A drying ingredient with antibacterial properties commonly used for acne.

a strong disinfectant used to help kill bacteria and clear up acne; it can over-dry skin, and should not be used for more than a week at a time.

a white crystalline peroxide used in bleaching (flour or oils or fats) and as a catalyst for free radical reactions

is a common acne treatment. It acts as an exfoliant which removes dead skin cells from the skin's surface, while preventing bacteria from multiplying on the skin. It also helps to prevent the development of new blemishes and clear up ones that are already present. It's the main ingredient in many over the counter acne treatments such as Clearasil and Oxy-10, and non-prescription acne treatments such as Proactiv. It has two methods of action for treating acne: as an exfoliation agent and as an antimicrobial (bacteria reducing) agent.

a powerful oxidant formulated for use in the treatment of acne. When applied daily, benzoyl peroxide diffuses into the skin and kills the bacteria that aggravates the acne problem.

A powerful oxidizing agent that is also used for bleaching. The colour is removed from the pigments naturally present in the flour so that the flour is brightened. Its use is not permitted in the European Union and some other countries.

effective for mild acne in concentrations of 2.5-10%, it kills P. acnes (Propionibacterium acnes) by liberating oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. After 14 days of treatment it reduces 84% of aerobic (require oxygen to live) bacteria and 98% of anaroebic (lives in oxygen deprived environments) bacteria. Caution--some people are allergic to BPO, and it is a sensitizer for the sun.

Is a chemical in the organic peroxide family. Benzoyl peroxide is highly effective in the treatment of most forms of acne. It is typically placed over the affected areas in gel or cream form, in concentrations of 10% and lower.

Chemical used to treat mild or moderate acne. It is available in several forms; liquid cleansers, bar soaps, lotions, and creams.

White, crystalline formula used extensively in the treatment of acne.

another product with antibacterial properties commonly used to treat acne. Sold under a large variety of names.

used to help prevent acne by drying the blemish and reducing acne-causing bacteria

antibacterial agent that kills P. acnes, the germ responsible for acne breakouts. Can be drying and/or irritating. Some develop high skin sensitivity to benzoyl peroxide. Available in both prescription and OTC forms ranging from 2.5 to 10%.

FDA-approved ingredient that is one of the most effective destroyers of the acne-causing bacteria "p. acnes," it removes bacteria and unplugs pores. It is a prescription medicine that can also be sold over the counter at less than 8% strength.

(BP) acts as an antibacterial agent against P. acnes, a bacterium that aggravates acne. Benzoyl peroxide is most effective against inflammatory acne that consists of papules, pustules and cysts. BP causes mild desquamation often with scaliness, peeling and cracking. The drying will not cause wrinkles. Start with the lower strength (2.5% or 5%) preparations first. The stronger strengths (5% & 10%) can be irritating. A gel is usually more drying and stronger than a lotion or a cream. A BP wash is a good way to start verses a BP gel, lotion or cream. Benzoyl peroxide can bleach the clothing or the sheets.

Available in both over-the-counter solutions and prescription treatments, Benzoyl Peroxide works by destroying P. acnes, the bacteria that causes the condition acne. It acts as an antiseptic and oxidizing agent, reducing the number of blocked pores. In 80 years of use, there has been no bacterial resistance to benzoyl peroxide; it is the cornerstone of acne therapy.

An antibacterial medication used to combat the bacteria that aggravate acne.

An oxygen releasing chemical which causes drying, peeling and antibacterial action on the skin. Used for acne lesions, benzoyl peroxide is the number one acne medication recommended by doctors. The release of oxygen is important to combat the anaerobic bacteria present in the acne-affected follicles. The peeling and drying effects peel the acne pustules and open up the comedones.

powerful antibacterial agent that helps kill acne by drying P. acne bacteria on the skin. Peroxide is also used to sanitize open wounds. Can be irritating.

An oxygen-releasing chemical that causes drying, peeling and antibacterial action on the skin. The #1 topical treatment for acne lesions. The release of oxygen is important to combat the anaerobic bacteria present in the acne-affected follicles. The peeling and drying effects peel the acne pustules (vesicles filled with pus) and open up the comedones (non-inflammatory acne lesions, i.e. black heads or white heads).

An antibacterial ingredient commonly used in acne treatments.

Benzoyl peroxide (IPA ) is a chemical in the organic peroxide family. It consists of two benzoyl groups (benzaldehyde with the H of CHO removed) joined by a peroxide group.