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Who can and cannot use benzoyl peroxide - Brand name: Acnecide

Who can use benzoyl peroxide

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

Who may not be able to use benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is not suitable for some people.

To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor before using this medicine if you:

  • have ever had an allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide or any other medicine
  • have damaged or broken skin where you need to use the treatment
  • have very bad acne with nodules (large, hard lumps that build up beneath the surface of the skin and can be painful) or cysts (large, pus-filled lumps that look similar to boils) – these need to be treated by a doctor to avoid scarring

Page last reviewed: 30 September 2022
Next review due: 30 September 2025