Hydrogen Peroxide for Skin: Is It Safe to Use for Bleaching & Acne Treatments?

Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used to disinfect surfaces and bleach hair, but it may cause serious issues when used on the skin. In this article, we’ll explain the risks and side effects of hydrogen peroxide, including why doctors no longer recommend it for bleaching skin. We even spoke with skincare experts for the safest and most effective ways to lighten dark spots!

Can I Use Hydrogen Peroxide on My Skin?

Hydrogen peroxide is not safe for bleaching skin or lightening dark spots. Instead, try using skin care products with retinol, azelaic acid, glycolic acid, kojic acid, or vitamin C. Hydrogen peroxide can be used to disinfect surfaces, bleach hair and clothes, and remove household stains.

Section 1 of 5:

Is it safe to use hydrogen peroxide to bleach skin?

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No, doctors do not recommend using hydrogen peroxide on the skin. In the past, hydrogen peroxide was commonly used to treat wounds, acne, and dark spots.^{[1]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source} However, healthcare professionals no longer advise this because it can cause irritation and even damage the skin cells.^{[2]
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U.S. National Capital Poison Center
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- Studies show that the potential side effects and risks of hydrogen peroxide outweigh the benefits. If you’re trying to lighten dark spots, use azelaic acid, glycolic acid, kojic acid, retinoids, or vitamin C instead.^{[3]
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  American Academy of Dermatology
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Section 2 of 5:

Risks & Side Effects of Using Hydrogen Peroxide

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Side effects of hydrogen peroxide include skin burning and blistering. Generally, exposure to lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (3% or less) only causes mild irritation. Higher concentrations (10% or more) may lead to more serious side effects, which include:^{[4]
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Mayo Clinic
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- Allergic reactions (skin rash, itching, or hives)
- Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- Redness, burning, or blistering of the skin
- Eye pain or eyelid swelling
- Swelling skin ulcers
- Cracking or scarring of the skin

Section 3 of 5:

Ingredients to Brighten Skin & Lighten Dark Spots

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1
Retinol According to skincare professional Alicia Ramos, “Retinol peels away the top layers of your skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, sun spots, and other pigmentation problems.” Retinol is available over-the-counter in gel, serum, or cream form. If you’re using it for the first time, cleanse your skin and let it dry completely, apply a thin layer of product, then follow up with a non-comedogenic moisturizer.^{[5]
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- Since retinol increases your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, only apply it at night, and be sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing during the day.^{[6]
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- Common side effects of retinol include dryness, redness, irritation, itching, burning, or peeling or flaking of the skin. If you develop a painful or severe reaction, stop using it and contact your healthcare provider immediately.^{[7]
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- If you’ve never used retinol before, start with a pea-sized amount every other day and then use it daily after 3-4 weeks. Slowly incorporating the ingredient into your routine reduces the risk of side effects.^{[8]
  X
  Research source} It may take several weeks to see an improvement in your skin.^{[9]
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Glycolic acid Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that works to smooth out the skin’s surface, refine pores, and improve discoloration, fine lines, and wrinkles. The acid can irritate your skin if you’ve never used it before, so start by applying it once or twice a week at night.^{[10]
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- Possible side effects of glycolic acid include reddening, stinging, or burning of the skin, as well as a pulling sensation.^{[11]
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- Glycolic acid is a common exfoliant in creams, serums, and masks. Look for a product with a concentration of 10% or less to minimize irritation, and follow the instructions of your specific product.
3
Azelaic acid Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid that can reduce pigmentation and fade dark spots.^{[12]
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DermNet NZ
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Go to source} It’s a good option for people with sensitive skin or melasma, and it comes in cream, foam, and gel form.^{[13]
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Cleveland Clinic
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- Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected area twice a day for at least 4 weeks.
- Potential side effects of azelaic acid include redness, scaling, itching, and burning of the skin.^{[14]
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  DermNet NZ
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Kojic acid According to licensed esthetician Kimberly Tan, “kojic acid is a powerhouse ingredient to brighten the skin.” Kojic acid prevents your skin from forming tyrosinase (an enzyme that helps create melanin), and studies show that it can reduce skin discoloration due to acne or sun damage.^{[15]
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- Look for serums, creams, or treatments that contain kojic acid.
- Kojic acid is usually well tolerated, but potential side effects include allergy or irritation.^{[16]
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Vitamin C “Vitamin C serums work nicely to remove dark spots on the face,” according to board-certified dermatologist Aanand Geria, MD. When used topically, it can help even out skin tone by fading sun spots and reducing hyperpigmentation, but it usually takes about 3 months to see results.^{[17]
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Cleveland Clinic
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- Choose a concentration that’s between 10-20%, and make sure it’s in a dark or tinted bottle.
- Apply vitamin C serum after cleansing your face (and after applying toner, if applicable). You can use it in the morning or at night, but it works in synergy with sunscreen.
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Hydroquinone Hydroquinone is one of the most effective bleaching agents because it limits the skin’s production of melanin (the pigment responsible for skin color). While it is FDA-approved as a skin lightener, hydroquinone cream is only available by prescription. Talk to a doctor to see if it’s a good option for you, and follow the directions of your specific prescription.^{[18]
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US Food and Drug Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health

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- Make sure to wash your hands before and after using hydroquinone, and avoid excessive exposure to sunlight. Wear sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) and protective clothing during the day.^{[19]
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- The most common side effects of hydroquinone cream include mild itching, stinging, or redness of the skin. Serious side effects include rashes, facial swelling, and permanent skin discoloration.^{[20]
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  US Food and Drug Administration
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Section 4 of 5:

What is hydrogen peroxide?

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Since hydrogen peroxide is not as stable as water, it can release the extra oxygen molecule quickly and act as a bleach and disinfectant.^{[21]
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U.S. National Capital Poison Center
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Go to source} Hydrogen peroxide is also a natural product of metabolism and plays a key role in managing oxidative stress in the body.^{[22]
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Section 5 of 5:

What is hydrogen peroxide used for?

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Hydrogen peroxide is often used to disinfect surfaces and bleach hair. For various industries, hydrogen peroxide is used as a bleach for paper and textiles, as a component of rocket fuels, and in the production of foam rubber and organic chemicals.^{[23]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services

Go to source} It’s also used to clean and disinfect surfaces, remove household stains, sanitize beauty tools and nails, and eliminate odors in dishwashers, sinks, toilets, garbage cans, and even litter boxes.^{[24]
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- In the past, hydrogen peroxide was commonly used to treat wounds, but it is no longer recommended because it can irritate or damage the cells needed for healing.^{[25]
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Tips

Instead of using hydrogen peroxide to treat wounds, wash minor cuts and scrapes with soap and water, pat the area dry, apply an antibacterial ointment, then cover it with a wrap or bandage. Change the covering at least once a day or whenever it gets wet or dirty.^{[26]
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If you’re looking to treat acne, talk to a dermatologist to determine what type of pimples you have. Benzoyl peroxide, adapalene, and salicylic acid are popular ingredients to clear mild-to-moderate acne.^{[27]
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Keep your hydrogen peroxide in a cool and dark area, away from children or pets. Once it loses its bubbles, it’s no longer effective—dump it down the sink and buy a new bottle.^{[28]
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Warnings

Talk to your healthcare provider before using hydrogen peroxide or any skin-lightening products. They can examine your skin and create a treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs.

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If you get hydrogen peroxide on your skin, rinse the affected area thoroughly with water. If it gets into your eyes, rinse for 15-20 minutes under running water.^{[29]
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If you accidentally ingest or inhale a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide (10% or more), seek medical care immediately. It can cause life-threatening conditions, such as a gas embolism, an accumulation of fluid in the lungs, unconsciousness, and respiratory arrest.^{[30]
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