Benzoyl peroxide

An active substance belonging to the antimicrobial substances, which is used especially for the therapy of acne.

The antimicrobial effect of benzoyl peroxide is based on its oxygen-releasing effect. Propionibacterium acnes requires an anaderobic environment. Benzoyl peroxide has a secondary anti-inflammatory and comedolytic effect (splitting of the disulfide bridges of cysteine).

Acne comedonica and acne papulopustulosa, seborrhea.

Pregnancy, lactation, atopic diathesis, skin erosions.

• Ointment/gel: Apply thinly 1-2 times/day after thorough skin cleansing to the affected skin areas.
• Shampoos: apply 1-2 times/week. Wash emulsion: wash off after a few minutes.
• Washing emulsion: wash off after a few minutes.

2.5-10% in water absorbing ointments (absorption bases), ointments, hydrophilic, creams, hydrophobic (W/O emulsion ointments), creams, hydrophilic (O/W emulsion ointments) and gels, hydrophilic. Apply thinly to the affected skin areas 1-2 times/day after thorough skin cleansing.2.5% in shampoos.

Cross allergy with benzoic acid derivatives, relevant sensitization risk, erythema, skin peeling, skin irritation especially at the beginning of therapy, phototoxicity. Benzoyl peroxides may also cause contact sensitization in orthopedic implants.

Remember! The application can lead to bleaching of hair and textiles!

Strong sun exposure, application in the area of mucous membranes, allergy to benzoic acid derivatives.

Alkaline substances.

Acne Oxide 5%-10%, Acne Oxide L Suspension, Acne Fug Oxide, Cordes BPO, Clin Oxide, Benzacne, Sanoxit, Panoxyl

Remember! At concentrations of 65-82% benzoyl peroxide the substance is subject to the Explosives Act.

1. Bircher A et al (2012) Allergic complications from orthopaedic joint implants: the role of delayed hypersensitivity to benzoyl peroxide in bone cement. Contact Dermatitis 66: 20-26
2. Felton SJ et al (2013) Benzoyl peroxides in topical acne preparations: an underreported contact allergen? dermatitis 24:146-147
3. Thomas P et al (2013) Characteristics of 200 patients with suspected implant allergy compared to 100 symptom-free arthroplasty patients. Orthopedist 42: 607-613