Benzoyl Peroxide

Uses of Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is effective in the treatment of most forms of acne. A Chemist (Jack Breitbart) in the Revlon "ointments" division first discovered Benzoyl peroxide's use for treating acne. It is typically placed over the affected areas in gel or cream form, in concentrations of 2.5% increasing through the usually effective 5% to up to 10%. Research suggests that 5 and 10% concentrations are not significantly more effective than 2.5% and 2.5% is usually better tolerated.[1][2] It commonly causes initial dryness and sometimes irritation, although skin tolerance usually occurs after a week or so. A small percentage of people are much more sensitive to it and liable to suffer burning, itching, peeling and possibly swelling[3]. It is sensible to apply the lowest concentration and build up as appropriate. Once tolerance is achieved, increasing the quantity or concentration a second time and gaining tolerance at a higher level usually gives better subsequent acne clearance. Benzoyl peroxide works as a peeling agent, increasing skin turnover and clearing pores, thus reducing the bacterial count there as well as directly as an antibacterial.

Other common uses for benzoyl peroxide include dyeing hair, and as an active ingredient in teeth whitening systems. It is also used in the preparation of flour, and can be used as an initiator and catalyst for polyester thermoset resins (as an alternative to the much more hazardous methyl ethyl ketone peroxide). When used as an initiator, benzoyl peroxide is thought to form two identical radical molecules through homolytic cleavage of the peroxide bond.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benzoyl_Peroxide