Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) is an organic compound in the peroxide family. It consists of two benzoyl groups bridged by a peroxide link. Its structural formula is [C₆H₅C(O)]₂O₂. It is one of the most important organic peroxides in terms of applications and the scale of its production. Benzoyl peroxide is used as an acne treatment, for bleaching flour, hair and teeth, for cross-linking polyester resins, and for many other purposes.

It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system.

Uses

Most benzoyl peroxide is used as a radical initiator to induce polymerizations. Other major applications include its antiseptic and bleaching properties.

Acne treatment

Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) is effective for reducing the number and severity of acne lesions. BPO has a bactericidal effect on Propionibacterium acnes bacteria associated with acne and does not induce antibiotic resistance. It may be combined with salicylic acid, sulfur, erythromycin or clindamycin (antibiotics), or adapalene (a synthetic retinoid). Two common combination drugs include benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin and adapalene/benzoyl peroxide, an unusual formulation considering most retinoids are deactivated by peroxides. Combination products such as benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide/salicylic acid appear to be slightly more effective than benzoyl peroxide alone for the treatment of acne lesions.