Using hydrogen peroxide for acne might seem like the do-it-all solution you can snag at your local drugstore, but is it really safe to put on your skin? Well, not so much. Here’s what derms have to say on the matter. According to board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, M.D., hydrogen peroxide should definitely not be your primary treatment for acne. Even if you do decide to go the spot treatment route, it’s “only a short-term solution and would only theoretically work on inflammatory acne, not blackheads, and not deep cysts,” she says. So while it’ll do in a pinch, you’ll want to target breakouts at the source for the best long-term results—namely, exfoliants that can penetrate into the pore and promote skin cell turnover. Benzoyl peroxide does have its drawbacks as well (it can lead to redness, stinging, and peeling for some, says Downie), but derms favor the solution over hydrogen peroxide any day. At stronger concentrations, hydrogen peroxide is especially irritating, even leading to burns or scarring for some; it makes sense—a cleaning solution that’s strong enough to kill viruses might be a little too heavy-duty for the delicate skin of the face, which is why if you are going to use the antibacterial, always, always, use a diluted version (many drugstore options offer 3% solutions). But even with a diluted product, be mindful of the side effects: According to King, diluted hydrogen peroxide can still have rather damaging and drying effects; it even has the potential to bleach the skin (peroxide has the ability to bleach fabrics, after all), so those with darker skin tones should be extra careful.
