Key Points

• A new clinical study found that microencapsulated benzoyl peroxide significantly reduced rosacea symptoms while positively shifting the skin microbiome.
• Low-strength, micronized benzoyl peroxide can offer similar benefits with better tolerability for sensitive, rosacea-prone skin.
• Benzoyl peroxide, alone or combined with other ingredients, may help calm rosacea by reducing harmful bacteria and supporting a more balanced skin ecosystem. This treatment may provide lasting improvements beyond active treatment.

What this means in plain English

A new clinical study in adults with moderate to severe rosacea found that a specially formulated benzoyl peroxide cream helped reduce facial redness and inflammatory bumps. Improvements in the skin also lined up with positive changes in the skin’s “mini-ecosystem” (the microbiome): levels of a bacteria often found in rosacea bumps (Staphylococcus epidermidis) went down. In contrast, a common, generally friendly skin bacterium (Cutibacterium acnes) ticked up slightly. Even after people stopped using the cream for a month, the benefits and microbiome changes stuck around.

What did the study actually do?

Researchers compared a microencapsulated 5% benzoyl peroxide cream to a look-alike “vehicle” cream over 12 weeks, then watched people for another four weeks off treatment. The benzoyl peroxide group did better on dermatologist ratings for overall rosacea severity, redness, and inflammatory bumps. Skin swabs showed the helpful microbiome shift described above, suggesting that part of benzoyl peroxide’s benefit may come from gently steering the skin environment toward a calmer balance.

What is the skin microbiome—and why should people with rosacea care?

Your skin hosts billions of microorganisms that help defend against irritants and keep inflammation in check. That balance can be disrupted: certain microbes (like S. epidermidis) may be higher, and overall diversity can be lower. The study’s results hint that when benzoyl peroxide is delivered in a way sensitive skin can tolerate, it may nudge the microbiome toward a steadier state—and that often shows up as less redness and fewer bumps.

Where a gentler 2.5% benzoyl peroxide fits (the MDacne approach)

The study tested a microencapsulated 5% cream. MDacne’s cream uses 2.5% micronized benzoyl peroxide, which spreads evenly at a lower strength and is paired with soothing, barrier-friendly ingredients. While it does not use the exact same technology or concentration as in the study, it uses the same core mechanisms—reducing problem bacteria and lightly decongesting pores—while aiming to be kinder to reactive, rosacea-prone skin.

What’s inside MDacne’s 2.5% benzoyl peroxide cream?

A low-strength, micronized benzoyl peroxide does the heavy lifting. Hydrators like glycerin and propanediol add water back into the skin. Silicones such as dimethicone create a protective, silky layer that reduces sting and moisture loss. Green tea and licorice root help calm visible redness, while vitamins C and E provide antioxidant support. The base is designed to go on smoothly without feeling greasy. The formula is paraben and phthalate-free, with no synthetic fragrance added.

How to use it if you have rosacea

Start with a pea-size amount for the whole face every other night for one to two weeks, then increase as your skin allows. Consider the “moisturizer sandwich”: apply a gentle moisturizer, then benzoyl peroxide, then another thin layer of moisturizer to buffer sensitivity. In the morning, cleanse gently and apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+—UV is a common rosacea trigger. Skip harsh scrubs and avoid stacking strong acids or multiple retinoids on the same night. Use white towels and pillowcases; benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabrics.

Who should be extra cautious?

If your skin flares with almost anything, you’re on prescription topicals or oral treatments, or you’ve had eczema-like irritation on your face, patch-test on a small area for several nights before full-face use and check with your dermatologist.

Common question.s, answered

Does benzoyl peroxide help rosacea?

Yes—when formulated for sensitive skin. In the new trial, people using a gentle, controlled-release benzoyl peroxide had less redness and fewer inflammatory bumps, and their skin microbiome shifted in a direction associated with calmer skin.

Is 2.5% strong enough? Lower strength often means better day-to-day comfort with meaningful res for rosacea-prone skin. MDacne’s 2.5% micronized benzoyl peroxide aims to balance effectiveness with tolerability. It’s not the same product used in the s so that results can differ, but the underlying benefits come from the same well-known actions of benzoyl peroxide.

Will it cure rosacea?

No single product cures rosacea, but a gentle, consistent, and sun-smart routine can make a big difference. Benzoyl peroxide can be a useful part of that plan.

Bottom line

The new study suggests that benzoyl peroxide—delivered in a skin-friendly way—can calm rosacea symptoms and help the skin’s microbiome look more balanced, with improvements that may last beyond active use. For everyday life, a thoughtfully formulated 2.5% micronized benzoyl peroxide cream with calming, barrier-supporting ingredients is a practical option for many people with rosacea.

Transparency: where the data came from

The trial was published in J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. (2025; 18 (8): 34–40). Study funding came from Sol-Gel Technologies, with writing support from Galderma. The authors reported no conflicts relevant to the article’s content. This article is educational, not medical advice; talk to your dermatologist for personalized care.

References:

1. Nong Y, Sugarman J, York JP, Levy‑Hacham O, Nadora D, Mizrahi R, Galati A, Gallo RL, Sivamani RK. Impact of Microencapsulated Benzoyl Peroxide on the Skin Microbiome and Clinical Outcomes in Rosacea: An Update on a Randomized, Double‑blind, Crossover, Vehicle‑controlled Clinical Trial. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2025;18(8):34‑40. JAAD+15JCAD+15SpringerLink+15

2. Sivamani RK, Nong Y, et al. Microencapsulated Benzoyl Peroxide Cream, 5% Effects on the Microbiome of the Skin in Subjects With Moderate to Severe Rosacea. WCD 2023 Late‑breaker Session; July 2023. Medical Conferences+1

3. Baldwin H, Elewski B, Levy‑Hacham O, et al. Evolution of Benzoyl Peroxide: Microencapsulated 5% Cream to Improve Tolerability in Papulopustular Rosacea. Poster presented at: Maui Derm NP+PA Summer 2023 Conference; June 2023. JAAD+15Dermatology Times+15HCP Live+15

4. Kunzmann K. Hilary Baldwin, MD: The Surge of Rosacea Treatment Options. HCPLive. July 2023. SpringerLink+4HCP Live+4Practical Dermatology+4

5. Desai SR, Baldwin H, Del Rosso JQ, Gallo RL, Bhatia N, Harper JC, York JP, Stein Gold L. Microencapsulated Benzoyl Peroxide for Rosacea in Context: A Review of the Current Treatment Landscape. Drugs. 2024;84:275‑284. Allure+15SpringerLink+15SpringerLink+15

6. Werschler WP, Sugarman J, Bhatia N, et al. Long‑term efficacy and safety of microencapsulated benzoyl peroxide cream, 5%, in rosacea: Results from an extension of two phase III, vehicle‑controlled trials. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2023;16(8):27‑33. Practical Dermatology

7. Bhatia ND, Werschler WP, Baldwin H, et al. Efficacy and safety of microencapsulated benzoyl peroxide cream, 5%, in rosacea: Results from two phase III, randomized, vehicle‑controlled trials. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2023;16(8):34‑40. Practical Dermatology

8. Dermatology Times Editor. Microencapsulated Benzoyl Peroxide Reduces Rosacea Lesions. Dermatology Times. August 2023;44(8). Dermatology Times

9. MIMS Malaysia. Microencapsulated Benzoyl Peroxide Cream Alters Skin Microbiota, Improves Rosacea. MIMS Malaysia. July 2023. JAAD+15MIMS+15Medical Conferences+15

10. Wikipedia Contributors. Rosacea. In: Encapsulated benzoyl peroxide (E‑BPO) cream, a newly FDA‑approved topical agent for inflammatory lesions of rosacea, etc. Wikipedia; 2025. Dermatology Advisor+5Wikipedia+5SpringerLink+5