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benzoyl peroxide
noun
: a colorless to white crystalline compound C14H10O4 that is used as a bleaching agent (as for whitening flour), as a catalyst for the synthesis of polymers (such as polystyrene), and medically as an antibacterial and keratolytic agent especially for the topical treatment of acne
Examples of benzoyl peroxide in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For inflamed acne, a cleanser with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid may help.
—Angela Palmer Updated, Verywell Health, 16 Apr. 2024
But Nazarian doubts a recall for benzoyl peroxide acne products is coming.
—Kayla Hui, Verywell Health, 18 Mar. 2024
Just know that there’s no solid scientific evidence to suggest that benzoyl peroxide acne products cause cancer.
—Jessica Chia, SELF, 12 Mar. 2024
The two most common over-the-counter ingredients for spot treatments are benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.
—Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2024
Some treatment ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and vitamin C do not always interact well with other ingredients and thus need to be applied in a specific order to minimize side effects like dryness and flaking and maximize results.
—Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024
Topical acne creams with benzoyl peroxide or trentinoin ingredients are typically the first-line treatment for all types of acne.
—Casey Gallagher, Verywell Health, 2 Mar. 2024
The benzoyl peroxide helps blast away some of the harmful bacteria that can lead to a cycle of acne—just be sure to follow up with proper hydration to keep the skin barrier intact.
—Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 26 Feb. 2024
CeraVe has a dedicated Acne-Prone line formulated with breakout-targeting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, exfoliating glycolic and lactic acid, as well as ceramide-rich moisturizers to repair the skin barrier.
—Lindsay Colameo, Peoplemag, 30 Aug. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'benzoyl peroxide.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1867, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near benzoyl peroxide
Cite this Entry
“Benzoyl peroxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benzoyl%20peroxide. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
Kids Definition
benzoyl peroxide
noun
ben·zo·yl peroxide
ˈben-zə-ˌwil-,
-ˌzȯil-
: a white crystalline compound used in bleaching and in medicine especially in the treatment of acne
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