Benzagel is available as a prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) in some countries. Your healthcare provider may prescribe this medication to treat acne vulgaris or rosacea. Acne vulgaris is a skin condition when hair follicles, usually of the face, become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. When the hair follicles become clogged, they can become red and inflamed. Acne vulgaris is more commonly found in teenagers than children or adults. Rosacea is also a skin condition that causes red, inflamed skin of the face. It is most commonly experienced by middle-aged women with fair skin. It looks similar to acne vulgaris but is not the same. Symptoms include redness, inflammation, and visible blood vessels. Acne vulgaris and rosacea are commonly associated with a bacterial infections. Benzagel works by releasing free-radical oxygen, which attacks bacterial proteins and kills bacteria that are found in follicles. Fact Table Formula C14H10O4 License US FDA Bioavailability - Legal status US: OTC / Rx-only Chemical Name Benzoyl peroxide Elimination half-life 1h Dosage (Strength) 2.5%, 5% Pregnancy Consult Doctor Brands Benzac, Panoxyl Protein binding - PubChem CID 7187 MedlinePlus a601026 ChEBI 82405 ATC code D10AE01 DrugBank DB09096 KEGG DB09096 Routes of administration Topical