Is Benzoyl Peroxide compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Benzoyl Peroxide?

Benzoyl Peroxide

June 1, 2017 (Very Low Risk)

A keratolytic and topical anti-infective agent used in the treatment of acne.

Since the last update we have not found published data on its excretion in breast milk

Only 5% is absorbed through the skin and is quickly eliminated via urine after being metabolized in the skin to benzoic acid (AEMPS 2013, Seubert 1984, Holzmann 1979), so it is not expected to pass into breast milk.
Taken orally, it is destroyed at the gastrointestinal level, so its absorption into milk is zero.

It is considered very low risk during breastfeeding (Kong 2013, Worret 2006, Leachman 2006, Zip 2002).

Do not apply to the chest in order to prevent the infant from ingesting it; if necessary, apply after breastfeeding and clean well with water before the next feed. Applying topical creams, gels and other products which contain paraffin (mineral oil) to the nipple is to be avoided so that the infant does not absorb them. (Concin 2008, Noti 2003).

List of essential medicines WHO: compatible with breastfeeding (WHO / UNICEF 2002).

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Benzoyl Peroxide since it is relatively safe.

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Writings

  • Βενζοϋλοϋπεροξείδιο (Greek)
  • Пероксид Бензоила (Cyrillic)
  • 過酸化ベンゾイル (Japanese)
  • C14H10O4 (Molecular formula)

Drug trade names

References

  1. Kong YL, Tey HL. Treatment of acne vulgaris during pregnancy and lactation. Drugs. 2013Abstract
  2. AEMPS. Peróxido de Benzoílo. Ficha técnica. 2013 Full text (in our servers)
  3. Concin N, Hofstetter G, Plattner B, Tomovski C, Fiselier K, Gerritzen K, Fessler S, Windbichler G, Zeimet A, Ulmer H, Siegl H, Rieger K, Concin H, Grob K. Mineral oil paraffins in human body fat and milk. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008Abstract
  4. Worret WI, Fluhr JW. [Acne therapy with topical benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics and azelaic acid]. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2006Abstract
  5. Leachman SA, Reed BR. The use of dermatologic drugs in pregnancy and lactation. Dermatol Clin. 2006Abstract
  6. Noti A, Grob K, Biedermann M, Deiss U, Brüschweiler BJ. Exposure of babies to C15-C45 mineral paraffins from human milk and breast salves. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2003Abstract
  7. Zip C. Common sense dermatological drug suggestions for women who are breast-feeding. Skin Therapy Lett. 2002Abstract
  8. WHO / UNICEF. BREASTFEEDING AND MATERNAL MEDICATION Recommendations for Drugs in the Eleventh WHO Model List of Essential Drugs. Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development (WHO/UNICEF) 2002 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  9. Seubert S, Seubert A, Ippen H. [Penetration of benzoyl peroxide in the skin]. Hautarzt. 1984Abstract
  10. Holzmann H, Morsches B, Benes P. The absorption of benzoyl peroxide from leg ulcers. Arzneimittelforschung. 1979Abstract