Should I Stop Using Benzoyl Peroxide?

Part of the Jellybean Pediatrics Teen & Young Adult Health Library

 

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

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Short Answer

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For most teens, no.

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Despite the headlines, current evidence continues to support benzoyl peroxide as a safe and effective acne treatment when used as directed.

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If you've seen the news stories and are wondering whether you should throw away your acne products, here's what parents and teens need to know.

 

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Why were people worried?

 

In 2024, an independent lab reported that some benzoyl peroxide products could form small amounts of benzene, a chemical linked to cancer, especially if the product got hot during shipping or storage.

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The story spread fast, and understandably, it worried a lot of parents and teens. Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most commonly used acne ingredients out there, so a headline like that gets attention.

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What have researchers found since then?

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A large peer-reviewed study published in 2025 evaluated more than 100 benzoyl peroxide products and found that benzene levels were well below FDA limits in most products. The researchers also concluded that differences in manufacturing appeared to matter more than normal room-temperature storage.

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A few other things are worth knowing:

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• The FDA has not pulled benzoyl peroxide products from shelves.

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• The American Academy of Dermatology still recommends it as a core acne treatment.

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• Benzoyl peroxide has been used safely for over 60 years, and studies looking at real-world use haven't found a link to skin cancer.

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Medical guidance sometimes shifts as new evidence comes in, and that's actually a good thing—it means people are checking. Right now, the evidence still supports benzoyl peroxide as a safe option for most teens.

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Should I throw away my benzoyl peroxide?

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Probably not. A few simple precautions cover the actual risk:

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• Store it at room temperature. Avoid prolonged exposure to excessive heat, such as leaving it in a hot car.

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• If a product is old (more than a year or so), it's worth replacing anyway, since it likely isn't working as well.

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• Buy from a pharmacy or reputable retailer rather than an unfamiliar online seller.

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That's really it. No need to overhaul your routine over this.

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Does it matter which type I buy?

 

A little. Benzoyl peroxide comes as gels, creams, and washes (the kind you rinse off). Leave-on formulations like gels and creams tend to have somewhat lower benzene levels than wash formulations, though the concentration of benzoyl peroxide itself doesn't seem to make much difference either way.

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This alone isn't a reason to switch products if what you're using is working well. It's just useful to know if you're choosing between a few options.

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What if I still don't want to use it?

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That's a completely reasonable choice. Fortunately, there are several effective alternatives:

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• Adapalene, a retinoid available over the counter, works well on its own for many teens.

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• Azelaic acid treats acne and helps fade dark marks, with less irritation than some other options.

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• Prescription combinations, like a topical antibiotic paired with a retinoid instead of benzoyl peroxide.

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One important difference is that benzoyl peroxide helps prevent acne bacteria from becoming resistant to antibiotics—a benefit that no other topical acne medication provides. If you're using a topical antibiotic but prefer to avoid benzoyl peroxide, we'll make sure your treatment plan minimizes the risk of antibiotic resistance. This is exactly the kind of thing worth bringing up at your visit.

 

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Should I stop using benzoyl peroxide if it's working?

 

No. If your acne is improving and you're tolerating the medication well, current evidence does not support stopping benzoyl peroxide simply because of the benzene headlines. If you have concerns, talk with your healthcare professional before changing your treatment plan.

 

If you've stopped using benzoyl peroxide because of the headlines and your acne has gotten worse, don't feel bad—many families had the same concern. The good news is that there are effective treatment options, and we can help you decide whether restarting benzoyl peroxide or choosing an alternative makes the most sense for you.

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Learn more in our Acne Treatment for Teens guide, or read more about Teen Health Visits.

 

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A note from Dr. Beene

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One of the hardest parts of acne treatment today isn't finding information—it's figuring out which headlines deserve your attention. Medical recommendations sometimes change as new evidence comes in, and that's a good thing. Right now, the best available evidence continues to support benzoyl peroxide as an important, effective acne treatment for many teens.

If you're still unsure what's right for your skin, that's what visits are for.

— Lauren Beene, MD, MS Board-Certified Pediatrician

 

This article is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace personalized medical advice. Last reviewed and updated August 2026.