Benzoyl Peroxide and Acne

Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) is a key ingredient in the most commonly used over-the-counter (OTC) acne-treatments as well as some prescription medications. One of the first proven treatments for acne, it is often the first choice for those suffering from mild to moderate acne. So, what do you need to know about benzoyl peroxide and acne? Read-on and we cover it all!

If you’re not sure exactly how acne occurs, check out our About Acne page, which goes through the full lifecycle of a pimple.

What is benzoyl peroxide?

Benzoyl peroxide is a potent antimicrobial compound formed when benzoyl chloride is combined with hydrogen peroxide. It is often more effective against acne than its main competitor, salicylic acid, but it also has a higher risk of negative side effects.

How does benzoyl peroxide treat acne?

BPO works to treat acne in two primary ways:

1. It kills bacteria. Propionibacteria acnes, or P. acnes, are the bacteria responsible for breakouts. This form of bacteria cannot survive in an aerobic (oxygen-rich) environment, which is where BPO comes in. Benzoyl peroxide introduces oxygen into the pore, killing the bacteria population and reducing breakouts.

2. It opens your pores. The benzoic acid in benzoyl peroxide is a mild exfoliator, which reduces the build up and congestion around your pores. Clearing the pores of dead skin cells reduces the chance of developing comedones (pore blockages), preventing breakouts before they start.

Over-the-counter vs. Prescription BPO

In the past, higher consistency benzoyl peroxide products required a prescription, but in 2010 the FDA legalized the sale of benzoyl peroxide consistencies between 2.5% and 10% to be sold without a prescription. While there is limited research directly comparing OTC to prescription benzoyl peroxide products, those in favor of the latter claim that prescription medications may not only be gentler on the skin, but are overall more effective because the benzoyl peroxide crystals are smaller and therefore better able to penetrate into your skin.

How to choose the best benzoyl peroxide:

Benzoyl peroxide products range in concentration from 2.5% to 10%. However, higher percentages (5-10%) are more likely to cause skin irritation and are not proven to be more effective than products with a lesser concentration. BPO comes in a number of forms, including:

1. Facial Cleansers

2. Creams

3. Gels

4. Spot Treatments

For best results, it’s important to determine the right application method and treatment strength for your specific acne issues.