benzoyl peroxide
noun
: a colorless to white crystalline compound C14H10O4 that is used as a bleaching agent (as for whitening flour), as a catalyst for the synthesis of polymers (such as polystyrene), and medically as an antibacterial and keratolytic agent especially for the topical treatment of acne
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web One is the Acne and Oil Control Primer with 2% salicylic acid, and the other is the Daily Leave-On Acne Treatment Mask, with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. 
Tatjana Freund, ELLE, 27 July 2022 Again, the keyword here is gentle — avoid formulas with active ingredients like exfoliating acids or benzoyl peroxide. Dianna Mazzone, Allure, 22 Apr. 2022 CeraVe has a dedicated Acne-Prone line formulated with breakout-targeting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, exfoliating glycolic and lactic acid, as well as ceramide-rich moisturizers to repair the skin barrier. Lindsay Colameo, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2022 The research, published Friday, helps explain on a more granular level why benzoyl peroxide, a popular but irritating first-line treatment for acne, works. Isabella Cueto, STAT, 23 July 2022 What the Trem2 macrophages can’t accomplish, benzoyl peroxide can: overcoming the squalene’s oxygen radical-absorbing trick to kill acne bacteria. Isabella Cueto, STAT, 23 July 2022 Trying a product that contains benzoyl peroxide, which kills the type of bacteria that causes acne (C. acnes), is a great place to start, according to previous reporting by SELF. Sara Coughlin, SELF, 8 June 2022 So, if this is what your hormonal acne looks like, keeping a benzoyl peroxide product in your rotation may be your best bet. Catharine Malzahn, Good Housekeeping, 30 June 2022 Cleansers When looking for facial cleansers for acne-prone skin, there are two breakout-fighting active ingredients to consider: salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (or BHA), and benzoyl peroxide, an anti-microbial agent that works to kill bacteria. Sarah Madaus, SELF, 28 June 2022 See More
Tatjana Freund, ELLE, 27 July 2022 Again, the keyword here is gentle — avoid formulas with active ingredients like exfoliating acids or benzoyl peroxide. Dianna Mazzone, Allure, 22 Apr. 2022 CeraVe has a dedicated Acne-Prone line formulated with breakout-targeting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, exfoliating glycolic and lactic acid, as well as ceramide-rich moisturizers to repair the skin barrier. Lindsay Colameo, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2022 The research, published Friday, helps explain on a more granular level why benzoyl peroxide, a popular but irritating first-line treatment for acne, works. Isabella Cueto, STAT, 23 July 2022 What the Trem2 macrophages can’t accomplish, benzoyl peroxide can: overcoming the squalene’s oxygen radical-absorbing trick to kill acne bacteria. Isabella Cueto, STAT, 23 July 2022 Trying a product that contains benzoyl peroxide, which kills the type of bacteria that causes acne (C. acnes), is a great place to start, according to previous reporting by SELF. Sara Coughlin, SELF, 8 June 2022 So, if this is what your hormonal acne looks like, keeping a benzoyl peroxide product in your rotation may be your best bet. Catharine Malzahn, Good Housekeeping, 30 June 2022 Cleansers When looking for facial cleansers for acne-prone skin, there are two breakout-fighting active ingredients to consider: salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (or BHA), and benzoyl peroxide, an anti-microbial agent that works to kill bacteria. Sarah Madaus, SELF, 28 June 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1867, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
benzoyl peroxide
noun
: a white crystalline flammable compound C14H10O4 used in bleaching and in medicine especially in the treatment of acne
Note: Benzoyl peroxide is marketed the trademark Epiduo when used in combination with adapalene.