Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent used for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris and rosacea. It has been formulated as products with either a single active ingredient, or with erythromycin, clindamycin, or adapalene.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 8 references
Acne vulgaris is caused by inflammation in the pilosebaceous gland. Acne is generally caused by increased excretion of sebum from pilosebaceous glands, endocrine factors such as androgenic hormones, keratin developing around follicles, bacterial growth, and inflammation. These factors contribute to the formation of comedones (whiteheads and blackheads).
The peroxide bond of benzoyl peroxide is cleaved to form 2 benzoyloxy radicals. These radicals interact nonspecifically with bacterial proteins, interfering with their function, and survival of the bacteria. Over time, free radical interactions with bacterial proteins lead to decreased keratin and sebum around follicles.
Benzoyl peroxide can also increase the turnover rate of epithelial cells, leading to skin peeling, and breaking down comedones.
- Primary indication
- Benzoyl peroxide is formulated with antibiotics such as erythromycin and clindamycin for the treatment of acne vulgaris.Curator reviewed · 6 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C14H10O4 · 242.2268 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 1998 · United States, 1984
- Also known as
- Benzoyl benzenecarboperoxoate · Bepio
- Code names
- NSC-671 · NSC-675
- Brand names
Resolves to
OMPJBNCRMGITSC-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESO=C(OOC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1)C1=CC=CC=C1What you can answer from here — as of May 03, 2025
Which drugs share a target with Benzoyl peroxide, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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