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What We Really Know About Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatments and Benzene

Valisure studied more than 60 benzoyl peroxide (BPO) acne products, including over-the-counter and prescription treatments, and says they found that benzene can form within many of them at what they call “unacceptably high levels"... The acne products do not appear to be contaminated with trace benzene, rather "the benzene [may be] coming from decomposition of the active ingredient benzoyl peroxide,” explains cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos. This is different from “recent examples of benzene found in sunscreen and other spray products, [in which possible benzene contamination was] linked to trace contamination of propellants. In hand sanitizers, trace levels [of benzene] were linked to residual…

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Articles of Interest

Everything you need to know about benzoyl peroxide

“All the best acne treatments work through multiple actions and benzoyl peroxide is no exception,” says the skin expert and founder of Dr Sam’s skincare, Dr Sam Bunting. “Firstly, it’s antiseptic, meaning it reduces the number of bacteria on the surface of your skin.”

How to Use Benzoyl Peroxide to Treat Acne Effectively (and Avoid Irritation)—According to Derms

If you're always dealing with pesky breakouts or acne, then you should familiarize yourself with one of the best over-the-counter ingredients to treat it: benzoyl peroxide. The common ingredient is known for its ability to help clear and prevent acne. But despite the ingredient's impressive results in treating breakouts, it may also cause irritation, dryness, or redness for some.

Salicylic Acid vs. Benzoyl Peroxide for Acne-Prone Skin

Salicylic acid (SA) and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) are two of the most popular non-prescription active ingredients in acne treatments. They can be found in many of the same types of anti-acne products, such as cleansers, treatment gels, moisturizers, and serums. But although these ingredients share some similarities, they also have a number of key differences.

The Complete Guide to Benzoyl Peroxide and Its Acne-Fighting Powers

Think back to your first-ever breakout — most likely circa age 12 or 13, and probably very stressful. When you noticed preteen acne forming on your skin, what did you reach for? Whether you took to the drugstore aisles yourself or relied on whatever your older sibling had lying around, chances are, you used something — a cleanser, scrub, spot treatment, or cream — that contained benzoyl peroxide.

What is the Role of Benzoyl Peroxide Cleansers in Acne Management?

Unlike antibiotics, which induce alterations in bacterial structure, specific enzymes, and/or nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins, BPO is directly toxic to P. acnes and other bacteria.2,3 As a result, BPO has not been associated with the development of P. acnes resistance.

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StatPearls

Benzoyl peroxide is an over-the-counter (OTC) topical medication and an FDA-approved prescription medication for acne vulgaris. Benzoyl peroxide is bactericidal with activity against Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) on the skin and within the hair follicles.