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Topical bactericidal / Anti-acne (keratolytic)

Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5–10%

Brand names: PanOxyl (2.5%, 5%, 10% gel/wash), Brevoxyl (4% cream), Duac (benzoyl peroxide 5% + clindamycin 1% — combination)

Benzoyl peroxide is a topical agent used for mild-to-moderate acne, available alone and in fixed combinations with antibiotics or retinoids.

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 oxygen radicals that are bactericidal against Cutibacterium acnes and also has mild keratolytic and comedolytic activity, and importantly reduces the emergence of antibiotic resistance.

Prescribing in practice

  • It bleaches hair, clothing, bedding and towels, so warn patients to avoid contact with coloured fabrics and to use white linen.
  • Local irritation, dryness and peeling are common; start at a lower strength or reduced frequency and build up to improve tolerability.
  • Combining with a topical or oral antibiotic helps limit antibiotic resistance compared with antibiotic monotherapy.

Monitoring

Assess response and skin tolerability clinically; no laboratory monitoring is needed.

Counselling the patient

  • Be aware that it can bleach towels, bedding and coloured clothing.
  • Expect some dryness and peeling at first, which usually eases with continued use.
  • Apply to the whole affected area rather than just individual spots.

Evidence & guidelines

Benzoyl peroxide is recommended in NICE guidance on acne vulgaris as a component of first-line topical treatment regimens.

Reference: BAD Acne Guidelines 2021; NICE CG184; 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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