benzoyl

noun

ben·​zo·​yl ˈben-zə-ˌwil 

-zō-ˌil,

-ˌzȯil 

: the acyl radical of benzoic acid

Examples of benzoyl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The levels were found after the FDA tested 95 acne products that contain benzoyl peroxide.1 Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient in over-the-counter products used to treat acne. —Sari Hitchins, Parents, 14 Mar. 2025

Follow with an oil-free moisturizer, then dab a benzoyl-peroxide spot treatment like Clinique Acne Solutions Emergency Gel-Lotion, $17, on zits. —Cara Litke Sullivan, Redbook, 14 July 2015

Having sensitive acne-prone skin — the kind that freaks out within ten feet of benzoyl peroxide. —Stephanie Saltzman, Allure, 28 Aug. 2017

Then at night, apply a benzoyl peroxide treatment to banish bacteria. —Nicole Catanese, Cosmopolitan, 24 Aug. 2017

But why use retinoids and not your classic salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide? —Chloe Metzger, Marie Claire, 25 July 2017

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, benzoyl peroxide can remove the bacteria that causes acne. —Janell M. Hickman, Seventeen, 23 May 2017

There are certain ingredients that have proven themselves in clinical trials (benzoyl peroxide or glycolic or salicylic acid for acne) — use them. —Allure, 19 June 2017

Rather than squeezing, soak a cotton swab in benzoyl peroxide and dab it on the zit. —Janell M. Hickman, Seventeen, 23 May 2017

Word History

Etymology

German, from Benzoësäure benzoic acid + Greek hylē matter, literally, wood

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing benzoyl

• benzoyl peroxide

Rhymes for benzoyl

• aerofoil
• cinquefoil
• hydrofoil
• quatrefoil
• airfoil
• despoil
• embroil
• etoile
• gargoyle
• recoil
• subsoil
• tinfoil

Medical Definition

benzoyl

noun

ben·​zo·​yl ˈben-zə-ˌwil  -ˌzȯil 

: the radical C₆H₅CO of benzoic acid