Benzoyl peroxide
What are the aims of this patient information leaflet?
This leaflet has been written to help you understand more about your contact allergy. It tells you what a contact allergy is, what causes this allergy and what you can do about it.
What is contact allergy?
Dermatitis, also known as eczema, describes a type of inflammation of the skin. Contact dermatitis or contact eczema is a term used when this inflammation is caused by direct or indirect skin contact with something in your environment. Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when your immune system causes allergy to a very specific chemical or substance that has been in contact with the skin.
What causes your specific allergy?
Your patch tests indicate that you have a contact allergy to Benzoyl peroxide .
What is Benzoyl peroxide ?
Benzoyl peroxide is a chemical used as an oxidising agent and free-radical initiator. It is widely used in skincare, nail products, dental treatments, industrial applications, and occasionally in food.
What are some products that contain Benzoyl peroxide ?
- Skincare and acne products
- Face washes, gels, creams, and spot treatments
- Common brands: PanOxyl®, Benzac®, Oxy-5®, Acnecide®, Epiduo®, Duac®
- Also found in some medicated acne pads or lotions
- Acrylic nails and nail salons
- Acrylic nail powders and liquids
- Builder gels, hardeners and activators
- Nail primers or monomer/polymer mixes used in nail extensions
- Dental products
- Teeth whitening gels or bleaching products
- Some professional dental bleaching kits
- Medicinal / topical treatments
- Wound care creams or antiseptic gels that contain BPO
- Some acne and rosacea prescription creams
- Industrial / household products
- Plastics, resins, adhesives, and coatings
- Printing inks and vinyl flooring materials
- Textile bleaching agents or treated fabrics
- Food products (less common)
- Flour bleaching: Benzoyl peroxide is used to bleach wheat flour in some countries
- Baked goods made from bleached flour
- Certain cheeses may contain BPO as a bleaching or oxidising agent
Tip: Most BPO in flour reacts and is removed during processing, so residual amounts are usually very low. Reactions from food are uncommon but possible in sensitive individuals, such as prolonged contact in Bakers.
It is very unlikely to cause any significant skin or health problems once eaten or drunk. Localised lip and/or mouth symptoms may occur.
Remember, always check the label, these lists can never be complete and ingredients change.
Remember, always check the label, these lists can never be complete and ingredients change.
How can I manage my allergy?
This means that you should avoid putting products containing Benzoyl peroxide onto your skin in the future.
This means that you should avoid putting products containing benzoyl peroxide onto your skin in the future. Always check ingredients labels for Benzoyl peroxide, dibenzoyl peroxide, BPO.
Self-care (what can I do?)
Always check the ingredient listing on the product, package or package insert as these lists can never be complete and ingredients change. This is particularly important for any products purchased outside the EU where some allergens may not be banned.
Created: 2026