benzoyl peroxide

noun

Definition of benzoyl peroxide

: 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

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Retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, and oral antibiotics may also be useful, and your dermatologist can help put together a skin-care regimen that makes sense for you. Jenn Sinrich, SELF, "12 Common Face 'Bumps' and How to Deal With Them," 31 May 2019 These skin care essentials are formulated with proven ingredients, like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Teen Vogue, "The 13 Best Acne Products on Amazon," 23 Apr. 2019 For example, for those with acne-prone skin, start with the Charcoal Balancing Mask ($18) to purge pores of dirt, oil, and gunk, and then spot-treat with the Blemish Control Spot Treatment ($22), which is made with five percent benzoyl peroxide. Lauren Swanson, Allure, "Amazon Launches Its First-Ever Skin-Care Line Today — and Everything's Under $40," 20 Mar. 2019 Studies show that tea tree oil can be just as effective as benzoyl peroxide at treating acne, but with fewer irritating side effects. Chloe Metzger, Marie Claire, "Tea Tree Oil Is the Best Acne Spot Treatment for Sensitive Skin," 24 Sep. 2018 Rather than squeezing, soak a cotton swab in benzoyl peroxide and dab it on the zit. Janell M. Hickman, Seventeen, "5 Life-Changing Skincare Tricks Women of Color Need To Know," 4 Feb. 2019 On top of that, typical acne treatments (like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide) aren't the most effective on these blemishes. Macaela Mackenzie, Allure, "The K-Beauty Acropass Trouble Cure Patch Uses Microneedles to Treat Cystic Acne," 19 July 2018 Use a bacteria-killing benzoyl peroxide wash, says Diane Berson, MD, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. Colleen Sullivan, Good Housekeeping, "7 Ways to Take Care of the Skin Below Your Chin," 28 Dec. 2017 Stop using skincare products with harsh ingredients, including glycolic and salicylic acids, benzoyl peroxide, and any retinoids (including tretinoin and adapalene), at least five days before your treatment. Deanna Pai, Glamour, "The Brown Girl's Guide to Laser Hair Removal," 20 Aug. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'benzoyl peroxide.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of benzoyl peroxide

1867, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for benzoyl peroxide

benzoyl peroxide

noun

Medical Definition of benzoyl peroxide

: 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.