Does benzoyl peroxide damage hair?

Keep the treatment on skin, not hair

Keep benzoyl peroxide away from scalp hair, eyebrows and facial hair. When treating acne near your hairline or beard, separate the hair from the skin you need to treat before applying the product. The goal is to treat the affected skin, not recruit the hairline into an accidental colour appointment.2

For a gel that stays on the skin:

1. 1Wash your hands before applying the treatment.
2. 2Gently clean the affected skin and pat it dry.
3. 3Apply a thin layer to the affected skin, keeping the product off nearby hair.
4. 4Wash your hands afterwards so you do not transfer the product when touching your hair.

Does a benzoyl peroxide wash bleach hair too?

Keep a benzoyl peroxide wash off your hair too. The hair bleaching precaution applies to benzoyl peroxide, not just products left on the skin. For a gel wash, wet the affected skin, wash with a small amount for 1 to 2 minutes, then rinse with water and pat dry. Follow your own product's directions if they differ. A wash and a gel are different routines, even if the ingredient name has decided to do all the explaining.2

Benzoyl peroxide can also bleach clothing, towels and bedding. Let the treatment dry completely before treated skin touches those fabrics. Drying is a fabric precaution, not a reason to deliberately apply the treatment to hair.3

Use less irritation, not more treatment

Start with the lowest strength available for your product. Benzoyl peroxide comes in strengths including 2.5%, 5% and 10%; a lower strength still needs to stay off hair. Apply treatment across the affected skin rather than only individual spots. If your skin is easily irritated, introduce treatment gradually, using it every second night before increasing frequency as tolerated. The packet or prescription label takes priority over a general routine.234

Acne treatment takes weeks, not extra product. Benzoyl peroxide usually starts working within 4 weeks, while noticeable improvement can take 6 to 8 weeks. Using more than directed does not make it work faster and increases the risk of side effects. Speak to a pharmacist or GP if acne worsens or has not improved after 12 weeks.25

When should you stop using it?

Dryness, peeling and mild stinging can occur. Reduce application frequency if irritation develops, and seek advice if symptoms are severe or persist. Burning, blistering or swelling need immediate medical advice. Stop using benzoyl peroxide and get urgent help for hives, facial swelling, throat tightness, difficulty breathing or feeling faint.13

Only combine benzoyl peroxide with other acne medicines when your doctor or pharmacist approves. If you are pregnant, check the exact treatment: benzoyl peroxide alone can usually be used, but combinations containing adapalene are not suitable. Seek medical advice for deep, painful spots, scarring or acne that is not responding to treatment.256

Store the product according to its manufacturer's instructions at room temperature or cooler. Replace benzoyl peroxide products every 10 to 12 weeks and discard products exposed to temperatures above 78°F.7