Ingredients / Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide

An antimicrobial ingredient with strong evidence for acne. Can cause dryness and bleaching.

Understanding evidence levels
In VitroCell or tissue culture experiments — no human or animal data.
Ex VivoSkin model or tissue experiments — not in living humans.
Animal StudyResults in animals only — may or may not translate to humans.
Small Human StudySmall or uncontrolled human study — preliminary results.
Controlled TrialControlled human study (often randomized) — stronger evidence.
Systematic ReviewSummary and analysis of existing published studies.
Meta-AnalysisStatistical pooling of results from multiple studies.
GuidelineProfessional guidance or consensus statement from a dermatology society.

Research findings(12)

Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Controlled TrialControlled human study, often randomized. Stronger evidence.Redness / Facial RednessPublished: August 1, 2025

Microencapsulated Benzoyl Peroxide May Help Improve Rosacea Symptoms

A small study looked at how a specific type of benzoyl peroxide, microencapsulated, affects the skin microbiome and rosacea symptoms in people with facial rosacea. Researchers found that using this type of benzoyl peroxide may lead to improvements in rosacea symptoms, but the study was short and more research is needed. The study also found that the skin microbiome changed in response to the treatment, but it's not clear if this is a cause or effect.

Why it matters: Understanding how different treatments affect the skin microbiome and rosacea symptoms may help develop more effective treatments for this condition.

This study had a short duration and a small sample size of 31 participants, which may not fully capture the long-term effects and durability of microencapsulated benzoyl peroxide in real-world clinical practice.

PubMed
Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Systematic ReviewSummary and analysis of existing published studies.AcnePublished: April 14, 2025

Cosmetic Dermatologists Recommend Top Skincare Ingredients

Researchers studied which skincare ingredients are recommended by cosmetic dermatologists for common skin concerns like fine lines, acne, and dry skin. A panel of dermatologists narrowed down a list of 318 ingredients to 23, which they agreed are most useful. These ingredients include azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and vitamin C.

Why it matters: This study may help consumers understand which skincare ingredients are backed by expert opinion and have some scientific evidence to support their use.

Some ingredients were based on expert opinion rather than published evidence, and the study did not evaluate the effectiveness of these ingredients in real-world use.

PubMed
Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Controlled TrialControlled human study, often randomized. Stronger evidence.Rosacea-Prone SkinPublished: October 1, 2024

Encapsulated Benzoyl Peroxide May Help Elderly Rosacea Patients

Researchers studied a cream containing encapsulated benzoyl peroxide to treat rosacea in people under and over 65. They found that the cream may be effective in reducing symptoms in both age groups. However, more research is needed to confirm these results.

Why it matters: This study may help skincare professionals understand how to treat rosacea in elderly patients more effectively.

This analysis pooled results from two 12-week trials with 733 subjects, but the study did not compare encapsulated benzoyl peroxide to nonencapsulated BPO.

PubMed
Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Controlled TrialControlled human study, often randomized. Stronger evidence.Redness / Facial RednessPublished: August 1, 2024

Topical Benzoyl Peroxide May Help Improve Rosacea Symptoms

A small study looked at how a specific type of benzoyl peroxide cream affected the skin microbiome and symptoms of rosacea. Researchers found that after eight weeks of treatment, the cream reduced certain types of bacteria and improved symptoms such as redness and inflammation. However, the study had some limitations and more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Why it matters: Understanding how to manage rosacea symptoms and maintain a healthy skin microbiome is important for people with this condition.

This study had a small sample size and only used surface-swabs for microbiome sampling, which may not provide a complete picture of the skin microbiome. Additionally, the study was conducted for a relatively short duration of eight weeks.

PubMed
Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Systematic ReviewSummary and analysis of existing published studies.AcnePublished: January 9, 2024

Rosacea Management Gaps Identified in New Research

Researchers reviewed current guidance on managing rosacea, a chronic inflammatory skin disease. They identified gaps in knowledge and highlighted effective treatment options, including microencapsulated benzoyl peroxide and minocycline foam. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind rosacea.

Why it matters: Understanding rosacea management may help improve treatment options for people living with this common skin condition.

The mechanisms underlying rosacea development are still not completely understood, and the study's findings are based on a review of existing guidance rather than new clinical trials.

PubMed
Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Systematic ReviewSummary and analysis of existing published studies.Redness / Facial RednessPublished: October 12, 2023

New Treatments for Rosacea May Help Manage Symptoms

Researchers reviewed recent studies on rosacea treatments, including new options like microencapsulated benzoyl peroxide cream, minocycline foam, and topical ivermectin cream. These treatments may help reduce symptoms like redness, inflammation, and acne-like lesions. However, more research is needed to understand their effectiveness and potential side effects.

Why it matters: Understanding new treatments for rosacea may help people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

The review covers a range of studies, including small human trials and ongoing clinical trials, but notes that the clinical pipeline for rosacea appears limited and that there are important unmet needs for patients with more recalcitrant rosacea or phymatous disease.

PubMed
Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Controlled TrialControlled human study, often randomized. Stronger evidence.Rosacea-Prone SkinPublished: January 1, 2023

Epsolay Cream May Help Reduce Rosacea Symptoms

Researchers studied Epsolay cream, a topical treatment containing microencapsulated benzoyl peroxide, for its effectiveness in treating moderate to severe papulopustular rosacea. The small study found that Epsolay cream decreased, and in some cases cleared, papules, pustules, and telangiectasias associated with rosacea. It was also well-tolerated with minimal adverse effects.

Why it matters: Understanding the potential benefits of Epsolay cream may help individuals with rosacea find alternative treatment options.

A small study was conducted, and the duration of the study is not specified in the abstract.

PubMed
Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Systematic ReviewSummary and analysis of existing published studies.AcnePublished: January 1, 2023

Benzoyl Peroxide's 60-Year History in Dermatology

Benzoyl peroxide has been used to treat acne for over 60 years and has recently been approved for rosacea. Researchers found ways to improve its tolerability and effectiveness. This may help with skin conditions that were previously difficult to treat.

Why it matters: Understanding benzoyl peroxide's history and advancements may help people with skin conditions make informed decisions about their treatment options.

This review discusses historical data and recent advances, but does not present new research findings.

PubMed
Small Human StudySmall or uncontrolled human study. Results are preliminary.AcnePublished: September 24, 2022

Benzoyl Peroxide in Over-the-Counter Acne Products: Safety Review

Researchers studied adverse event reports from over-the-counter acne products containing benzoyl peroxide. They found that skin irritation and other adverse events occurred in a small percentage of users. The study suggests that the risk of using these products is low.

Why it matters: Understanding the safety of over-the-counter acne products can help individuals make informed decisions about their skincare routines.

This study was based on reports from a specific pharmaceutical company and may not be representative of all benzoyl peroxide products. The sample size was relatively small, with 558 adverse event reports collected over 20 years.

PubMed
Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Controlled TrialControlled human study, often randomized. Stronger evidence.AcnePublished: April 19, 2022

Probiotic Lotion May Help with Mild to Moderate Acne

A small study looked at whether a lotion made from a probiotic called Lactobacillus paracasei can help with mild to moderate acne. Researchers found that the lotion reduced inflammation and redness in acne lesions, but did not affect blackheads. The lotion had fewer side effects than a common acne treatment.

Why it matters: This study may help us understand new ways to treat acne, a common skin condition.

This study had a small sample size of 104 patients and only lasted for four weeks. More research is needed to confirm these findings.

PubMed
Small Human StudySmall or uncontrolled human study. Results are preliminary.Redness / Facial RednessPublished: January 4, 2022

Long-term topical steroid use linked to unusual skin condition

A 50-year-old woman developed unusual skin nodules on one cheek after using topical steroids for 4 years. Researchers found that stopping the steroid and treating the area with benzoyl peroxide helped improve the condition. The case highlights the importance of proper use of topical steroids and the need for further investigation into the condition.

Why it matters: This case may help skincare professionals understand the potential risks of long-term topical steroid use and the importance of proper application.

This study involved a single case and a small sample size, so its findings may not be generalizable to other individuals.

PubMed
Notable findingA finding from a controlled trial, systematic review, or meta-analysis with noteworthy results.Controlled TrialControlled human study, often randomized. Stronger evidence.AcnePublished: January 1, 2022

Intense Pulsed Light vs. Benzoyl Peroxide for Acne Treatment

A small study compared intense pulsed light therapy to benzoyl peroxide for treating facial acne. Researchers found that intense pulsed light may be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for inflammatory facial acne, similar to benzoyl peroxide. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Why it matters: This study may help skincare professionals understand alternative treatments for acne, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

A small sample size of 47 patients was used, and follow-up was only done 3 weeks after the end of treatment.

PubMed