Benzoyl peroxide brands and prices in Pakistan

About Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is an acne medicine that you put on your skin. It acts as an antiseptic: it cuts down the bacteria on the skin that are linked to spots, and it helps clear away dead skin that blocks pores. This treats spots you already have and helps stop new ones forming. It comes as a gel, cream, lotion or face wash. It is also mixed with other acne medicines, such as the antibiotic clindamycin or the retinoid adapalene; these combination products are prescription medicines.

Who should not take it, or should take care

• Do not use it if you have ever had an allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide or any other ingredient in the product.
• Do not use it on skin that is infected, broken, cut or grazed.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any medical conditions before you start.
• Children: UK advice says most adults and children aged 12 or older can use it. Ask a doctor before using it on a younger child.
• Take extra care on the neck and other sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, start gently and use it less often.
• Some gels contain propylene glycol, which can irritate the skin. Check the ingredients list.
• Pregnancy: advice differs. NHS says benzoyl peroxide can be used in pregnancy because very little gets into the body, while the UK product leaflet says to use it only if a doctor says so. Products that also contain adapalene must not be used in pregnancy. Ask your doctor.
• Breastfeeding: NHS says it is considered safe, as very little is likely to reach breast milk. Do not put it on your breasts or chest, or wash it off before feeding, and wash your hands before handling your baby. The product leaflet says to check with a doctor first.

Medicines and drinks that can interact

• Other acne treatments you put on the skin, including other benzoyl peroxide products and retinoids: using them together can make the skin red and sore. Only combine them if a doctor or pharmacist says it is fine.
• Skin products that dry, peel or irritate the skin, such as rough scrubs, alcohol-based products, drying or medicated cosmetics and exfoliating products
• Do not put dressings, bandages, make-up or other skin medicines on the treated area unless your doctor tells you to.
• Sunlight, sunlamps and sunbeds: these can make skin irritation worse
• It does not affect any type of contraception, and there is no food or drink you need to avoid.

Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take.

Using it safely

• Before you use a new product for the first time, try a small amount on one or two small patches of skin and watch for any reaction before using it more widely.
• Wash the area with a mild cleanser and water, gently pat it dry, then spread a thin layer over the whole area where you get spots, not just on single spots.
• If you use a wash, rinse it off well and pat your skin dry.
• Use it only as often as the label or your doctor says. If your skin gets dry or sore, use it less often until your skin gets used to it.
• Keep it away from your eyes, mouth and nose. If it gets in your eyes, rinse them with lukewarm water until the stinging stops.
• It can bleach hair and coloured fabrics. Keep it off your hair, clothes, towels and bedding, and wash your hands after using it.
• Avoid strong sunlight. Use an oil-free sunscreen and an oil-free moisturiser for sensitive skin if your skin feels dry.
• If you forget to use it, just carry on as normal when you remember.
• If you use too much and your skin gets irritated, wash off as much as you can and wait for the skin to settle before starting again.
• Keep using it after your acne clears, as spots can come back when you stop. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you if you can use it less often.
• Store it as the pack says, away from heat, and out of the reach of children. Throw away products that are past their expiry date.

Common questions

How long does benzoyl peroxide take to work?
It works slowly. It can take a while before you notice a change, and longer still to get the full effect. Keep using it regularly. If your skin is not improving, see a doctor or pharmacist.

Will it bleach my clothes or hair?
Yes, it can. Benzoyl peroxide can bleach or discolour hair and coloured fabrics, including clothes, towels and bedding. Keep it off your hair and wash your hands after using it.

I read news about benzene in acne products. Is benzoyl peroxide safe?
In 2025 the US medicines regulator (FDA) tested many benzoyl peroxide acne products. Most had no benzene or only extremely low amounts, and a small number of products were recalled. FDA said the cancer risk is very low. Benzoyl peroxide can break down into benzene when products get hot or are kept for a long time, so store them cool and throw away out-of-date products.

Can I drink alcohol or drive while using benzoyl peroxide?
Yes. NHS advice says you can drink alcohol, and it does not affect driving or cycling. It also does not stop contraception from working.

What can I do if it does not help my acne?
See a doctor. They can offer prescription treatments, such as creams with an antibiotic or a retinoid, antibiotic tablets, or other medicines. If you are prescribed a product that contains an antibiotic, use it only as your doctor directs.

Prepared from the sources listed by the MedInfoBase team. General information, not medical advice: it gives no doses. Your doctor or pharmacist decides the medicine and dose for you.