Question

I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Benzoyl Peroxide? Is Benzoyl Peroxide safe for nursing mother and child? Does Benzoyl Peroxide extracts into breast milk? Does Benzoyl Peroxide has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Benzoyl Peroxide influence milk supply or can Benzoyl Peroxide decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?

Benzoyl Peroxide lactation summary

Benzoyl Peroxide is safe in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Benzoyl Peroxide is 1 out of 8 which is considered Safe as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 1 indicates that usage of Benzoyl Peroxide is mostly safe during lactation for breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research also indicates that Benzoyl Peroxide does not cause any serious side effects in breastfeeding mothers.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Benzoyl Peroxide safe in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • Score calculated using the DrLact safety Version 1.2 model, this score ranges from 0 to 8 and measures overall safety of drug in lactation. Scores are primarily calculated using publicly available case studies, research papers, other scientific journals and publically available data.

Answer by Dr. Ru: About Benzoyl Peroxide usage in lactation

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).

Answer by DrLact: About Benzoyl Peroxide usage in lactation

Topical benzoyl peroxide has not been studied during breastfeeding. Because only about 5% is absorbed following topical application, it is considered a low risk to the nursing infant.[1][2] Ensure that the infant's skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of skin that have been treated. Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[3]
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. We do not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.