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Skin Health

What is Benzoyl Peroxide: Neutrogena skincare ingredient glossary

by Diana Kelly Levey February 3, 2025

A woman with acne looks into the distance.

Benzoyl peroxide is an over-the-counter topical skincare ingredient used to treat acne. But what does benzoyl peroxide do, exactly? When your skin absorbs benzoyl peroxide, it breaks down into benzoic acid, which releases an oxygen species that fights acne-causing bacteria underneath the skin. This also helps minimize acne inflamed bumps and redness. So, it's a great tool to reduce those breakouts interfering with your quest for clear skin. Your dermatologist can help you determine which formula to use, where to apply it and how long to leave it on depending on your skin type and concerns.

What Are the Uses of Benzoyl Peroxide?

So, what is benzoyl peroxide used for? You can find this ingredient in many forms, including benzoyl peroxide face wash, benzoyl peroxide gel, benzoyl peroxide body wash and benzoyl peroxide cream.

Apart from the skincare world, benzoyl peroxide is used in plastics, plexiglass and Super Glue; dental cements and bleaching agents for whitening teeth; and foods like flour and cheese.

Where Does Benzoyl Peroxide Come From?

Synthesized in 1858 and available to consumers in the U.S. since 1927, benzoyl peroxide has been a key player in health and skincare for over a century. It's been approved to treat acne for more than 60 years. This popular skincare ingredient was originally derived from chlorhydroxyquinoline, a component of coal tar.

Topical benzoyl peroxide was first used to treat burns in the early 1900s. It was identified as an active ingredient in an acne ointment in 1965. Chemists went on to discover how to use it with silica to remove excess skin oils in 1985.

These days, scientists typically make benzoyl peroxide by treating hydrogen peroxide with benzoyl chloride.

How To Incorporate Benzoyl Peroxide Into Your Skincare Routine

How you'll add benzoyl peroxide into your skincare routine depends on your skin type and acne severity. Benzoyl peroxide can cause side effects like dryness, flaking, irritation (burning and stinging) and redness, especially in dry and sensitive skin types. So, always try a patch test first to see how your skin reacts, and start with a lower concentration, around 2.5%, before working your way up.

In some cases, your dermatologist might recommend a prescription-strength topical ointment, but you can easily add it to your routine with over-the-counter products. Here's how.

Apply to Clean Skin

Always cleanse your skin before applying acne treatment products like benzoyl peroxide. This primes your skin's surface by removing grime, oil and other impurities to allow your gel or cream to sink in and get to work. Try Neutrogena® Clear Pore/Cleanser Mask to wash away the day while killing breakout-causing bacteria with 3.5% benzoyl peroxide. Bonus: This cleanser also works as a mask for deep cleansing and shine control!

Treat Acne Spots

Try a fast-acting benzoyl peroxide gel like Neutrogena Rapid Clear® Stubborn Acne Spot Gel to reduce the appearance of existing breakouts in as little as two hours. If you are new to using benzoyl peroxide, apply a vanishing cream with a lower concentration like Neutrogena On-the-Spot® Acne Treatment. This formula is clinically proven to improve breakouts on day one — without side effects like tightness, stinging or burning.

Follow Up With Moisturizer

Apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer to mitigate skin dryness and irritation. Look for one with hyaluronic acid — the perfect partner for benzoyl peroxide.

Protect From the Sun

Your skin can be more susceptible to sun damage when using benzoyl peroxide. So, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher in the morning, and reapply at least every two hours throughout the day.

FAQ

Side effects of benzoyl peroxide may include dryness, redness, burning, stinging and peeling. You may also experience heightened sun sensitivity. You can manage these effects by starting with a low concentration of benzoyl peroxide, applying moisturizer, wearing sunscreen, covering your face with a wide-brimmed hat and avoiding sun exposure during the midday hours when it's strongest.

When considering benzoyl peroxide versus salicylic acid, both are effective for treating acne. You can incorporate both into your routine, but avoid using them together at the same time of day to minimize your risk of irritation. Studies show the combination of niacinamide and benzoyl peroxide is more effective than benzoyl peroxide alone to treat acne. Talk to your dermatologist for personalized advice about your acne-fighting skincare routine.

How fast benzoyl peroxide works depends on product type, strength and acne severity. Generally, you can see results with a 5% benzoyl peroxide wash or gel in about four weeks, but significant results can take up to four months. Some studies show that applying 10% benzoyl peroxide daily can reduce P. acnes bacteria by about 98% in two weeks.

Diana Kelly Levey

Diana Kelly Levey

Guest Beauty Blogger

I’m a New York City area writer, runner, reader, adopted dog mom, and believer in wearing sunscreen every day.

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