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Benzoyl Peroxide Topical
Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and promotes skin cell turnover by generating reactive oxygen species.
Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and promotes skin cell turnover by generating reactive oxygen species. Used for Acne vulgaris (mild to moderate), Acne rosacea (adjunctive use).
At a glance
| Generic name | Benzoyl Peroxide Topical |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University of Missouri-Columbia |
| Drug class | Topical antimicrobial and keratolytic agent |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Dermatology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical antimicrobial and keratolytic agent that works through oxidative decomposition to produce benzoic acid and oxygen radicals. These reactive oxygen species are bactericidal against Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes), the primary pathogenic bacterium in acne. Additionally, it promotes desquamation and reduces comedone formation by increasing skin cell turnover.
Approved indications
- Acne vulgaris (mild to moderate)
- Acne rosacea (adjunctive use)
Common side effects
- Skin irritation and erythema
- Dryness and peeling
- Contact dermatitis
- Bleaching of hair or fabrics
Key clinical trials
- Topical 5% Spironolactone Gel Versus 0.1% Adapalene Gel for Acne Vulgaris: A Randomized Split-Face Study (PHASE2)
- Evaluation of Topical Dutasteride as a Potential New Therapy for Facial Acne Vulgaris Versus the Triple Combination Therapy (Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2%, Benzoyl Peroxide 3.1%, and Adapalene 0.15% Gel) (NA)
- Clindamycin Phosphate, Adapalene, and Benzoyl Peroxide Triple Combination Gel in Canadian Patients With Acne Vulgaris
- Auricular Acupressure Combined With Adapalene for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris (NA)
- Experience With Topical Acne Treatment (EARLY_PHASE1)
- An Observational Clinical Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of the CeraVe Skin Care Line
- Efficacy, Safety Profile, and Post-Acne Sequelae of 0.025% Retinoic Acid Cream vs. 0.1% Adapalene Cream in Mild Acne Vulgaris in Fitzpatrick Skin Types III-V (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Efficacy and Tolerability of DispersinB Acne Cleanser in the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Acne Vulgaris (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Benzoyl Peroxide Topical CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Benzoyl Peroxide Topical updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Missouri-Columbia portfolio CI