Its not recommended
Hydrogen peroxide for skin care should not be done at home.
But that doesn’t mean hydrogen peroxide for skin care at home is recommended.
It also looks at some alternatives to hydrogen peroxide.
Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health
Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health
What Is Hydrogen Peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is water with an extra oxygen molecule.
Yet that doesn’t make it helpful for skin care.
Different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide have stronger or weaker effects.
Medical-grade hydrogen peroxide comes in a 3% concentration.
This means the bottle contains 3% hydrogen peroxide and 97% water.
Higher concentrations are available but can be toxic if swallowed or inhaled.
For example, hydrogen peroxide with a 35% concentration is extremely toxic.
Most household cleaners that contain hydrogen peroxide have a 3% to 9% concentration.
Low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide are usually safe for cleaning surfaces.
Higher concentrations are very irritating to the eyes, skin, and gut.
This is because of its potential side effects and risk of toxicity.
If you are considering its use, talk to your healthcare provider.
Acne
Acne forms when dirt and bacteria clogpores.
Hydrogen peroxide can kill acne-causing bacteria, but the risks outweigh the benefits.
Hydrogen peroxide is harsh and irritating to the skin.
It can cause inflammation and worsen acne symptoms.
It does clean and disinfect the surfaces it touches.
While that sounds helpful for keeping a cut clean, it probably does more harm than good.
Studies have shown that hydrogen peroxide can cause:
It may also interfere with the bodys natural wound healing.
This is because it irritates the skin and also kills the cells that promote healing.
Skin Lightening
Hydrogen peroxide works as a bleach.
Side Effects and Risks
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical and may cause serious side effects.
The higher the concentration, the more serious the side effects can be.
Using a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide on your skin could cause blistering and burning.
If you ingest a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide, seek emergency medical care right away.
Inhaling high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide is also dangerous.
ensure it is clearly labeled.
Alternatives to Hydrogen Peroxide
Fortunately, there are safer and more effective alternatives to hydrogen peroxide.
Wash minor cuts and scrapes with a gentle soap and water.
Pat dry with a clean towel, apply an antibacterial ointment, and cover with a Band-Aid.
For larger or more serious cuts, seek medical care.
You may need to have a doctor clean and stitch the wound.
Dark spots and age spots are usually related to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.
Sunscreen can keep your dark spots from getting worse.
It can also prevent new ones from forming.
Melanin is what causes the darkened appearance.
Ask your dermatologist for help addressing any skin pigment issues.
Summary
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical agent.
It is an effective disinfectant and bleach, but it should not be used on the skin.
Seek alternative treatments for acne, hyperpigmentation, or small cuts.
Keep hydrogen peroxide in your home for household cleaning and disinfecting surfaces only.
2017 Apr;11:613-619. doi:10.1016/j.redox.2016.12.035.
National Library of Medicine: PubChem.Hydrogen peroxide.
2023 May 4;38:e00800.
2013;45(3):345-7. doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2013.02.001
National Capital Poison Center.Hydrogen peroxide.
Oge LK, Broussard A, Marshall MD.Acne vulgaris: diagnosis and treatment.Am Fam Physician.
2019;100(8):475-484.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Cuts and puncture wounds.
2022;15(5):19-28.
American Academy of Dermatology.Acne: tips for managing.
