Skincare
Benzoyl Peroxide
Cheap, over-the-counter, and the only topical antibacterial that C. acnes does not develop resistance to.
Also called: bp · benzoyl · panoxyl
Verdict — legit
Does what it claims, with evidence behind it.
Evidence grade A
Multiple randomised controlled trials, or a meta-analysis of them. As settled as this field gets.
Mechanism
Releases free radical oxygen inside the follicle, killing C. acnes non-specifically — a mechanism resistance cannot route around — while providing mild comedolytic action.
Citations
- Benzoyl peroxide: an effective antimicrobial without resistance developmentJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology · 2009
- Comparison of 2.5%, 5%, and 10% benzoyl peroxide in acne vulgarisJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology · 1986
The full read
Benzoyl peroxide is the workhorse of inflammatory acne and the reason topical antibiotics are always prescribed alongside something: used with clindamycin it prevents the resistance that monotherapy breeds. 2.5% works about as well as 10% with markedly less irritation, which is the single most useful practical fact about it. It bleaches fabric — pillowcases and towels, permanently — and stacking it with a retinoid in the same application irritates; alternate morning and night instead.
