Benzoyl peroxide illustration

Benzoyl Peroxide

ben·zol per·ox·ide

We design your personalised formula using science-backed ingredients.

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First month £24.99 £2.90


Targets

Mild acne


Strength

2.5%

Evidence

See studies

Key benefits

  • Kills bacteria illustration

    Kills bacteria

    Stops growth of acne-causing bacteria.

  • Unclogs blocked pores illustration

    Unclogs blocked pores

    Eliminates blackheads and whiteheads (comedones) as well as pustules by removing plugging in the pores

Start consultation

First month £24.99 £2.90

“Benzoyl peroxide slows bacterial growth, which is fundamental to managing acne breakouts and inflammation.”
Dr Catriona Maybury - Consultant Dermatologist

Dr Catriona Maybury
Consultant Dermatologist

Woman face with applied cream on the cheek

Understanding benzoyl peroxide

  • Part of the organic peroxide family with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory features. It is a common therapy recommended as first line treatment for acne
  • Breaks down and releases oxygen to reduce the growth of propionibacterium acnes, preventing the cause of acne
  • Works well with other ingredients such as our antibiotics or retinoids

Getting into the details

Benzoyl peroxide has a good track record of safety and effectiveness for the treatment of acne. In some cases, effectiveness can be increased if used in combination with antibiotic or retinoid active ingredients.

Show me the studies

0
studies on Benzoyl peroxide

Cutting-edge ingredients require cutting-edge research. Our Clinical Advisory Board and Dermatology Team keep on top of the latest evidence to make sure our personalised formulas are the best they can be.

  • (2000) Topical therapy for acne vulgaris

    Postgraduate Medicine. Betty Anne Johnson MD, PhD & Julia R. Nunley MD. 107:3, 69-80, DOI: 10.3810/pgm.2000.03.945

  • A systematic review of benzoyl peroxide for acne vulgaris

    Journal of Dermatological Treatment 2013. Mohd Nor NH, Aziz Z. 24(5): 377-386

  • A double-blind double-blind group comparison study of the effectiveness of a 3% erythromycin and 5% benzoyl peroxide combination in the treatment of acne vugaris

    J Am Acad Dermatol 1983. Chalker DK, Shalita A, Granham Smith J, et al. 9: 933-6

Before
Dermatica - Deja's before picture
After
Dermatica - Deja's after picture

Deja's journey


Duration 2 months

“My confidence has risen because I finally feel like I have my acne under control.”
Before
Dermatica - Rebecca's before picture
After
Dermatica - Rebecca's after picture

Rebecca's journey


Duration 1 year

“It feels so good looking at my results! I proudly show people my before photos.”

Dermatology, designed for you

Dermatology designed for you
  • A personalised formula, developed by experts

    You’ll get a personalised, evidence-based treatment, tailored to your treatment goals.

  • Delivered to you every 28 days (approx.)

    Your bespoke plan arrives every 28 days (approximately), and adapts to your skin’s progress.

  • 24/7 support

    You’ll have free, unlimited access to dermatology experts, whenever you need.

  • You’re in total control

    You can pause, reschedule or cancel your plan online. No strings attached.

First month £2.90

then £24.99/month

Got questions about benzoyl peroxide?

What is benzoyl peroxide?
Benzoyl peroxide is part of the organic peroxide family with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory features. It can be found in the form of soaps, gels, washes and lotions with concentrations ranging from 1% to 10%. Gel formulations of benzoyl peroxide may be preferred over creams and lotions. It can sometimes be used in combination with other chemicals to help with dry and oily skin and/or with an antibiotic cream such as clindamycin and erythromycin. There have been numerous scientific trials proving effectiveness and safety.
How does benzoyl peroxide work?
When applied to the skin, it breaks down and releases oxygen reducing the growth of propionibacterium acnes, a bacteria associated in the formation of acne. It also increases cell turnaround, removing both mild blackheads and whiteheads (comedones) in the skin.
How should benzoyl peroxide be used?
It should be applied to the entire affected area, usually in the morning and evening. It can be sometimes used in combination with a retinoid or topical antibiotic.
What are the side effects of benzoyl peroxide?
All medications have some side effects so it is important to be aware, however do not be alarmed. The most common side effect is skin irritation. Other side effects include erythema, peeling, and dryness but these can usually be reduced by using lower concentrations.