Compare benzoyl peroxide vs. Benzamycin
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats acne.
Benzac (benzoyl peroxide) is the most effective over-the-counter treatment for mild acne.
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3.4/ 5 average rating with 394 reviewsforbenzoyl peroxide
Topical treatment for acne.
Benzamycin (Benzoyl Peroxide / Erythromycin) is a topical combination acne treatment that may work better for people who didn't see an improvement when taking either medicine alone or simply don't want to take pill medication. You need to be careful because it can bleach your hair, clothing and other fabrics. It also needs to be stored in the refrigerator and is only good for three months..
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3.4/ 5 average rating with 146 reviewsforBenzamycin
Upsides
- Available over-the-counter from many brands.
- Benzac (benzoyl peroxide) comes in many different forms and combinations with other acne products.
- Benzamycin works better to reduce bacteria in oil glands and improve overall signs and symptoms of acne than either medicine alone.
- Reduces bacteria on the skin, which "calms" the skin down (lowers the inflammatory response) in acne.
- Combining an antibiotic with benzoyl peroxide lowers the chances of Benzamycin not working as well over time.
- Although Benzamycin can irritate the skin, a true skin allergy is rare.
- Can be used in combination with acne pill medicine if your doctor thinks you need it.
Downsides
- Benzac (benzoyl peroxide) increases your skin's sensitivity to the sun and may also cause dryness or stinging.
- Be careful when applying Benzac (benzoyl peroxide) to large areas since it can bleach hair, clothing, and pillow cases upon contact.
- Benzac (benzoyl peroxide) needs to be combined with other medications to effectively treat severe acne.
- There's a risk of irritation with anything you apply to your skin and this is no different. Benzamycin, contains a topical antibiotic and can cause redness, peeling, abnormal dryness or stinging, tightening, or burning sensations.
- It's rare, that a serious allergic reaction would occur, but it's a good idea to test a small area of skin before using on any larger or sensitive areas
- Can cause severe inflammation of the large intestine (pseudomembranous colitis).
- Not the best choice if you're pregnant. Benzamycin is categorized as pregnancy Category C (weight risks vs benefits) because of the benzoyl peroxide part.
- Can cause bleaching of hair and clothing.
- You'll need to stay out of the sun or apply a sunscreen if you go outdoors.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Cream
- Lotion
- Liquid
- Gel
- Foam
- Soap
- Cream, gel, or ointment
Price
Lowest price
$73.40
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$100.00
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Reviews
394 reviews so far
60%
saidit'sworth it
29%
saiditworked well
9%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Benzac (benzoyl peroxide)?
Leave a review146 reviews so far
54%
saidit'sworth it
26%
saiditworked well
12%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Benzamycin (Benzoyl Peroxide / Erythromycin)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Benzac (benzoyl peroxide) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Bleaching
- Skin irritation
- Using other medicines or products that irritate the skin
- Eczema
- Extreme temperatures (hot or cold)
- Allergic reaction
- Bleaching effects
- Skin irritation
- Using other medicines or products that irritate the skin
- Eczema
- Extreme temperatures (hot or cold)
- Allergic reaction
- Development of more serious infections
- Long-term use of Benzamycin (Benzoyl Peroxide / Erythromycin)