Benzoyl Peroxide Concentrations

Benzoyl Peroxide comes in a wide variety of concentrations. The higher the percentage the more powerful the product is.  These concentrations vary from benzoyl peroxide creams, gels, lotions, washes and shampoos. Many believe the higher the concentration the better the product, however, several studies have shown that 2.5% BP is just as effective as 5% and 10% concentrations but much less irritating.  Avoiding irritation is one of the main ways to reduce acne, and since 2.5% benzoyl peroxide is less irritating, it is used more often.

2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide is generally better than all the other concentrations. Studies have been done that show that the 2.5% concentration was much more effective at reducing inflammatory lesion. Erythema, desuamation and other burning symptoms were much more pronounced in 5% and 10% while the 2.5% was less.  The 2.5% formulation also significantly reduced Propionibacterium acnes and the percentage of free fatty acids in the surface lipids after 2 weeks of topical application.