Benzoyl peroxideOver the counter

Pronounced BEN-zo-il per-OX-ide

Brand names: Clearasil, PanOxyl

Type: Acne medicine (topical antibacterial) · All Other Medicines

What Benzoyl peroxide is used for

  • Acne
  • Preventing antibiotic resistance when combined with topical antibiotics for acne

Common side effects

  • Skin dryness and peeling
  • Redness or irritation
  • Burning or stinging

Important cautions

  • Bleaches hair, towels, and fabrics on contact
  • Often combined with topical antibiotics to reduce resistance — using it alongside them is deliberate

How it comes

Gels, creams, washes, foams. This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.

Please note: This page is a patient-education summary, not medical advice, and it deliberately contains no doses. Medicines affect everyone differently — always follow your own prescription and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.