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

Examples of benzoyl peroxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These ingredients include retinol, hydroquinone, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, parabens, aluminum chloride and essential oils. —Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025

First, consider whether your cleanser contains active ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, Oyetewa Asempa, MD, an assistant professor of dermatology and director of the Skin of Color Clinic at Baylor College of Medicine, told Health. —Cathy Cassata, Health, 25 Feb. 2025

Remember that benzoyl peroxide can be drying, so always prime your skin with a light moisturizer. —Deanna Pai, Allure, 23 Dec. 2024

Some providers also recommend adding benzoyl peroxide to your treatment to further eliminate bacteria. —Sarah Bradley, Health, 6 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for benzoyl peroxide

• acetaldehyde
• acetanilide
• arabinoside
• cycloheximide
• cyclophosphamide
• diethylamide
• dinucleotide
• ferricyanide
• ferrocyanide
• glutaraldehyde
• glyceraldehyde
• hydroperoxide

Kids Definition

benzoyl peroxide

noun

ben·​zo·​yl peroxide

ˈben-zə-ˌwil-,

-ˌzȯil-

: a white crystalline compound used in bleaching and in medicine especially in the treatment of acne

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.