Broad spectrum in vitro microbicidal activity of benzoyl peroxide against microorganisms related to cutaneous diseases

Abstract

Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) is widely used as a topical drug for acne vulgaris, 1 and has keratolytic/comedolytic, anti-inflammatory effects 1 and antimicrobial activity against Cutibacterium acnes. 2,3 We also previously demonstrated the rapid and potent bactericidal activity of BPO against C. acnes. 4 BPO is rapidly degraded to benzoic acid to generate free radicals, 5 and it is thought to cause damage to the bacterial cell walls. 6 Therefore, BPO may be effective against microorganisms other than C. acnes. Akaza et al. reported the possibility that not only C. acnes but also other cutaneous resident microorganisms such as Staphylococcus species and Malassezia species are related to acne. 7 In this study, we investigated the in vitro microbicidal activity of BPO against various bacteria and fungi.

INDIVIDUAL ARTICLE: Update on Combined Topical Products for Treating Acne: Leaping From Dyads

“…4 Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) is a unique antimicrobial exhibiting bactericidal activity through oxidation of bacterial proteins thus damaging the cell wall in a non-targeted manner. 5 This mechanism affords BPO as an agent that could not only circumvent but also prevent antibiotic resistance. 6 BPO also exhibits comedolytic and keratolytic activity thus aiding with unplugging of the pilosebaceous unit.…”