Topical dose justification: benzoyl peroxide concentrations.

BACKGROUND

Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) is widely utilized in acne treatment as an alternative to antibiotics against which Propionibacterium acnes becomes more resistant.

OBJECTIVE

This overview examines BPO dose justification.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase® and Science Citation Index searches were conducted using the keywords "benzoyl peroxide" and "acne vulgaris".

RESULTS

Limited experimental data are available. However, there appears no significant difference in the efficacy of concentrations from 2.5% to 10%.

DISCUSSION: The extent of free fatty acids and the percutaneous penetration of BPO may not play a critical role in acne vulgaris.