Definition of "benzoyl peroxide" []

• A flammable white granular solid, (C6H5CO)2O2, used as a bleaching agent for flour, fats, waxes, and oils, as a polymerization catalyst, and in pharmaceuticals. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Blemishes spot-zapped with benzoyl peroxide become crusty, unattractive, and harder to cover."
• "The tough surface, immovable blemishes, and oily rebound due to drying regimens; the rawness from overzealous lunchtime peels; the crepey, dry tightness of alpha hydroxy acid abuse; the flaky patches from benzoyl peroxide dabbing—none of it wears makeup well."