoyl peroxide, check the packet or leaflet that comes with the medicine to see if it's suitable for you. Check with a pharmacist or doctor if you’re not sure.

Benzoyl peroxide - Common brands: Acnecide