Because I don't want bleach or acid on my face when shaving.

It seems BP is in everything, cleansers, lotions, etc. but why not a shaving cream? I realize that it wouldn't be on the skin that long, so perhaps not super effective, but it couldn't hurt right?

Hi Cabobrett,

Thank you for the information. Actually there are some over the counter shaving creams that do contain 2.5- 5% Benzoyl Peroxide but they are very few. As you have mentioned, they are not as effective in treating acne therefore finding a shaving cream that has Benzoyl Peroxide may be a bit difficult. Benzoyl Peroxide like hydrogen peroxide, oxidizes and kills bacteria but it needs to be on your skin for a while for it to be very effective so a better option would be a topical cream or gel that does not wash off from your skin. Cheers!

Because I don't want bleach or acid on my face when shaving.

Hello Mike,

You are correct that Benzoyl Peroxide does indeed bleach clothes. The reason for bleaching is because Benzoyl Peroxide like every peroxide, oxidizes when it comes to contact with hair or clothing. When Benzoyl Peroxide oxidizes, it breaks down into oxygen and benzoic acid. Benzoic acid is certainly an acid but since the concentration of Benzoyl Peroxide in most acne treatments are low, the pH level of benzoic acid could be from 2.1 and above (the higher the pH the less the acidity).Diluted vinegar has a pH level of 2 and above in comparison so Benzoyl Peroxide is safe to use on the skin as long as you are not allergic to the product.

You'd think if they put BP in a face wash they'd put it in a shave cream. Which stays on the face longer?