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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

Prescription topical: a pea-sized amount of 0.025%-0.1% cream or gel applied to clean, dry skin once nightly. Start low-strength and every-other-night to build tolerance. A prescription drug used under clinician direction — not a supplement regimen.

Before bed

Topical cream or gel, 0.025%-0.1% (prescription)

• 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)

• Pregnancy and planning pregnancy (topical retinoid — avoid)
• Breastfeeding (avoid application near areas of infant contact)
• Eczema / rosacea-prone or broken/sunburned skin (irritation)

• Benzoyl peroxide
• Other topical exfoliants (AHAs / BHAs, abrasives)
• Photosensitizing drugs