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Is it safe? · Pregnancy Smart

Is benzoyl peroxide safe during pregnancy?

Assigned clinical reviewerMatt Stahl· PharmDDraft · pending clinical reviewUpdated

What does the evidence say about benzoyl peroxide during pregnancy?

  1. Only a small amount of benzoyl peroxide passes through the skin, which is why ACOG includes it on its short list of OTC acne ingredients for pregnant patients, along with azelaic acid, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid. 1
  2. Whatever small amount does get through is quickly broken down into benzoic acid, a compound that occurs naturally in foods like cranberries and is also used as an everyday food preservative. 2
  3. Benzoyl peroxide is one of the first options family medicine and dermatology guidance suggests trying for acne that shows up during pregnancy. 3
  4. For mild to moderate breakouts, benzoyl peroxide is typically grouped with azelaic acid and other gentle topical options as a starting point before anything stronger gets considered. 4
  5. Benzoyl peroxide continues to show up as one of the everyday topical options in current dermatology guidance for acne during pregnancy. 5

Is benzoyl peroxide safe in each trimester?

  • First trimester. Hormone shifts often bring on new breakouts right when everything else feels overwhelming. A light dab of benzoyl peroxide on individual blemishes is one of the OTC options many providers are comfortable with this early. Mention any skincare changes at your first prenatal visit.
  • Second trimester. If benzoyl peroxide worked for you before pregnancy, most providers see no reason to stop using it on blemishes now. Keep it to the areas that actually break out rather than your whole face. A gentle moisturizer alongside it helps, since pregnancy skin can run drier or more sensitive than usual.
  • Third trimester. There's no specific date to stop benzoyl peroxide before delivery. Keep using it the way your provider approved earlier in pregnancy. Add it to the list of medications and skincare products you mention to your delivery team.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep using my benzoyl peroxide face wash while pregnant?

Most providers see no issue with continuing benzoyl peroxide cleansers or gels during pregnancy, since only a small amount absorbs through the skin. Use it the way you did before pregnancy and mention it at your next prenatal visit.

Does benzoyl peroxide get into your bloodstream?

A little bit does, but your skin converts it to benzoic acid first, a substance your body already handles from many everyday foods. That's very different from an oral acne medication, which travels through your whole system.

Is benzoyl peroxide a better choice than retinol or salicylic acid during pregnancy?

Retinol and other retinoid products are generally set aside during pregnancy, so benzoyl peroxide is often one of the options that moves up the list. Salicylic acid at low, over-the-counter strengths is usually grouped alongside it as another reasonable pick, but bring your full skincare routine to your provider for a real answer.

What acne ingredients should I skip during pregnancy?

Oral isotretinoin (Accutane) and topical retinoids are the ones providers are most consistent about setting aside during pregnancy. Some oral antibiotics used for acne, like tetracyclines, are also usually swapped for other options. Benzoyl peroxide isn't on that list, but check your specific products with your provider.

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References

  1. Topical Acne Treatments: MotherToBaby Fact Sheet

    MotherToBaby · https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/topical-acne-treatments-pregnancy/

  2. Benzoyl peroxide: percutaneous penetration and metabolic disposition

    PubMed · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7204686/

  3. Treatment of Acne in Pregnancy

    PubMed · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26957383/

  5. Management of Acne in Pregnancy

    PubMed · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38453786/

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.