Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 9, 2024.

Applies to benzoyl peroxide topical: topical bar, topical cream, topical foam, topical gel/jelly, topical liquid, topical lotion, topical pad, topical soap, topical solution.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to see if the medicine is working properly and to check for any unwanted effects.

For patients using the Epsolay® topical cream:

• This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Check with your doctor right away if you have chest tightness, cough, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, fast heartbeat, hives, itching, or skin rash, large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs, trouble breathing, or unusual tiredness or weakness.
• Serious skin reactions (eg, skin irritation, contact dermatitis) including pain, irritation, itching, burning, redness, peeling, dryness, scaling, or stinging of the skin can occur during treatment with this medicine. Your doctor may tell you to use a moisturizer to treat skin irritation.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear loose-fitting clothes when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.

During the first 3 weeks you are using benzoyl peroxide, your skin may become irritated. Also, your acne may seem to get worse before it gets better. If your skin problem has not improved within 4 to 6 weeks, check with your doctor.

Certain over-the-counter (OTC) acne products may cause rare and life-threatening allergic reactions. Check with your doctor right away if you have hives, itching, trouble breathing, swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongue, tightness in the throat, or feeling faint while using these acne products.

Do not use an OTC acne product again if you have developed a serious allergic reaction from it.

Avoid using any other topical medicine on the same area within 1 hour before or after using benzoyl peroxide. Otherwise, benzoyl peroxide may not work properly.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it is especially important to avoid using the following skin products on the same area as benzoyl peroxide:

• Any other topical acne product or skin product containing a peeling agent (eg, resorcinol, salicylic acid, sulfur, or tretinoin);
• Hair products that are irritating, such as permanents or hair removal products;
• Skin products that cause sensitivity to the sun, such as those containing lime or spices;
• Skin products containing a large amount of alcohol, such as astringents, shaving creams, or after-shave lotions; or
• Skin products that are too drying or abrasive, such as some cosmetics, soaps, or skin cleansers.

Using these products along with benzoyl peroxide may cause mild to severe irritation of the skin. Although skin irritation can occur, some doctors sometimes allow benzoyl peroxide to be used with tretinoin to treat acne. Usually tretinoin is applied at night so that it doesn't cause a problem with any other topical products that you might use during the day. Check with your doctor before using any other topical medicines with benzoyl peroxide.

Check with your doctor at any time your skin becomes too dry or irritated. Your doctor can help you choose the right skin products for you to reduce skin dryness and irritation.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, benzoyl peroxide topical may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking benzoyl peroxide topical:

Other side effects

Some side effects of benzoyl peroxide topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to benzoyl peroxide topical: compounding powder, topical bar, topical cream, topical foam, topical gel, topical kit, topical liquid, topical lotion, topical pad, topical paste, topical soap.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects were peeling and application site erythema.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Allergic reactions, including application site hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Peeling, application site erythema
• Common (1% to 10%): Dryness, pruritus, contact sensitization reactions
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Burning sensation
• Frequency not reported: Contact dermatitis, application site rash, application site discoloration, application site reactions (irritation and pain)^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Swelling of the face^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• Does doxycycline work for acne?
• Can you buy antibiotics over the counter?

Further information

Benzoyl peroxide topical side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer