benzoyl peroxide

noun

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

Examples of benzoyl peroxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Enter Glossier’s Zit Stick, a portable pen equipped with an antimicrobial stainless steel tip, that will deliver a spot-shrinking dose of benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, and salicylic acid derivative—no filter required. — Zoe Ruffner, Vogue, "9 Fall Skin-Care Products For a Filter-Free Glow," 27 Sep. 2018 The 1990 study specifically compared tea tree oil to benzoyl peroxide, another very common antibacterial acne treatment. — Ashley Weatherford, The Cut, "A Guide to Megan Markle’s Favorite Anti-Acne Oil," 13 July 2018 Rather than largely drying out the spot, like many traditional Western acne ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide, these cure while creating an optimal environment of balanced moisturization. — Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "This New Acne Patch Can Make Breakouts Vanish Overnight," 4 Aug. 2018 According to the American Academy of Dermatology, benzoyl peroxide can remove the bacteria that causes acne. — Janell M. Hickman, Seventeen, "5 Life-Changing Skincare Tricks Women of Color Need To Know," 1 Jan. 2018 Rather than squeezing, soak a cotton swab in benzoyl peroxide and dab it on the zit. — Janell M. Hickman, Seventeen, "5 Life-Changing Skincare Tricks Women of Color Need To Know," 1 Jan. 2018 In terms of topicals, you may be instructed to use benzoyl peroxide (at an Rx strength), topical antibiotics, topical retinoids (like Tazorac, or Retin-A), or topical dapsone, like Aczone. — Karina Hoshikawa, Teen Vogue, "Chin Acne: How to Cure and Prevent It," 1 June 2018 On the flip side, a 2006 study observed how benzoyl peroxide is nearly twice as irritating as tea tree oil. — Ashley Weatherford, The Cut, "A Guide to Megan Markle’s Favorite Anti-Acne Oil," 13 July 2018 For example, retinol and other exfoliating ingredients—salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and benzoyl peroxide—should not be used at the same time because the skin can get really dry. — Rachel Jacoby Zoldan, SELF, "The 9 Best Skin-Care Tips I’ve Learned in 10 Years of Being a Beauty Editor," 13 July 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.