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Topical OTC use. Benzoyl peroxide is used at 2.5-10% in gels, creams, and washes, applied to acne-prone areas once or twice daily; lower strengths (2.5-5%) are usually as effective as 10% with less irritation. There is no oral or systemic dose — it is not ingested. It is often combined with a retinoid (e.g. adapalene) for greater effect. This library does not provide an ingestion protocol.

Any time

Leave-on gel/cream (2.5-5%) or a fixed combination with a retinoid

Topical cosmetic only. Acne trials used a 5% tea tree oil gel applied to affected areas (typically twice daily). Avoid undiluted (100%) application, which is more irritating and sensitizing. Patch-test first, and use fresh, properly stored product (oxidized oil raises allergy risk). There is no oral or systemic dose — it is not ingested (and tea tree oil is toxic if swallowed). This library does not provide an ingestion protocol.

Any time

5% tea tree oil gel (the trial-tested strength)

• For topical (skin) use only — not for ingestion, not for injection
• Known allergy/sensitivity to benzoyl peroxide (true allergic contact dermatitis is uncommon but possible)
• Application to broken, severely inflamed, or sunburned skin until healed

• Topical retinoids degraded by oxidation (some tretinoin formulations)
• Other irritating actives (acids, other retinoids)

• For topical (skin) use only — NEVER ingest (tea tree oil is toxic if swallowed)
• Known allergy/sensitivity to tea tree oil or other essential oils
• Undiluted application to skin (higher irritation/sensitization risk)

• Other topical actives (benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, acids)