[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › [Other dermatological medicines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/other-dermatological-medicines/) › Benzoyl peroxide # Benzoyl peroxide ## Other dermatological medicines? Other dermatological medicines An oxidising gel or wash that kills acne bacteria and loosens blackheads. Added to antibiotics to limit resistance; it can bleach hair and fabric. Updated Nov 1, 2026 ## Quick facts **Group** [Other dermatological medicines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/other-dermatological-medicines/) **Target** Cutibacterium acnes and the keratin plug of the follicle (oxidation) **Used for** Mild to moderate acne **Key effects** Dryness and peeling of the skin · Warmth **Monitor** Irritation · Response after several weeks **ATC** D10AE01 No doses: the clinician sets them by the current guideline. On this page - The basics Mechanism of action - Indications - Adverse effects - Pharmacokinetics - Memory aid - Safety Contraindications - Key interactions - What is monitored - Administration and safety - Pregnancy and breastfeeding - Nursing care - Study Test yourself - Connections Connections ## Mechanism of action Benzoyl peroxide is an organic peroxide that acts by oxidation. Applied to the skin it kills Cutibacterium acnes, the anaerobe that multiplies in the plugged, sebum-rich follicle, and it is mildly comedolytic. Antibiotics used alone for acne select resistant bacteria; adding benzoyl peroxide improves efficacy and reduces that resistance. Its oxidising action also bleaches hair, clothing and towels and inactivates topical tretinoin. - Benzoyl peroxide oxidises bacteria in the plugged follicle - C. acnes is killed - Mild comedolytic effect loosens blackheads - Fewer papules, pustules and comedones ## Indications - Mild to moderate acne, alone or with a topical retinoid or antibiotic [Acne vulgaris →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/acne-vulgaris/) - Added to systemic antibiotics for acne to reduce bacterial resistance [Acne vulgaris →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/acne-vulgaris/) ## Adverse effects ### Common - Dryness and peeling of the skin - Warmth, tingling or slight stinging - Redness and irritation, more with stronger products - Bleaching of hair, clothing and bed linen - More sensitivity to sunlight ### Serious (rare, important) - Severe local reaction: burning, blistering or swelling - Allergic reaction: hives, throat tightness, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face ## Contraindications - Hypersensitivity to benzoyl peroxide or any component ## Key interactions **Topical tretinoin** Benzoyl peroxide oxidises and inactivates tretinoin, so they are not applied at the same time; adapalene is stable with it. **Other drying or irritating acne treatments** Additive dryness and peeling; combined only when advised. **Topical dapsone** Temporary yellow to orange-brown discolouration of skin and hair. ## What is monitored - Irritation, dryness and peeling during the first weeks - Response after several weeks of regular use; worsening acne needs review - Signs of allergy ## Administration and safety - Applied to clean, dry skin; a small test area first shows how the skin reacts. - Kept away from the eyes, mouth, nose and mucous membranes. - It bleaches: contact with hair, coloured clothing, towels and bedding is avoided. ## Pregnancy and breastfeeding It can usually be used during pregnancy, after checking with the prescriber. ## Nursing care - Teach that dryness, warmth and stinging are common, and that burning, blistering or swelling is reported at once. - Teach sun protection while it is used. - Explain that results take weeks, so it is not stopped early. - Warn that it bleaches pillowcases, towels and coloured clothing. ## Pharmacokinetics **Absorption** Acts on the skin surface and in the follicle. **Onset and duration** Improvement after several weeks of regular use. ## Memory aid BPO = Bleaches, Prevents resistance, Oxidises C. acnes (and tretinoin). ## Test yourself Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it. ## What is the main reason to add benzoyl peroxide when an antibiotic is used for acne? To improve efficacy and reduce the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. ## Why should tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide not be applied at the same time? Benzoyl peroxide oxidises and inactivates tretinoin (adapalene is stable with it). ## What practical warning is given with benzoyl peroxide? It bleaches hair, clothing, towels and bedding. [Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/pharmacology/benzoyl-peroxide/) [More Pharmacology questions →](https://durgical.com/en/practice/?f=pharmacology) ## Connections ## Related drugs 2 - [Adapalene](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/adapalene/) - [Isotretinoin](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/isotretinoin/) ## Related conditions 1 - [Acne vulgaris](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/acne-vulgaris/) [← Back to the class: Other dermatological medicines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/other-dermatological-medicines/) Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given. Sources: [Benzoyl Peroxide Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601026.html) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [Benzoyl peroxide: a medicine to treat acne](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/benzoyl-peroxide/) (NHS, 2026); [eEML - Electronic Essential Medicines List](https://list.essentialmeds.org/?query=benzoyl%20peroxide) (World Health Organization, 2025). ## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/benzoyl-peroxide/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/benzoyl-peroxide/