Benzoyl Peroxide: Uses, Evidence and Cautions

Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial acne treatment that kills Cutibacterium acnes by oxidation and has a mild pore-clearing effect. Because it is not an antibiotic, bacteria do not develop resistance to it, which is why guidelines often pair it with antibiotics. In Singapore, benzoyl peroxide acne products are generally regulated as medicines.

Key Facts

What it is: An antibacterial acne treatment that kills acne bacteria and helps clear blocked pores without promoting antibiotic resistance.
Also called: BPO; BP
Pairs with: Non-comedogenic moisturiser, sunscreen, topical retinoids (as directed), niacinamide
Who should take care: People with a known allergy to benzoyl peroxide should avoid it; a small number develop allergic contact dermatitis.
In Singapore: Acne products containing benzoyl peroxide are generally regulated as medicines in Singapore rather than cosmetics, and lower-strength gels and washes are usually available from pharmacies.

What is benzoyl peroxide and what does it do?

Benzoyl peroxide releases oxygen-rich free radicals when it contacts the skin, which kill Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria involved in inflammatory acne. Because it works by oxidation rather than as an antibiotic, bacteria do not develop resistance to it, which is why guidelines often pair it with topical or oral antibiotics to reduce resistance. It also has a mild comedolytic effect, helping clear blocked pores. It is used as a wash, gel or cream, in strengths commonly from 2.5% to 10%, and lower strengths often irritate less with similar benefit. It can bleach fabric, towels and hair, so application and laundering need care. [1]

Three small glass ampoules of clear and pale-blue solution standing on white marble

“Benzoyl peroxide kills Cutibacterium acnes by oxidation and is not an antibiotic, so bacteria do not develop resistance to it.”
Dr Sin YongOn benzoyl peroxide versus antibiotics

What does the evidence show?

Benzoyl peroxide is supported by many randomised controlled trials in mild to moderate acne, and the American Academy of Dermatology guidelines strongly recommend it, alone or combined with retinoids or antibiotics. Its role in limiting antibiotic resistance is well established. Evidence for it as a stand-alone treatment in severe or scarring acne is limited, where combination or systemic treatment is usually needed.

Who should avoid benzoyl peroxide?

People with a known allergy to benzoyl peroxide should avoid it; a small number develop allergic contact dermatitis. It commonly causes dryness, peeling and stinging, so very dry or eczema-prone skin may need lower strengths or short-contact washes. Avoid contact with eyes, lips and broken skin. Check with a doctor before using in pregnancy.

Is benzoyl peroxide available in Singapore?

Acne products containing benzoyl peroxide are generally regulated as medicines in Singapore rather than cosmetics, and lower-strength gels and washes are usually available from pharmacies. Combination products with antibiotics or retinoids need a doctor's prescription. It depends on strength and product, so check with a pharmacist or doctor.

If a dark patch, breakout or irritation is not responding to what you are using, the next step is a diagnosis rather than another product. See the Skin A–Z library for related ingredients.

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Questions Patients Actually Ask

What is Benzoyl Peroxide used for?+

An antibacterial acne treatment that kills acne bacteria and helps clear blocked pores without promoting antibiotic resistance.

Who should avoid Benzoyl Peroxide?+

Can Benzoyl Peroxide be combined with other skincare?+

It is commonly paired with Non-comedogenic moisturiser, sunscreen, topical retinoids (as directed), niacinamide; introduce one new active at a time and stop if irritation develops.

Can acne bacteria become resistant to benzoyl peroxide?+

No. Benzoyl peroxide kills Cutibacterium acnes by oxidation and is not an antibiotic, so bacteria do not develop resistance to it. That is why guidelines often pair it with antibiotics. A doctor decides whether a combination is needed.

Can I buy benzoyl peroxide in Singapore without seeing a doctor?+

Acne products containing benzoyl peroxide are generally regulated as medicines in Singapore. Lower-strength gels and washes are usually available from pharmacies. See a doctor if acne is persistent, inflamed or leaving marks, or if you develop an allergic reaction.

Medically reviewed by Dr Sin Yong, MBBS (NUS), MRCS (Edinburgh) · Last updated 7 October 2026 · Editorial policy

Availability in Singapore

Benzoyl peroxide is not a cosmetic skincare ingredient in Singapore: the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive permits it only in professional artificial-nail systems, so acne gels containing it are regulated as medicines rather than cosmetics. Registered gels in strengths from 2.5% to 10% are generally supplied through pharmacies, while combinations with adapalene or clindamycin are prescription-only. Because it bleaches fabric and can irritate, a doctor assesses skin type and acne severity before advising on strength, frequency and whether a prescription combination is needed.