User:Mr. Ibrahem/Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide (BPO or (BzO)2) is a medication and industrial chemical. As a medication, it is used to treat mild to moderate acne. For more severe cases, it may be used with other treatments. Some versions are sold mixed with antibiotics such as clindamycin. Other uses include bleaching flour, hair bleaching, teeth whitening, and textile bleaching. It is also used in the plastic industry.

Common side effects are skin irritation, dryness, or peeling. Use in pregnancy is of unclear safety. Benzoyl peroxide is in the peroxide family of chemicals. When used for acne, it works by killing bacteria.

Benzoyl peroxide was first made in 1905 and came into medical use in the 1930s. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Benzoyl peroxide is available as a generic medication and over the counter. In the United Kingdom, 150 ml of a 10% solution cost the NHS about £4. In the United States and Canada, a month of treatment costs less than US$25.