Hydrogen Peroxide

The Basics On Hydrogen Peroxide

What is Hydrogen Peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide is the simplest peroxide. It is used as an oxidizer, bleaching agent, and antiseptic.

What are other names for Hydrogen Peroxide?

HYDROGEN DIOXIDE, HYDROGEN PEROXIDE, HYDROGEN PEROXIDE (H2O2), and HYDROGEN PEROXIDE; HYDROGEN PEROXIDE

What is Hydrogen Peroxide used for?

Depending on your skin, dry or oily, you can see if it suits your type, otherwise it may cause unnecessary irritation and sting. Hydrogen peroxide is majorly used for skin lightening and acne. It also acts as a disinfectant and antiseptic for the skin to prevent any infection caused by minor cuts, bruises or burns.

How Hydrogen Peroxide is classified

Sensitizing

Recommendations for using Hydrogen Peroxide during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Avoid

Hydrogen Peroxide During Pregnancy

What we know about using Hydrogen Peroxide while pregnant or breastfeeding

In an in vitro study involving human skin, hydrogen peroxide was detectable in the dermis only after the application of high hydrogen peroxide concentrations for several hours. However, because cosmetic products such as hair-bleaching creams contain low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, it is unlikely that substantial amounts are absorbed after topical application. In addition, once absorbed, hydrogen peroxide is rapidly metabolized.14 Therefore, use of these products during pregnancy is not expected to be a concern when done in moderation.

The teratogenicity of nine oxidative hair dye formulations was tested using Charles River CD rats (n = 20).49 The oxidative formulations were each mixed 1:1 with Hydrogen Peroxide (6% aq.) immediately prior to application (2 ml/kg/day) to shaved backs. The test materials were applied to the shaved dorsoscapular area of pregnant rats on every third gestation day (GD days 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16 and 19). Positive controls were administered oral acetylsalicylic acid (250 mg/kg) on GD 6 to 16. Three separate negative control groups were shaved, but not treated. No maternal toxicity was observed, there were no treatment effects on implantation or intrauterine growth, or survival, and there was no evidence of external, visceral, or skeletal malformation. Six composite test materials, representative of commercial oxidative hair dye formulations, were evaluated in Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 20/sex) in a two-generation study of reproduction. 52 The dyes were each mixed 1:1 with Hydrogen Peroxide (6% aq.) and then applied (0.5 ml) twice weekly to the clipped backs of the rats. The treatment of the F0 rats began at 6 to 8 weeks of age, and rats of the second litter (F1b) began treatment at weaning. Breeding for both generations began at 100 days of age, and dermal applications continued throughout mating, gestation, and lactation periods. Occasional mild dermatitis was the only adverse effect noted. Body weight gain, feed consumption, survival, and reproductive indices (fertility, gestation, live birth and survival, and weaning weight) in F1a, F1b, F2a, and F2b litters were similar to controls. Oral Hydrogen Peroxide (30% aq.; 0.33% and 1%) was administered to male mice (strain and n not specified) in drinking water for 7, 21, or 28 days premating.2,16 After mating, the female mice were also administered Hydrogen Peroxide (0, 0.33% or 1%) in drinking water. All mated female mice became pregnant, the pups were healthy, and the litters were of normal size. Pregnant mice in the high-dose group had some delay in parturition compared to controls; however, the effect was small and inconsistent. The concentration, morphology, and motility of the spermatozoa (tested in three mice) after 3 weeks of treatment appeared normal. Female and male Osborne-Mendel rats (n not specified) were administered Hydrogen Peroxide (0.45%) in drinking water for 5 months prior to mating.46 The females continued to be treated through parturition. Six of the male offspring were also administered Hydrogen Peroxide (0.45%) in drinking water for 9 months. The litters of the treated females were normal. The only observed effect in the male offspring was a statistically significant reduction in weight (411 g vs 521 g in controls). Aqueous solutions of Hydrogen Peroxide (0.02%, 0.1%, 2%, or 10%) were mixed with powdered feed and administered to pregnant Wistar rats (n = 7 to 11) for 1 week ‚Äúduring the critical period of pregnancy‚Äù (no further explanation was provided; no control group was specified).5 Most of the dams (n = 5 to 8) were killed and the pups removed and examined on gestation day 20; some (n = 2 to 3) were allowed to deliver their pup and were followed for 4 weeks. The body weights of the dams in the high-dose group did not increase markedly. Fetal resorptions were increased and the fetal body Distributed for Comment Only — Do Not Cite or Quote weights were decreased. Most of the fetuses were close to death. No external malformations were observed in any group. Hemorrhaging (in the eyes, parietal region of the brain, cardiopulmonary region, and torso) increased dose-dependently in the 0.1% to 10% dose range. Skeletal hypoplasia was dose-dependent in the two highest dose groups. In the litters that were allowed to be delivered, all of the neonates in the high-dose group died within 1 week post-partum. Body weights were low and the number of live births decreased in the high-dose group. In the other groups there was no major effect on the development of neonates. It was reported that the concentration of Hydrogen Peroxide in the feed decreased to 1/10 after 24 h and to almost zero at 72 h. The authors state that ‚Äúthe amount of residue was determined and consumption was estimated;‚Äù however, it is not stated how frequently fresh feed was prepared. Nevertheless, it seems likely that the dams did ingested Hydrogen Peroxide evidenced by that there was not much of an increase in dam body weight at the high-dose level. The authors proposed that the observed effects on fetal development were due to the breakdown of essential nutrients in food by Hydrogen Peroxide.5 Male and female rats (strain and n not specified) were administered Hydrogen Peroxide (0.005 to 50 mg/kg; 1/10 to 1/5 LD50; vehicle not specified) by gavage for 6 months. 3 Females had modified estrus cycles and the males had decreased sperm mobility. The rats were then mated. At the highest dose, 3 out of 9 females produced litters, compared to 7 out of 9 in the control group (not described). Body weights of the offspring in the high-dose group were reduced compared to controls

General safety info about Hydrogen Peroxide from CIR

No report found.

Use this, not that!

Products where you might find Hydrogen Peroxide

Natura Bisse Oxygen Complex; GLO Science GLO Lit Teeth Whitening Tech Kit; The Ordinary EUK 134 0.1%; GLO Science GLO Lit Teeth Whitening Vials 3 Pack