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Benzoyl Peroxide
At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about benzoyl peroxide. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
Important: Benzoyl peroxide is an over-the-counter (OTC) acne drug ingredient in the United States. Any ORY® product that contains it is an OTC drug, not a cosmetic, and carries an FDA Drug Facts label. Always follow the Drug Facts label.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most studied acne ingredients available without a prescription. FDA permits it as an OTC acne drug active at 2.5% to 10%. It helps clear acne blemishes and helps prevent new ones. ORY® products that contain it are OTC acne drugs with a Drug Facts label. |
Verification: Supported. FDA’s acne drug rule lists benzoyl peroxide at 2.5–10% as an approved active ingredient. The 2024 American Academy of Dermatology acne guideline strongly recommends benzoyl peroxide as a treatment for acne.
Citations:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 333, Subpart D — Topical acne drug products for over-the-counter human use. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-333/subpart-D
- What it shows: FDA rule listing benzoyl peroxide 2.5–10% as an OTC acne active, with required labeling and warnings.
- Reynolds, R. V., Yeung, H., Cheng, C. E., et al. (2024). Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 90(5), 1006.e1–1006.e30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2023.12.017
- What it shows: AAD guideline: strong recommendation for benzoyl peroxide in acne care.
- Sagransky, M., Yentzer, B. A., & Feldman, S. R. (2009). Benzoyl peroxide: A review of its current use in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, 10(15), 2555–2562. https://doi.org/10.1517/14656560903277228
- What it shows: Review of how benzoyl peroxide works and how it is used.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 333, Subpart D — Topical acne drug products for over-the-counter human use. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-333/subpart-D
2. Composition and Production
Claim: Benzoyl peroxide (C₁₄H₁₀O₄) is a synthetic organic peroxide. It is supplied wetted with water for safe handling and is dispersed, not dissolved, in gels, creams, lotions, and washes. On the skin it breaks down and releases oxygen. |
Verification: Supported. Its chemistry and oxidizing action are well documented.
Citations:
- Sagransky, M., Yentzer, B. A., & Feldman, S. R. (2009). Benzoyl peroxide: A review of its current use in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, 10(15), 2555–2562. https://doi.org/10.1517/14656560903277228
- What it shows: Describes benzoyl peroxide’s chemistry, formulations, and oxidizing mechanism.
- Sagransky, M., Yentzer, B. A., & Feldman, S. R. (2009). Benzoyl peroxide: A review of its current use in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, 10(15), 2555–2562. https://doi.org/10.1517/14656560903277228
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Benzoyl peroxide is for acne-prone skin, including oily and combination skin. It is not recommended for very sensitive skin. Lower strengths (2.5%) can work well with less irritation. |
Verification: Supported. A comparison study found 2.5% benzoyl peroxide was about as effective as 5% and 10% for inflammatory acne, with less irritation. FDA labeling states not to use it on very sensitive skin.
Citations:
- Mills, O. H., Kligman, A. M., Pochi, P., & Comite, H. (1986). Comparing 2.5%, 5%, and 10% benzoyl peroxide on inflammatory acne vulgaris. International Journal of Dermatology, 25(10), 664–667. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-4362.1986.tb04534.x
- What it shows: Human study comparing 2.5%, 5%, and 10% strengths on inflammatory acne.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 333, Subpart D — Topical acne drug products for over-the-counter human use. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-333/subpart-D
- What it shows: Required warning: do not use if you have very sensitive skin.
- Mills, O. H., Kligman, A. M., Pochi, P., & Comite, H. (1986). Comparing 2.5%, 5%, and 10% benzoyl peroxide on inflammatory acne vulgaris. International Journal of Dermatology, 25(10), 664–667. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-4362.1986.tb04534.x
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: Benzoyl peroxide is not used in ORY® Haircare because it can bleach hair. |
Verification: Not applicable. FDA-required labeling warns that benzoyl peroxide may bleach hair and dyed fabrics.
Citations:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 333, Subpart D — Topical acne drug products for over-the-counter human use. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-333/subpart-D
- What it shows: Required warning about bleaching hair and dyed fabrics.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 333, Subpart D — Topical acne drug products for over-the-counter human use. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-333/subpart-D
5. Benefits
Claim: Benzoyl peroxide helps clear acne blemishes, pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads, and helps prevent new acne blemishes. Acne bacteria are not known to develop resistance to it, which is why dermatologists pair it with antibiotic acne treatments. |
Verification: Supported. Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-related bacteria through oxidation. The AAD guideline recommends using it with topical or oral antibiotics to limit antibiotic resistance.
Citations:
- Sagransky, M., Yentzer, B. A., & Feldman, S. R. (2009). Benzoyl peroxide: A review of its current use in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, 10(15), 2555–2562. https://doi.org/10.1517/14656560903277228
- What it shows: Summarizes antibacterial action and the lack of bacterial resistance.
- Reynolds, R. V., Yeung, H., Cheng, C. E., et al. (2024). Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 90(5), 1006.e1–1006.e30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2023.12.017
- What it shows: Guideline recommending benzoyl peroxide, including alongside antibiotics.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 333, Subpart D — Topical acne drug products for over-the-counter human use. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-333/subpart-D
- What it shows: The approved indication statements for OTC acne products.
- Sagransky, M., Yentzer, B. A., & Feldman, S. R. (2009). Benzoyl peroxide: A review of its current use in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, 10(15), 2555–2562. https://doi.org/10.1517/14656560903277228
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Benzoyl peroxide is used only in ORY® Skincare acne treatment products. |
Verification: Supported. It is an OTC drug ingredient that bleaches hair, pigments, and fabric, so it has no role in haircare, soap, or cosmetics.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 2.5–10% (2.5–5% preferred) | OTC acne gels, creams, spot treatments, and short-contact washes, labeled with Drug Facts. |
| Haircare | Not used | Bleaches hair. |
| Handmade Soap | Not used | Unstable in soap chemistry; soap is not an OTC drug format ORY® makes. |
| Cosmetics | Not used | Bleaches pigments and fabrics; not a cosmetic ingredient. |
Citations:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 333, Subpart D — Topical acne drug products for over-the-counter human use. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-333/subpart-D
- What it shows: Permitted concentration range (2.5–10%) and labeling rules.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 333, Subpart D — Topical acne drug products for over-the-counter human use. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-333/subpart-D
7. Pros
Claim: Well-studied, available without a prescription, no known bacterial resistance, and works alongside other acne treatments. |
Verification: Supported. Supported by the AAD guideline and published reviews.
Citations:
- Reynolds, R. V., Yeung, H., Cheng, C. E., et al. (2024). Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 90(5), 1006.e1–1006.e30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2023.12.017
- What it shows: Guideline evidence summary.
- Sagransky, M., Yentzer, B. A., & Feldman, S. R. (2009). Benzoyl peroxide: A review of its current use in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, 10(15), 2555–2562. https://doi.org/10.1517/14656560903277228
- What it shows: Review of efficacy and use.
- Reynolds, R. V., Yeung, H., Cheng, C. E., et al. (2024). Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 90(5), 1006.e1–1006.e30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2023.12.017
8. Cons
Claim: Benzoyl peroxide can irritate, bleaches fabric and hair, must be sold as an OTC drug, and needs cool storage. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Irritation. Dryness, peeling, redness, and stinging are common, especially at higher strengths.
- Bleaching. It can bleach towels, pillowcases, clothing, and hair.
- Storage matters. In 2025, FDA tested 95 benzoyl peroxide acne products and found elevated benzene in 6, leading to voluntary recalls. FDA said the cancer risk from these products is very low and advised discarding products past their expiration date. ORY® advises storing products cool and using them before expiration.
- Allergy. A small percentage of people develop an allergic reaction.
- Mixing. It can break down some other ingredients, such as retinol and vitamin C, when applied at the same time.
Citations:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2025, March 11). Limited number of voluntary recalls initiated after FDA testing of acne products for benzene; findings show… https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-alerts-and-statements/limited-number-voluntary-recalls-initiated-after-fda-testing-acne-products-benzene-findings-show
- What it shows: FDA test results and recalls related to benzene in some benzoyl peroxide products.
- Sagransky, M., Yentzer, B. A., & Feldman, S. R. (2009). Benzoyl peroxide: A review of its current use in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, 10(15), 2555–2562. https://doi.org/10.1517/14656560903277228
- What it shows: Irritation and allergic reactions.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 333, Subpart D — Topical acne drug products for over-the-counter human use. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-333/subpart-D
- What it shows: Required irritation and bleaching warnings.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2025, March 11). Limited number of voluntary recalls initiated after FDA testing of acne products for benzene; findings show… https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-alerts-and-statements/limited-number-voluntary-recalls-initiated-after-fda-testing-acne-products-benzene-findings-show
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Read and follow the Drug Facts label. |
Verification: Supported. The FDA-required warnings for benzoyl peroxide products are listed below the disclaimer on this page.
Citations:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 333, Subpart D — Topical acne drug products for over-the-counter human use. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-333/subpart-D
- What it shows: Source of required warnings and directions.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 333, Subpart D — Topical acne drug products for over-the-counter human use. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-333/subpart-D
Before you use a benzoyl peroxide product
- Do not use if you have very sensitive skin or are sensitive to benzoyl peroxide.
- When using this product, avoid unnecessary sun exposure and use a sunscreen; avoid contact with the eyes, lips, and mouth; and avoid contact with hair and dyed fabrics, which may be bleached.
- Skin irritation may occur, such as redness, burning, itching, peeling, or swelling. Using the product less often or at a lower strength may reduce irritation.
- Stop use and ask a doctor if irritation becomes severe.
- Storage: Keep in a cool place away from heat and light, and do not use after the expiration date.
10. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Mills, O. H., Kligman, A. M., Pochi, P., & Comite, H. (1986). Comparing 2.5%, 5%, and 10% benzoyl peroxide on inflammatory acne vulgaris. International Journal of Dermatology, 25(10), 664–667. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-4362.1986.tb04534.x
- Reynolds, R. V., Yeung, H., Cheng, C. E., et al. (2024). Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 90(5), 1006.e1–1006.e30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2023.12.017
- Sagransky, M., Yentzer, B. A., & Feldman, S. R. (2009). Benzoyl peroxide: A review of its current use in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, 10(15), 2555–2562. https://doi.org/10.1517/14656560903277228
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 333, Subpart D — Topical acne drug products for over-the-counter human use. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-333/subpart-D
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2025, March 11). Limited number of voluntary recalls initiated after FDA testing of acne products for benzene; findings show… https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-alerts-and-statements/limited-number-voluntary-recalls-initiated-after-fda-testing-acne-products-benzene-findings-show