Benzoyl peroxide vs hydrogen peroxide

What is the difference?

The choice is an acne treatment versus an antiseptic, not a competition to see which bottle sounds more industrial. Choose benzoyl peroxide for pimples; do not replace it with hydrogen peroxide just because both can kill bacteria.16

Why is hydrogen peroxide wrong for acne?

Acne develops when hair follicles become blocked with excess oil and dead skin cells. Bacteria can then grow inside and cause inflammation and pus. Acne involves blocked pores as well as bacteria, so 'kills germs' is a rather short job description for an acne treatment. Hydrogen peroxide also affects the helpful bacteria that support the skin barrier and can cause redness and inflammation. If you have been putting it on pimples, switch to an acne treatment such as benzoyl peroxide instead.16

How do you use benzoyl peroxide?

1. 1Choose the format for the problem. A benzoyl peroxide acne wash is an option for raised pimples and pimples containing pus. A 2.5% spot treatment is another option for an individual pimple.
2. 2Use the product's directions for application. For small, inflamed bumps, washing twice daily with a benzoyl peroxide acne face wash is an option. Do not transfer a wash's schedule to a different gel or spot treatment.
3. 3Avoid scrubbing and squeezing. Scrubbing can irritate skin and worsen acne, while picking or squeezing spots can cause scars.
4. 4Give treatment six to eight weeks before judging the result. If pimples containing pus are not improving by then, see a dermatologist.

For blackheads and whiteheads, a retinoid such as adapalene helps unclog pores, while a benzoyl peroxide wash helps reduce excess acne bacteria. That is a combination approach to two parts of the problem, rather than treating every blemish as a surface germ.3

Does stronger benzoyl peroxide work better?

A 12 week trial in Japanese patients tested benzoyl peroxide gels applied once daily. The median reduction in inflamed acne lesions was 72.7% with 2.5% gel and 75.0% with 5% gel, compared with 41.7% with the gel base alone. Both strengths helped, with similar results. Adverse effects were more frequent with benzoyl peroxide than with the gel base, and were mild or moderate. The trial schedule applies to those gels, not automatically to every acne wash.4

What if you meant cleaning a cut?

For routine cleaning of a minor cut or scrape, use mild soap and water around the wound, then gently rinse the wound with clear, warm running water. Hydrogen peroxide can irritate the wound and delay healing. Although some hydrogen peroxide medicines have directed uses for minor injuries, that does not make peroxide the preferred everyday wound cleaner. Never pour peroxide into deep wounds or large burns; get medical care instead.257

When should you get help?

Get medical help for deep, painful acne, scarring, or spots that do not improve with treatment. If hydrogen peroxide causes a rash, hives or swelling, stop using it and seek medical advice. Before using hydrogen peroxide medication, tell your care team if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding, and ask before applying other skin products to the same area.56