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Benzoyl Peroxide use while Breastfeeding

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 8, 2025.

Drugs containing Benzoyl Peroxide: Cabtreo, Benzaclin, Epiduo, Twyneo, Brevoxyl, Duac, Epiduo Forte, Benzamycin, PanOxyl, Acne Treatment, Show all 157 »PR Benzoyl Peroxide Wash, Benzac, Pacnex, Epsolay, Oxy-10, Benzac AC, Onexton, Zeroxin, Inova, Breze, Clearskin, Delos, Desquam-E, Riax, BenzePro, Peroxin A, Loroxide, Triaz, Benzac AC Wash, Neuac, Artilis, Peroderm, Adainzde, Adeinzde Gel, Adainzoxia, Aphoria, Oxy Daily Wash, Benzagel-10, Benzagel-5, Acetoxyl, BPO, Acnomel BP 5, BP Wash, Alquam-X Acne Therapy Gel, Fostex BPO, NeoBenz Micro Cream Plus Pack, ACNE MEDICATION 10, SoluCLENZ Rx, ACNE MEDICATION 5, Clinique Acne Solutions Clearing Moisturiser, Neutrogena Clear Pore Daily Scrub, Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask, Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne, Peroderm 7 Wash, PanOxyl 10% Acne Foaming Wash, PanOxyl 4% Acne Creamy Wash, PanOxyl 3% Advanced Acne Spot Treatment, Benprox, BPO 3 Foaming Cloths, Persa-Gel, Desquam-X 10, Benzac W, Desquam-X 5, Lavoclen-4, Persa-Gel W, Lavoclen-8, Benzagel, Clearplex, Peroxin A 10, Desquam-X Wash, Benoxyl 5, Ben-Aqua, Del-Aqua, OC8, Acne-10, Benoxyl 10, Fostex Bar 10%, Fostex Gel 10%, Fostex Wash 10%, Clear By Design, Vanoxide, BPO 6 Foaming Cloths, Oxy Vanishing Gel, BPO 9 Foaming Cloths, Acne-Clear, Seba-Gel, Brevoxyl Creamy Wash, Clinac BPO, Benzagel Wash, Ethexderm, BP Foaming Wash, Oxy 10 Balance, BPO-10 Wash, Zaclir, BPO-5 Wash, Oxy Balance, Benziq LS, Benziq, Benziq Wash, EthexDERM BPW, NeoBenz Micro, Oscion Cleanser, NeoBenz Micro SD, Brevoxyl Acne Wash Kit, Oscion, Lavoclen-4 Creamy Wash, Lavoclen-8 Creamy Wash, Benzashave, Oxy Daily Wash Chill Factor, Oxy Spot Treatment, Dermisa Acne Treatment, Brevoxyl-4, Brevoxyl-8, BP Cleansing Lotion, BenzEFoam Ultra, Binora, BPO Gel, Clearasil DailyClear Vanishing Acne Treatment Cream, RE Benzoyl Peroxide, SE BPO, BPO Foaming Cloths, Acne & Blackhead Terminator, BenzEFoam, Pacnex HP, Pacnex MX Wash, Acne Control Cleanser, Enzoclear Foam, NeoBenz Micro Wash Plus Pack, Acanya, Z-Clinz 5, Z-Clinz 10, Onzdeoxia, Artilis HP, Inzdeoxia Gel, Adermica, Adermica HP, Alomira, Alomira HP, Alomira LP, BenzaClin Carekit, Aktipak, Benzamycin Pak, Bencort, Vanoxide-HC, Cleanse & Treat Plus, Cleanse & Treat, BeyondClear, Inova 4/1, Inova 8/2, Zacare, BPS, Sulfoxyl Regular, Sulfoxyl Strong, NuOx, BPS Gel, ZoDerm Redi-Pads, ZoDerm

Benzoyl Peroxide Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding

Summary of Use during Lactation

Topical benzoyl peroxide has not been studied during breastfeeding. Because only about 5% is absorbed following topical application, it is considered a low risk to the nursing infant.[1,2] Ensure that the infant's skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of skin that have been treated. Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[3]

Drug Levels

Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects in Breastfed Infants

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Alternate Drugs to Consider

(Acne) Azelaic Acid, Clindamycin, Erythromycin, Tretinoin

Does Benzoyl peroxide topical interact with my other drugs?

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References

1.
Leachman SA, Reed BR. The use of dermatologic drugs in pregnancy and lactation. Dermatol Clin 2006;24:167-97. [PubMed: 16677965]
2.
Zip C. Common sense dermatological drug suggestions for women who are breast-feeding. Skin Therapy Lett 2002;7:5-7. [PubMed: 12007012]
3.
Noti A, Grob K, Biedermann M, et al. Exposure of babies to C(15)-C(45) mineral paraffins from human milk and breast salves. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2003;38:317-25. [PubMed: 14623482]

Substance Identification

Substance Name

Benzoyl Peroxide

CAS Registry Number

94-36-0

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Milk, Human

Dermatologic Agents

Peroxides

Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.

Further information

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