Benzoyl peroxide is an active ingredient with intriguing benefits for blemished skin. It is therefore a commonly used ingredient in formulating skincare products for individuals prone to acne. What are the benzoyl peroxide-based products available on the market? Discover the answers below.
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Which products contain benzoyl peroxide?
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Published December 11, 2024,
updated on December 13, 2024,
by
Lilia, Scientific Editor
—
6 min read
Benzoyl Peroxide: Over-the-counter products?
Benzoyl peroxide helps to limit the formation of acne breakouts. Indeed, it fights against the development of bacteria involved in the pathogenesis of the disease and responsible for skin inflammations, Cutibacterium acnes, by breaking them down. It also reduces the excess sebum accumulated on the skin surface, as well as in the pores, and exfoliates the skin by eliminating dead cells to promote skin renewal. Available over the counter, benzoyl peroxide is present in reduced concentration (2.5% to 5%) in products intended for skin prone to mild to moderate acne.
Although these products with lower benzoyl peroxide concentrations are available over the counter, it is recommended to seek advice from a dermatologist or a physician before using them.
Cleansers, creams, lotions, and masks for mild to moderate acne.
It is common to find benzoyl peroxide in the composition of cleansing treatments at a concentration of 5% for the treatment of mild to moderate acne. The rinsing of the product allows for a temporary application, thus it is less irritating and suitable for sensitive skin.
On the other hand, while most benzoyl peroxide-based creams are prescription-based, some, with a lower concentration (<5%), are available over-the-counter at pharmacies. These creams are more suitable for sensitive skin than highly concentrated products. They are appropriate for targeting mild to moderate acne.
Some lotions may also contain benzoyl peroxide to help limit the formation of acne pimples. This type of skincare, having a lighter texture than a moisturizing cream, is suitable for oily or combination skin suffering from mild to moderate acne and is applied to the entire face.
Masks containing benzoyl peroxide are also available, which should not be used more than once a week, unless otherwise advised by a dermatologist. This is a supplementary treatment for mild acne.
Targeted gels and serums for moderate acne.
It is also possible to locally use gels and serums based on benzoyl peroxide in cases of moderate acne, in order to alleviate and accelerate the drying of pimples. These treatments, generally more concentrated (up to 10%), penetrate the skin more quickly, allowing for better absorption of the benzoyl peroxide. They are used in specific quantities and applied locally.
Although it has antibacterial and sebum-regulating properties that can be beneficial for the scalp, benzoyl peroxide is not recommended in hair products, as it tends to discolor both hair and clothing.
Prescription-based benzoyl peroxide products.
Some products, available only by prescription, may contain benzoyl peroxide combined with other active ingredients, such as antibiotics or retinoids. These products, intended for individuals with severe acne, may contain high concentrations of benzoyl peroxide (> 5%). As such, they are more likely to cause side effects, such as skin dryness, redness, and irritation. These reactions may be more pronounced in certain patients, requiring medical supervision to prevent excessive or inappropriate use.
Benzoyl peroxide is found in various concentrations (2.5%, 5%, and 10%) in topical acne medications, depending on the severity of the acne.
Associations with antibiotics, such as clindamycin or erythromycin, were tested on 492 patients over a period of 10 weeks during scientific studies. The results of the study indicate a greater effectiveness of the combination of clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide and the combination of erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide compared to benzoyl peroxide alone, showing a slightly more marked reduction in the number of inflammatory lesions (papules and pustules) and the number of comedones.
Measurement of the reduction in the number of lesions (Figure A) and the number of comedones (Figure B) for: benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin (■), benzoyl peroxide (●), benzoyl peroxide/erythromycin (◆).
Source: SHARON F. & others. The efficacy and safety of a combined benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin topical gel compared with benzoyl peroxide alone and a benzoyl peroxide/erythromycin combination product. Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery (2001).
Furthermore, benzoyl peroxide-based products are often combined with retinoids in the formulation to enhance the treatment's effectiveness. A study involving 243 patients showed that the combination of adapalene, a retinoid, and benzoyl peroxide reduced acne and prevented relapses over a six-month period. Other research reveals that 40 to 50% of patients see almost complete improvement with this combination, compared to 30 to 40% for individual treatments. These combinations are available in different concentrations depending on the severity of the acne.
Gels containing adapalene and benzoyl peroxide are available in various concentrations, including 0.1% adapalene with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, and an option with three times more adapalene, that is, 0.3% with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. The choice between these dosages depends on the severity of the acne lesions, with higher concentrations typically reserved for more severe cases.
Gels containing clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide are offered in a dosage of 10 mg of clindamycin / 50 mg of benzoyl peroxide per 1 g of gel for the local treatment of the moderate common acne.
As for topical gels of erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide, they are available in various concentrations depending on the severity of the acne.
Sources
VIDAL. EPIDUO 0.3%/2.5% gel.
VIDAL. ENCALLIK 10 mg/50 mg per g gel.
BAUSCH HEALTH, CANADA INC. Benzamycin.
SHARON F. & et al. The effectiveness and safety of a combined benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin topical gel compared to benzoyl peroxide alone and a benzoyl peroxide/erythromycin combination product. Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery (2001).
FRITSCH P. & al. Topical Combination Products for Facial Acne. National Library of Medicine (2022).
SATTAR K. & al. Safety and efficacy of fixed-dose combination of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne vulgaris: A systematic review of clinical trials. Cureus (2024).
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