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Inactive Ingredients in Perrigo Benzoyl Peroxide 5 Percent Wash

Perrigo Benzoyl Peroxide Wash is prescribed by physicians for the treatment of mild to moderate acne. Although it's important to know what active ingredients are in any medication you use, it is also important to know the inactive ingredients. Certain ingredients can cause allergic reactions in users who have sensitive skin. Others might pose problems for people who avoid products derived from animals. Drug companies are required to freely provide ingredient information.

  1. Acrylates Copolymer

    • Acrylates copolymer is composed of acrylic acids and methacrylic acids. It has a wide variety of uses in cosmetic products from hair fixative to hair binding agent, but in this acne solution it is used as a suspending agent.

    Carbomer 940

    • Carbomer 940 is a clear thickening agent. It is used to change the viscosity of the wash and to help stabilize and suspend the ingredients.

    Edetate Disodium

    • This is a chelating agent. In this solution, edetate disodium decreases the reactivity of any metal ions in the solution.

    Glycerin

    • Glycerin is a byproduct of soap-making. It can be derived from animal or vegetable fats. Glycerin counteracts the drying action of the active ingredient, benzoyl peroxide, and it helps keep skin moisturized and conditioned. It also helps to give the cleanser a smooth quality.

    Imidurea

    • Short for imidazolidinyl urea, imidurea acts as a preservative and prevents the growth of bacteria and fungi in the cleanser. It can produce a reaction in those who have a sensitivity to it.

    Purified Water

    • This is simple H2O. It acts as a solvent in most cleansers, including this one. It produces no toxic or irritating effects.

    Sodium Hydroxide

    • You may know this chemical as lye. Sodium hydroxide is a highly caustic metallic base. It is used in this cleanser in small concentrations to adjust pH. High concentrations can dissolve grease and oil, but those concentrations would be highly irritating to skin.

    Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate

    • Sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate is a foaming and cleansing agent. Though it has an intimidating name, it has natural roots in coconut oil. This cleansing agent is nontoxic and unlikely to irritate the skin.

    Citric Acid

    • Citric acid is naturally found in many juices and citrus fruits. Though it's sometimes used for its fragrance, Perrigo uses it in this cleanser mainly as a pH adjuster in conjunction with sodium hydroxide.

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