Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSide EffectsAllergic ReactionsPreventionAlternativesWhen to Seek Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Side Effects
Allergic Reactions
Prevention
Alternatives
When to Seek Care
Some people can’t tolerate benzoyl peroxide, no matter how carefully they use it. If this is the case for you, don’t worry. There arebenzoyl peroxide-free treatment optionsthat may work better for you.
This article covers the side effects of benzoyl peroxide, when to see a healthcare provider, and alternative acne medications to consider.
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The Best Benzoyl Peroxide Face Washes For Clear Skin
Common Side Effects
In addition to your desired effect of diminishing acne, benzoyl peroxide can lead to other side effects that are less desirable.
Dry Skin
Nearly every acne treatment causes some amount of dryness. The higher the percentage of the benzoyl peroxide you’re using, the more likely you are to develop dry skin.
Peeling and Flaking
Another side effect you’ll probably notice: peeling, flaking skin. This condition is usually worse during the first few weeks of treatment, and slowly improves as your skin gets used to the medication.
Don’t use too much, too quickly. Start with a low dose, once a day. As you gradually become accustomed to benzoyl peroxide, you can work up to twice a day at a higher dose, if needed.
Redness and Irritation
Another thing benzoyl peroxide can do to your skin is make it red (sometimesreallyred) especially right after you use it. For most people, the redness appears immediately after use and fades within a few minutes to an hour, although it can last longer.
If your skin is very irritated, start with a lower concentration of benzoyl peroxide first, and move up. There is no reason to use a 10% benzoyl peroxide if a 2.5% will do. Using higher percentages increases your chance of irritation, and it doesn’t always produce better or faster results.
Burning, Stinging, and Itching
Benzoyl peroxide can sting and burn when you apply it. In most cases, this is normal and dissipates after just a few minutes.
You might even get some itchiness in the areas where you’ve applied your benzoyl peroxide medications. This irritation can happen either immediately after application, or sometimes a few minutes to hours afterward.
As long as it’s mild and temporary, itching isn’t a big deal. If the itching is more severe, you may want to discontinue use due to apossible allergy.
Stained Clothing or Towels
Benzoyl peroxide is an organic peroxide. In addition to being used for acne, it is used to bleach flour, hair, and teeth.If using benzoyl peroxide, you want to be aware that it can bleach clothing, towels, bedding, and hair.
Prevent Benzoyl Peroxide Bleach Stains
Allergic Reactions to Benzoyl Peroxide
A 2018 study in Japan showed that as many as 4.5% of people may be allergic to benzoyl peroxide, and the number may be vastly undercounted.Just in case you are allergic, you may want to start on a small area of your face or body for the first three days.
Signs of an allergic reaction (contact dermatitis) include:
If signs of allergic contact dermatitis persist, discontinue use of benzoyl peroxide and try one of the otheralternatives, either over-the-counter or prescription.
In rare cases, products with benzoyl peroxide can causeanaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.Call 911 if you suspect signs of anaphylaxis, including:
How to Tell if You Are Having an Allergic Reaction to Benzoyl Peroxide
Preventing Benzoyl Peroxide’s Side Effects
There are a few main ways to prevent side effects from benzoyl peroxide:
Other OTC Acne Treatments
If you don’t tolerate benzoyl peroxide well, or if you’d like to try something else, there are other over-the-counter (OTC) options available to treat acne. Because different acne medications work in different ways, a combination of treatments may work more effectively than one alone.
Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid (SA)is available without a prescription at 0.5% to 2% strengths. It helps to prevent pores from becoming plugged.
Sometimes combined with benzoyl peroxide (BP), some preparations are left on, and some are rinsed off. Although SA is less irritating than BP, it also doesn’t seem to be as effective.
Tea Tree Oil
The essential oil from the leaves of the tea tree of Australia,tea tree oilmay be helpful for acne, but more research is needed. Tea tree oil should only be applied topically, not taken internally.
Sulphur
Sulphurhelps to remove excess oil and the dead skin cells that can clog pores. It can lead to dry skin and some people find the smell unpleasant. Sulphur is sometimes combined with or included in other acne medications.
Apha Hydroxy Acids
Alpha hydroxy acidshelp to remove dead skin and and decrease inflammation. This encourages the growth of new, smooth skin, making pores appear smaller and improving acne scars. The two main acids used in acne products are lactic acid and glycolic acid.
Adapalene
Adapalene may make acne worse at first, because it brings pimples to the surface. You may need to wait 12 weeks to see full results, and you should wear sunscreen with this product because it can make your skin more sensitive to light.
When to Call a Healthcare Provider
If you have been using benzoyl peroxide and your skin seems irritated, give your healthcare provider a call. You should also call if you develop a rash or blisters on your skin, or other signs of contact dermatitis.
Additionally, call your healthcare provider right away if you notice any signs of infection, such as:
Summary
Benzoyl peroxide can be an effective acne treatment, but it does come with a slight risk of side effects, including dryness, peeling, and itching. Benzoyl peroxide allergy may result in a blistering rash for some people as well.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Graber E.Patient education: Acne (beyond the basics).Iijima S, Tsunoda T.Twenty cases of allergic contact dermatitis due to benzoyl peroxide in acne patients in Japan.Journal of Cutaneous Immunology and Allergy. 2019;2(4):108-112. doi: 10.1002/cia2.12069U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA Drug safety communication: FDA warns of rare but serious hypersensitivity reactions with certain over-the-counter topical acne products.Tan AU, Schlosser BJ, Paller AS.A review of diagnosis and treatment of acne in adult female patients.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017;4(2):56-71. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.10.006National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Health information: Tea tree oil.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Rash 101 in adults: When to seek medical treatment.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Graber E.Patient education: Acne (beyond the basics).Iijima S, Tsunoda T.Twenty cases of allergic contact dermatitis due to benzoyl peroxide in acne patients in Japan.Journal of Cutaneous Immunology and Allergy. 2019;2(4):108-112. doi: 10.1002/cia2.12069U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA Drug safety communication: FDA warns of rare but serious hypersensitivity reactions with certain over-the-counter topical acne products.Tan AU, Schlosser BJ, Paller AS.A review of diagnosis and treatment of acne in adult female patients.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017;4(2):56-71. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.10.006National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Health information: Tea tree oil.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Rash 101 in adults: When to seek medical treatment.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Graber E.Patient education: Acne (beyond the basics).Iijima S, Tsunoda T.Twenty cases of allergic contact dermatitis due to benzoyl peroxide in acne patients in Japan.Journal of Cutaneous Immunology and Allergy. 2019;2(4):108-112. doi: 10.1002/cia2.12069U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA Drug safety communication: FDA warns of rare but serious hypersensitivity reactions with certain over-the-counter topical acne products.Tan AU, Schlosser BJ, Paller AS.A review of diagnosis and treatment of acne in adult female patients.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017;4(2):56-71. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.10.006National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Health information: Tea tree oil.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Rash 101 in adults: When to seek medical treatment.
Graber E.Patient education: Acne (beyond the basics).
Iijima S, Tsunoda T.Twenty cases of allergic contact dermatitis due to benzoyl peroxide in acne patients in Japan.Journal of Cutaneous Immunology and Allergy. 2019;2(4):108-112. doi: 10.1002/cia2.12069
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA Drug safety communication: FDA warns of rare but serious hypersensitivity reactions with certain over-the-counter topical acne products.
Tan AU, Schlosser BJ, Paller AS.A review of diagnosis and treatment of acne in adult female patients.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017;4(2):56-71. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.10.006
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Health information: Tea tree oil.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Rash 101 in adults: When to seek medical treatment.
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