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Health

What is Benzoyl Peroxide Soap?

Anna T.
By
Updated May 17, 2024
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Benzoyl peroxide soap is a type of soap containing benzoyl peroxide, which may be effective for the treatment of acne. Most soaps with benzoyl peroxide contain varying amounts, typically not more than 10 percent. There are many different companies that make benzoyl peroxide soaps, and the soaps are generally inexpensive. Some brands tend to be more expensive than others, and products with a higher percentage of the ingredient may be more costly. These soaps are usually available at most retail stores that sell skin care products.

Using benzoyl peroxide soap on acne-prone skin may work well because benzoyl peroxide is known for being able to kill bacteria and dry up excess oil. Bacteria and oil are two of the main causes of acne. This soap can also aid in cleaning dead cells out of pores, which will help prevent them from becoming clogged. Soap and other products containing benzoyl peroxide have been used for years as treatment for acne and continue to be one of the most popular over-the-counter choices for fighting acne. Dermatologists also frequently prescribe soaps and creams containing higher percentages of benzoyl peroxide for more severe acne.

A person who is using benzoyl peroxide soap should take care to read the directions fully. If used incorrectly, this type of soap may not be effective against acne and may actually further irritate the skin. In most cases, the soap is applied once or twice a day and rubbed into the face for a few minutes, particularly on the areas with the most breakouts. Thorough rinsing after applying is important because benzoyl peroxide may cause redness and burning if left on the skin for too long. A person should also take care to avoid getting the soap in the eyes and nose during use to prevent extreme irritation to the mucous membranes.

Benzoyl peroxide soap may not be the correct choice for everyone. People with skin conditions such as eczema or dermatitis should not use it unless their dermatologist or doctor approves it first. There are some side effects associated with this type of soap that could happen to anyone, including peeling, scaliness, and blistering. It may also cause a person to sunburn easily due to increased light sensitivity. Some of these side effects are temporary and will go away after a few weeks of use. If a person continues to experience severe, negative side effects, he or she should discontinue use and inform his or her doctor.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Anna T.
By Anna T.
Anna Thurman is a skilled writer who lends her talents to WiseGEEK. Her ability to research and present information in an engaging and accessible manner allows her to create content that resonates with readers across a wide range of subjects.
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Discussion Comments

By OeKc05 — On Jan 31, 2012

Benzoyl peroxide soap will make your face feel extremely clean. I hate face washes that leave residue or oil behind on my skin. I don't have to worry about that with this soap.

I don't need a moisturizer, and many face washes include one. I want my skin to feel clean, not greasy.

I feel like benzoyl peroxide soap gets all the impurities out of my pores. I no longer have a problem with blackheads, and they used to cover my nose. I credit the soap for my new clear complexion.

By cloudel — On Jan 30, 2012

@seag47 – I had a soap like that when I was younger, too. The thing that stood out in my mind was how fizzy the soap seemed to be.

It lathered like nothing I had ever used before. It almost felt like pouring soda on my face after having just popped the top. It was a nice, tingly feeling.

Like you, I had dry spots caused by the soap. So, I started using it only once a day, every other day, and this helped a lot. Also, I would apply a moisturizer to the areas that were prone to drying out.

By kylee07drg — On Jan 30, 2012

I tried a variety of benzoyl peroxide acne products, including soap. My acne was so severe that it didn't help one bit.

I went to a dermatologist and told him that benzoyl peroxide products were not helping me. He started doing a series of facial peels over several months, and he even put me on a type of antibiotic.

Apparently, my case of acne was deeper and more persistent than most. I'm glad I went to him, because I never would have gotten rid of it by trying over-the-counter products.

Benzoyl peroxide soap has worked for some of my friends, but they have more of a surface acne. Mine went deep into the skin, and some bumps even had to be incised and drained.

By seag47 — On Jan 30, 2012

My dermatologist prescribed me a benzoyl peroxide face wash when I was a young teenager. I had a lot of problems with an oily T-zone, and the soap helped keep it under control.

My nose and forehead would look like an oil slick by the afternoon before I started using the soap. It dried my skin out significantly, but this was what I needed.

However, my cheeks were not as oily, and they would get red and itchy. I had to use a gentler soap to wash them, while I continued using the medicated soap on the rest of my face.

Anna T.

Anna T.

Anna Thurman is a skilled writer who lends her talents to WiseGEEK. Her ability to research and present information in an engaging and accessible manner allows her to create content that resonates with readers across a wide range of subjects.
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