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benzoyl peroxide

Generic BenzeFoam

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

Michelle Nguyen, PharmD

Last reviewed on September 1, 2021

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Cost Alternatives Latest news Prices Medicare

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.

Are you looking for information on BenzaClin (clindamycin / benzoyl peroxide) or Benzamycin (erythromycin / benzoyl peroxide) instead?

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

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Avg retail price

$16.95(save 70.46%)

GoodRx discount

$5.01

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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:

Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Burning, itching, crusting, or peeling of treated skin

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 of Benzoyl peroxide

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

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 for Benzoyl peroxide

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

Sensitive skin

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

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

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price 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

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price 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	$13.81	$13.81
148g of 10%	1 bottle	$11.49	$11.49
227g of 10%	1 bottle	$14.05	$14.05
237g of 10%	1 bottle	$11.39	$11.39

Can of foam

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price 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

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price 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

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price 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.