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Topical anti-acne (oxidising / antibacterial / keratolytic)

Benzoyl peroxide

Brand names: Acnecide, PanOxyl, Epiduo (with adapalene), Duac (with clindamycin)

Benzoyl peroxide is a topical keratolytic and antibacterial agent widely used for mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It releases reactive oxygen species that are bactericidal against Cutibacterium acnes, with additional keratolytic and comedolytic effects and no associated bacterial resistance.

Prescribing in practice

  • It bleaches hair and dyed fabrics, so warn patients to avoid contact with clothing, towels, bedding and hair.
  • Skin irritation, dryness and peeling are common, so start at a lower strength or reduced frequency if poorly tolerated.
  • Avoid contact with the eyes, lips and mucous membranes.

Monitoring

No laboratory monitoring is required; assess skin tolerability and acne response clinically.

Counselling the patient

  • It can bleach coloured clothing, towels, bedding and hair.
  • Some dryness, redness and peeling is expected, especially when starting.
  • Use sun protection, as skin may be more sensitive to sunlight.

Evidence & guidelines

NICE recommends benzoyl peroxide-containing regimens as first-line options for acne vulgaris.

Reference: SmPC Acnecide / Duac / Epiduo; NICE NG198 (Acne 2021); BAD Acne Guideline; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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