Benzoyl Peroxide / Salicylic Acid Topical Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 2, 2025.

Usual Adult Dose for Acne

Benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 4%-1% topical pads and benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 8%-2% topical pads:

• Evening (30 minutes before bedtime): After washing as directed, apply benzoyl peroxide pad to face, distributing medication evenly around the treatment area.
• Morning (before leaving home): After washing as directed, apply salicylic acid pad to face, distributing medication evenly around the treatment area; allow to dry for 3 to 5 minutes.

Benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 5%-2% topical pads: Apply 1 salicylic acid pad and 1 benzoyl peroxide pad to affected areas twice a day or as directed by physician.

Comments:
Benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 4%-1% topical pads and benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 8%-2% topical pads:

• The manufacturer product information should be consulted.
• The skin should be cleansed thoroughly before application of this product.
• The entire affected area should be covered with a thin layer 1 to 3 times a day.
• As excessive drying of the skin may occur, starting with 1 application once a day is recommended; may gradually increase to 2 to 3 times a day if needed or as directed by physician
• Application should be reduced to once a day or every other day if bothersome dryness/peeling occurs; irritation may be reduced by using the product less often or in a lower concentration.
• As a sensitivity test for a new user, may apply sparingly to 1 or 2 small affected areas during the first 3 days; if no discomfort occurs, the recommended directions may be followed.

Benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 5%-2% topical pads:

• This product is a leave-on acne treatment, intended for use without water or additional cleansers unless otherwise directed by physician.

Use: For the topical treatment of acne vulgaris

Usual Pediatric Dose for Acne

12 years or older:

• Benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 5%-2% topical pads: Apply 1 salicylic acid pad and 1 benzoyl peroxide pad to affected areas twice a day or as directed by physician.

Comments:

• This product is a leave-on acne treatment, intended for use without water or additional cleansers unless otherwise directed by physician.

Use: For the topical treatment of acne vulgaris

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
History of hypersensitivity to either active component or to any of the ingredients

Benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 4%-1% topical pads and benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 8%-2% topical pads: Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.
Benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 5%-2% topical pads: This drug is not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• For external use only
• Avoid contact with eyes, lips, and mouth; if accidental contact occurs, rinse the exposed area with water.
• Benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 4%-1% topical pads and benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 8%-2% topical pads: Avoid scrubbing or strong pressure while applying each pad.

General:

• Contact with hair, fabrics, or any colored material may result in bleaching or discoloration.
• Skin irritation and dryness more likely if another topical acne agent is used concurrently; if irritation occurs, use of only 1 topical acne agent is recommended.

Patient advice:

• As benzoyl peroxide may cause bleaching on contact, avoid hair, clothing, and eyes.
• Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and use a sunscreen when in sunlight; if irritation or sensitivity develops, stop this drug and contact physician.
• Discontinue use and notify physician if excessive irritation, scaling, erythema, or edema occurs.

See also:

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer