Benzoyl peroxide

Also Known As: Benzoyl peroxide, Benzac ac

Benzoyl peroxide (play /ˈbɛnzɔɪl pəˈrɒksd/) is an organic compound in the peroxide family. It consists of two benzoyl groups bridged by a peroxide link. Its structural formula is [C6H5C(O)]2O2. It is one of the most important organic peroxides in terms of applications and the scale of its production. Benzoyl peroxide is used as an acne treatment, for improving flour, for bleaching hair and teeth, for polymerising polyester and many other uses.

Benzoyl peroxide for acne treatment is typically applied to the affected areas in gel or cream form, in concentrations of 2.5% increasing through the usually effective 5% to up to 10%. Research suggests that 5 and 10% concentrations are not significantly more effective than 2.5%, and 2.5% is usually better tolerated, though the majority of major studies comparing it to other treatments use the higher concentrations.[5][6] It commonly causes initial dryness and sometimes irritation, although the skin develops tolerance after a week or so. A small percentage of people are much more sensitive to it and liable to suffer burning, itching, peeling and possibly swelling. It is sensible to apply the lowest concentration and build up as appropriate. Once tolerance is achieved, increasing the quantity or concentration and gaining tolerance at a higher level may give better subsequent acne clearance. Benzoyl peroxide works as a peeling agent, increasing skin turnover and clearing pores, thus reducing the bacterial count there as well as directly as an antimicrobial.[7] It is often combined with salicylic acid, sulfur, erythromycin or clindamycin (antibiotics), giving rise to a combination drug, in benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin. It can also be given with adapalene (a synthetic retinoid) in adapalene/benzoyl peroxide, a unique formulation considering most retinoids are deactivated by peroxides and acids.

Other common uses for benzoyl peroxide include dyeing hair, and as an active ingredient in teeth whitening systems.

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