benzoyl peroxide

noun

Updated on: 6 Apr 2018

Definition of benzoyl peroxide

: 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

See benzoyl peroxide defined for kids

Recent Examples of benzoyl peroxide from the Web

Overusing topical salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or sulphur over-the-counter treatments can dry out your skin, causing it to produce more oil and possibly blemishes.

— carly cardellino, Cosmopolitan, "13 Surprising Reasons You Keep Breaking Out," 20 Feb. 2018
That may include topical treatments, like retinoids and Rx-strength formulations of salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, as well as oral remedies, like Accutane or antibiotics.

— carolyn l. todd, SELF, "'Bachelor' Star Bekah Martinez Says Hearing Unsolicited Advice About Her Severe Acne Is 'Demoralizing'," 23 Feb. 2018
Klein recommends using a cleanser that contains benzoyl peroxide —it kills the bacteria that can cause standard-issue pimples and butt breakouts.

— kara wahlgren, Seventeen, "5 Things You Need to Know About Butt Pimples," 19 Jan. 2018
Rub it onto wet skin for 20 to 30 seconds to let the five-percent benzoyl peroxide concentration sink into skin before rinsing the formula away.

— devon abelman, Allure, "23 Brand-New Beauty Products Under $20 That We're Already Obsessed With," 9 Jan. 2018
For powerful pimple-fighting effects, derms often prescribe an antibiotic like clindamycin in conjunction with benzoyl peroxide (either separately or in a combination product like Duac or Onexton).

— nicole catanese, Cosmopolitan, "Here's the Differences Between the 6 Most Common Prescription Acne Treatments," 3 Apr. 2016
However, for the time being, Dr. Zeichner advises acne-prone individuals to stick with over-the-counter products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

— alexandra gekas, Woman's Day, "8 Bizarre Beauty Tricks," 9 Nov. 2010
If your skin tends to be oily, choose products with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or glycolic acid.

— christa joanna lee, Teen Vogue, "How To Get Rid of Acne: 20 Tips for Clear Skin," 7 Sep. 2017
Instead of going in hard with your fingernails, treat your zits with an over the counter acne medication or something with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or retinol.

— zoë weiner, Teen Vogue, "How to Keep Your New Year's Beauty Resolutions," 26 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'benzoyl peroxide.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of benzoyl peroxide

1867

Medical Dictionary