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

Some pimple patches come pre-loaded with active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 20 June 2025

That means any manual exfoliant (like a face scrub), benzoyl peroxide, and—depending on how well your skin can stand up to harsh products—retinol. —Deanna Pai, Glamour, 20 May 2025

Salicylic acid: If your skin isn’t responding to benzoyl peroxide, consider a 2% salicylic acid wash or treatment. —Alisa Hrustic, SELF, 16 June 2025

These include treatments such as retinoids, salicylic acid, azelaic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. —Laura Schober, Health, 22 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for benzoyl peroxide

• acetaldehyde
• acetanilide
• arabinoside
• cycloheximide
• cyclophosphamide
• diethylamide
• dinucleotide
• ferricyanide
• ferrocyanide
• glutaraldehyde
• glyceraldehyde
• hydroperoxide

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

Medical Definition

benzoyl peroxide

noun

: a white crystalline flammable compound C₁₄H₁₀O₄ used in bleaching and in medicine especially in the treatment of acne

Note: Benzoyl peroxide is marketed the trademark Epiduo when used in combination with adapalene.