provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content

benzoyl peroxide

Generic BenzeFoam
Used for Acne
Used for Acne

Benzoyl peroxide is an affordable medication that works well to clear up acne. It's available over-the-counter and comes in many different forms, but it's not a good option for people with sensitive skin.

Reviewed by:
Wendy Tin, PharmD
Last reviewed on September 1, 2021
basics-icon

What is Benzoyl peroxide?

What is Benzoyl peroxide used for?

  • Acne

How Benzoyl peroxide works

Benzoyl peroxide is an antiseptic. It prevents acne-causing bacteria from growing and multiplying on your face.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAdvanced Acne Wash, PanOxyl, Benzac AC Wash, Neutrogena Clear Pore, BenzePrO Creamy Wash
Drug ClassAntiseptic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription or over-the-counter
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$16.95(save 70.46%)
GoodRx discount
$5.01
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Benzoyl peroxide?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Redness
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Peeling
  • Swelling
  • Dryness

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
  • Sensitivity to light
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Benzoyl peroxide

thumbs-up

Pros

Lower-cost and available over-the-counter

Comes in many different forms (e.g., gel, cream, and lotion) and strengths

Easy to apply

Can be used by people with either dry or oily skin

thumbs-down

Cons

Makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight

Can bleach your hair, clothing, and bedding

Might not work well for people with severe acne

Can cause uncomfortable side effects, like skin burning and itching

Not a good option for people with sensitive skin

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Benzoyl peroxide

pharmacist
  • Wash your hands after using benzoyl peroxide to avoid accidentally bleaching your hair or clothing.

    • Wear sunscreen or a hat when going into the sun, since this medication can cause you to become sunburned more easily.

      • It is normal to experience skin irritation during the first weeks of using benzoyl peroxide. If the irritation gets worse, talk to your provider, who might switch you to a lower strength of the medication or have you use it less often.

        • If you are using the gel, foam, or cream form of the medication, clean your skin well before applying it. Start with applying a thin layer 1 time daily and then gradually work your way up using it 2 to 3 times daily if needed or as instructed by your provider.

          • If you are using the liquid or lotion, shake the bottle well first, then wet the area that needs to be cleaned. Apply the medication to the affected areas of your face and massage it gently into your skin for 10 to 20 seconds, before rinsing off and patting your face dry.

            • If your skin feels dry after using benzoyl peroxide, talk to your provider to see if you can apply a moisturizer.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Benzoyl peroxide

              How long does it take for benzoyl peroxide to start working?
              Generally it takes around 4 weeks for your acne to improve, but full effects from the medication can take 2 to 3 months. Keep in mind that your acne will get worse in the first few weeks before it starts getting better.
              I have pretty severe acne. Will benzoyl peroxide work for me?
              If you have severe acne, this medication might not be the best option for you. Talk to your provider about other treatments that are better for your type of acne.
              My skin is sensitive, but I still want to give benzoyl peroxide a try. Should I do it?
              If you have sensitive skin, talk to your provider to see if this is the right medication for you. However, if you want to try it on your own, it is recommended that you apply benzoyl peroxide to a small area of your face first to test how sensitive your skin is and then use it on a larger area if you can tolerate the medication.
              Benzoyl peroxide comes in many different strengths. How do I know which one is right for me?
              It is best to start with a lower strength of benzoyl peroxide to see how it works for you and then slowly move to a higher strength, if needed. You can also talk to your provider to see which strength is appropriate for you to start with.
              If my skin completely clears up after using benzoyl peroxide for a few months, can I just stop applying it?
              You will likely have to continue using this medication to keep your acne from coming back. Talk to your provider if you have any concerns about using benzoyl peroxide for a long period of time.
              GoodRxEducationalIcon

              How to save using GoodRx

              Compare Prices
              1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
              Select your free coupon
              2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
              Show coupon to your pharmacist
              3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
              Get free couponLearn more
              warings-icon

              What are the risks and warnings for Benzoyl peroxide?

              Benzoyl peroxide can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Bleaching of hair and clothing

              Benzoyl peroxide can bleach your hair and clothes. Be careful when you are applying the medication and wash your hands well after using it.

              risk-warning

              Skin irritation

              Benzoyl peroxide can cause skin redness, burning, peeling, or swelling, which is more likely to happen if you use other acne medications at the same time. Talk to your provider if the irritation gets worse over time or if it bothers you too much.

              risk-warning

              Sensitive skin

              Don't use this medication if you have sensitive skin, unless your provider tells you it is okay to do so.

              dosage

              Benzoyl peroxide dosage forms

              The average cost for 1 bottle of 237g of 10% of Benzoyl peroxide is $11.39 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 32.79% off the average retail price of $16.95.
              bottle of cleanser
              Bottle of cleanser
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              170.3g of 6%1 bottle$16.97$16.97
              340.2g of 6%1 bottle$28.79$28.79
              bottle of wash
              Bottle of wash
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              142g of 5%1 bottle$7.10$7.10
              148g of 5%1 bottle$7.29$7.29
              227g of 5%1 bottle$9.85$9.85
              237g of 5%1 bottle$14.96$14.96
              142g of 10%1 bottle$12.69$12.69
              148g of 10%1 bottle$8.76$8.76
              227g of 10%1 bottle$14.05$14.05
              237g of 10%1 bottle$11.39$11.39
              can of foam
              Can of foam
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              100g of 5.3%1 can$130.12$130.12
              100g of 9.8%1 can$150.12$150.12
              tube of gel
              Tube of gel
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              60g of 2.5%1 tube$8.83$8.83
              42.5g of 4%1 tube$307.54$307.54
              42.5g of 5%1 tube$6.06$6.06
              60g of 5%1 tube$7.52$7.52
              90g of 5%1 tube$10.03$10.03
              42.5g of 8%1 tube$55.67$55.67
              60g of 10%1 tube$11.23$11.23
              90g of 10%1 tube$18.14$18.14
              tube of lotion
              Tube of lotion
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              29.5ml of 5%1 tube$5.01$5.01

              Typical dosing for Benzoyl peroxide

              • Lotion or liquid: Apply a thin layer to the affected areas 1 to 3 times daily or as directed by your provider, then wash and rinse well.

              • Gel, cream, or foam: Apply a thin layer to the affected areas 1 to 3 times daily or as directed by your provider.

              • Foaming cloth: Wet the cloth, clean the face with the cloth for 10 to 20 seconds, rinse well, and then pat dry. Do this routine 1 to 2 times daily.

              drug-cost

              How much does Benzoyl peroxide cost?

              To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.View prices & coupons
              alternatives

              What are alternatives to Benzoyl peroxide?

              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Benzoyl peroxide. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
              Benzoyl peroxide
              Used for:
              • Acne

              $5.01 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Used for:
              $56.17 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Used for:
              $36.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              latest news

              What is the latest news about Benzoyl peroxide?

              Get savings updates for Benzoyl peroxide

              Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Benzoyl peroxide and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

              By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

              Browse medications

              View All

              Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.