💠 Benzoyl Peroxide Gel 2.5% – 5%
🔹 1. Prescription / Indication:
Benzoyl Peroxide Gel is a topical antibacterial and keratolytic agent, commonly prescribed or available over-the-counter for:
- Mild to moderate acne vulgaris
- Comedonal acne (whiteheads & blackheads)
- Inflammatory acne (papules & pustules)
- Occasionally used in rosacea (off-label) or folliculitis
🔹 2. Description:
- Form: Gel (may also be available in cream or wash form)
- Concentration:
- 2.5% – for sensitive skin or beginners
- 5% – standard strength for moderate acne
- (Also available in 10% for severe acne – more drying)
- Color: White to off-white gel
- Texture: Smooth, water-based or alcohol-based depending on formulation
- Route: Topical use only
🔹 3. Composition:
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Benzoyl Peroxide | Antibacterial, comedolytic, keratolytic |
| Carbomer / Gelling agent | Provides gel consistency |
| Glycerin / Propylene glycol | Moisturizer, reduces dryness |
| Purified water / Alcohol | Base solution |
| pH adjusters / preservatives | Stability |
🔹 4. Advantages:
- Kills acne-causing bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes)
- Reduces inflammation and redness
- Unclogs pores by exfoliating dead skin
- Less risk of bacterial resistance than topical antibiotics
- Available in multiple strengths (2.5%, 5%, 10%)
- Can be combined with clindamycin, adapalene, or salicylic acid for synergy
🔹 5. Nature / Class:
- Class: Topical antimicrobial and keratolytic
- Mechanism of Action:
- Releases oxygen → kills anaerobic bacteria
- Reduces comedones by increasing skin cell turnover
- Absorbs excess oil and dries lesions
🔹 6. Common Packaging:
- Aluminum or plastic tubes, pump bottles, or sachets
- Common sizes: 15 g, 20 g, 30 g, 50 g
- Labeled “For external use only”
🔹 7. Storage:
- Store at temperature below 25°C
- Protect from light and heat
- Avoid freezing
- Keep the tube tightly closed after use
- Keep away from flames or oxidizing agents (peroxide = oxidizer)
🔹 8. Patient Advice / Counseling:
- Start with 2.5% if you have sensitive skin or are new to treatment
- Apply once daily at night, then increase to twice daily if tolerated
- Use a pea-sized amount for the entire face (not spot treatment only)
- May cause dryness, peeling, redness in first 1–2 weeks → use moisturizer
- Avoid sun exposure; apply sunscreen daily
- Do not mix with retinoids unless prescribed
- Can bleach clothes, pillowcases, towels → wash hands after applying
- Discontinue and consult doctor if severe irritation or allergy occurs
🔹 9. Purpose / Clinical Use:
- First-line therapy for acne vulgaris
- Often used in combination regimens (with antibiotics or retinoids)
- Ideal for teenagers and adults with mild to moderate acne
- Helps prevent resistance when used with topical antibiotics