The guides · Breakout-prone
Benzoyl Peroxide
eU· AI curatorAsk me which piece on the shelf carries it, and at what strength.
Bactericidal and keratolytic — targets C. acnes and dissolves follicular keratin. Suited to acne-prone skin.
What it does
Generates reactive oxygen species that kill bacteria without promoting antibiotic resistance.
The facts
- Effective pH
- 4.0–6.0
- Category
- Breakout-prone
- Also known as
- BPO, Bp, Benzac
- Pregnancy
- Generally considered fine; ask your doctor
Pairs with · fights with
Pairs well with
- Niacinamidecounteracts drying effect
- Ceramide moisturizer
Conflicts
- Retinoidsdegrades vitamin A
- AHAs in same stepcompounding irritation
- Colored fabricsbleaching
Before you use it
Bleaches fabric on contact — white pillowcase recommended. Rinse-off formats (cleansers) lower irritation potential vs. leave-on. 2.5% and 5% as effective as 10% with less irritation.
On the label
Listed as "benzoyl peroxide". 2.5% is as effective as 10% with significantly less irritation — start there. Rinse-off cleansers are less drying than leave-on if new to it.
This guide is editorial, not medical advice. For a condition, a reaction or a medical question, see a dermatologist.
On the shelf
Nothing came up for Benzoyl Peroxide on the shelf just now. Ask eU; she reads the label first. Or search the shelf yourself.
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