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.
Related medicines — Other Medicines
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.