Benzoyl Peroxide OTC or Prescription?

[joshw10]

I had bad acne in high school (4 years ago) and at the time I got a prescription for benzoyl peroxide 5% (which required visits to a dermatologist = $$$). i still get an occasional pimple, and some benzoyl peroxide usually clears it up. My prescription ran out years ago, and I'll be all out of the stuff real soon. I've noticed benzoyl peroxide is now (or always has been?) available in drug stores. Is it the same stuff as the prescription and was it cleared for OTC use or something?

my tube says...

Aqueous Base
BENZOYL PEROXIDE
5%
ACNE GEL
FOR TOPICAL USE

Rx Only

manufactured by GLADES


I figured this would be the forum to ask 😉

 

[DietSierraMist]

That product you mentioned is only available by prescription, but for some reason, there are other OTC products with the same or even higher strengths.

Googled and got this link - (search term was benzoyl peroxide OTC)
http://www.dermatologistskincare.com/Cart/search.asp?Criteria=benzoyl+peroxide

 

[h8red]

clearasil is available OTC as a 10% cream but I know there are OTC 5% benzoyl peroxide gels available too. Just go to the pharacy and have someone special order one for you if you can't find it out on the shelf