A strong oxidizing agent used in aqueous solution as a ripening agent, bleach, and topical anti-infective. It is relatively unstable and solutions deteriorate over time unless stabilized by the addition of acetanilide or similar organic materials.
A solution used as a disinfectant.
Clear liquid compound (H2O2) applied in water solution to cleanse wounds and as a mouthwash.
A colorless liquid used as a disinfectant for cleansing wounds and, diluted, as a deodorant mouthwash or as ear drops for removing wax. Strong solutions irritate the skin.
A thick colourless liquid with the formula H2O2. Available in solution with water, and as a cream, it is readily reduced to water giving up oxygen in the process. This causes characteristic frothing. It has antiseptic and deodorizing properties; thus it is used as a mouthwash, to clean wounds and ulcers, and occasionally to disinfect body cavities at operation. It is also a bleach.
A colorless syrupy liquid with an irritating odor and acrid taste. It decomposes readily, liberating oxygen. Because light is particularly effective in decomposing H202, it should be stored in tightly sealed glass jars in a dark place.
Hydrogen peroxide is a substance utilized as a mild antiseptic in the form of a solution or cream to treat skin or mouth infections, or as a hair bleach. It interacts with catalase, an enzyme found in the skin and mouth, to produce oxygen, which in turn kills bacteria. Typically, solutions for skin and mouth treatments contain three percent hydrogen peroxide, while those used for hair bleaching are more concentrated. In some cases, solutions containing hydrogen peroxide may cause skin irritation.