Benzoyl Peroxide

Pregnancy

The absorption of benzoyl peroxide through the skin after its topical application is unknown.

According to the available data, systematically absorbed benzoyl peroxide is converted to benzoic acid, which is then eliminated in the urine. Therefore, it is not expected that maternal use of topical benzoyl peroxide can result in fetal exposure to the drug.

However, clinical and animal reproductive studies with topical benzoyl peroxide are lacking.

Thus, due to the limited amount of data about the use of topical benzoyl peroxide during pregnancy, consult your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before starting benzoyl peroxide treatment.

Breastfeeding

There is no data about the impact of topically applied benzoyl peroxide on a breastfeeding infant, or on milk production. The level of benzoyl peroxide that enters the bloodstream is unknown.

According to published research, benzoyl peroxide is broken down into benzoic acid, which is then eliminated through urine. Any benzoyl peroxide that enters breast milk would likely be metabolized by the body’s tissues and the infant’s stomach enzymes. As a result, it is not expected that an infant would be exposed to benzoyl peroxide when applied during breastfeeding.

Do not apply benzoyl peroxide to the nipple area and make sure the infant’s skin does not come into contact with the areas of skin that have been treated with benzoyl peroxide.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed and she will advise you if you can use benzoyl peroxide while breastfeeding.