If Benzoyl Peroxide Disappears: What’s Next for Acne Treatment?
Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) has long been a staple in acne therapy—widely used, well-understood, and highly effective. But its future on the market may be uncertain. In a headline-making move, independent lab Valisure filed a Citizen’s Petition with the FDA urging the removal of BPO products due to safety concerns. According to their testing, BPO can degrade into benzene, a known carcinogen, when exposed to high temperatures, such as those encountered during shipping. Alarmingly, the benzene levels observed were up to 800 times the FDA’s allowable concentration limits.
This potential regulatory upheaval raises an important question for dermatology providers: what would acne management look like without BPO?
A recent review in JDD takes on this exact issue. The authors explore what a post-BPO treatment landscape could look like, leaning into currently approved products and those in late-stage development. While no single agent fully replicates BPO’s antimicrobial and comedolytic action, the article highlights emerging therapies and combination strategies that may help bridge the gap if BPO is pulled from shelves.
For dermatologists, this is a moment to stay informed and be proactive. Patient concerns are already mounting, and the possibility of discontinuation, whether temporary or permanent, may soon become a clinical reality. Knowing how to pivot and educate patients on safe, effective alternatives is critical.
Whether BPO remains or not, this is a conversation worth having—and one that will shape the next chapter of acne care.
Citation: Dhawan S, Nardo CJ. The impact on acne treatment regimens if benzoyl peroxide-containing products are removed from the market.
J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24(6):586-589. doi:10.36849/JDD.8840R1
