It is one of the most effective and most widely used drug in acne. It releases free-radical oxygen which destroys bacteria, in particular anaerobic and microaerophilic bacteria.
Although the primary acting mechanism of benzoyl peroxide is its bactericidal action, it also has mild keratolytic and comedolytic properties i.e. it produces mild desquamation, causes shedding of comedone caps and reduces the production of fatty acids in sebum which may act as irritants.
Available as: Topical preparations only, in the form of lotions, gels, creams and washes.
US-FDA Status: Approved for Acne
Availability: Prescription/ OTC
Generic name: benzoyl peroxide
Brand name: Brevoxyl gel
Side-effects: Skin rash, skin irritation, breathing difficulty, hives, tightness in throat
Indicated in pregnancy: Only if benefit outweighs risk to fetus
Alcohol content: Present
