benzoyl peroxide

American

noun

Chemistry.

a white, crystalline, water-insoluble, explosive solid, C 7 H 5 O 4 , used chiefly as a bleaching agent for flour, fats, oils, and waxes, and as a catalyst in polymerization reactions.

benzoyl peroxide Scientific

A flammable white granular solid used as a bleaching agent for flour, fats, waxes, and oils, as a polymerization catalyst, and in pharmaceuticals, especially to treat acne. Chemical formula: C ₁₄ H ₁₀ O ₄ .

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Some topical treatments, such as those containing benzoyl peroxide targeted for acne, can irritate the skin further—requiring an even more heavy duty moisturizer to restore and strengthen the barrier, says Gohara.

From National Geographic • Nov. 28, 2023

You’ll find spot treatment products containing benzoyl peroxide in amounts ranging from 2.5 to 10 percent.

From Washington Post • Jun. 6, 2022

Davluy also recommended buying an over-the-counter 10 percent benzoyl peroxide wash, which has been shown to help with HS and may help your irritated hairs even if they aren’t being caused by HS.

From Slate • Jul. 18, 2021

Conversely, she doesn’t recommend products with benzoyl peroxide.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 15, 2021

Finish with a low dose of benzoyl peroxide to fight bacteria.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 29, 2011

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023