Hydrogen Peroxide Worst Irritant No known benefits Hydrogen Peroxide at a glance Strong antibacterial/oxidizing agent that can damage healthy skin cells in its wake High concentrations can lead to severe skin (including scalp) reactions Rarely used in modern day skin care but common within hair coloring products Not recommended for acne and dark spots, despite outdated advice touting such Hydrogen Peroxide description There is a great deal of current research showing that hydrogen peroxide is problematic as a topically applied product. Hydrogen peroxide is also a strong oxidizing agent.