benzoyl peroxide

noun

|Updated on: 14 Jun 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

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Recent Examples of benzoyl peroxide from the Web

Another remedy that was popular both then and now is the use of benzoyl peroxide, which was used in the form of an ointment in the 1930s and since has become a fixture in a plethora of acne-fighting products.

— kaleigh fasanella, Allure, "Watch 100 Years of Acne Treatment History in Just 4 Minutes," 26 Apr. 2018
If you’ve never used benzoyl peroxide before, introduce it to your routine once every three days before using it nightly.

— ruby buddemeyer, Marie Claire, "Behold: The 5 Most Likely Causes for Those Random Red Spots on Your Skin," 14 Feb. 2018
One study even found that anti-microbial tea tree oil was as powerful as benzoyl peroxide in treating acne.

— allison young, Good Housekeeping, "6 Ways You Can Use Essential Oils To Treat And Prevent Acne Naturally," 8 Nov. 2017
Most spot treatments contain varying percentages of either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide as active ingredients.

— sophie wirt, Allure, "The 14 Best Acne Spot Treatments That Get Rid of Pimples Fast," 25 Apr. 2018
That includes looking for products that have ingredients such benzoyl peroxide, which kills bacteria, and salicylic acid, which can help unclog pores, Dr. Goldenberg says.

— korin miller, SELF, "This College Student Is Using Selfies to Help Normalize Acne," 25 Jan. 2018
Dab a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment on an ingrown hair.

— nicole catanese, Cosmopolitan, "The 8 Most Annoying Skin Problems Every Girl Deals With," 24 Aug. 2017
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

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

in the meaning defined above

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