What is Hydrogen Peroxide?

Medicinal hydrogen peroxide is a diluted form of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) that is used for medical and healthcare purposes. Typically, it comes in concentrations of 3% but can also come in 6% and 9% , which is considered safe for external use on the skin and for some oral care applications when properly diluted.

Uses of Medicinal Hydrogen Peroxide:

• Antiseptic for Wounds – Used to clean minor cuts, scrapes, and burns by killing bacteria and preventing infection.
• Mouthwash (Diluted Form) – Can be used as a gargle or mouth rinse to help with oral hygiene and minor mouth infections (e.g., ulcers, gingivitis). However, it must be diluted with water before use.
• Ear Cleaning – Sometimes used to soften earwax buildup (a few drops in the ear, then rinsed with warm water).
• Skin Disinfection – Occasionally used for disinfecting skin before minor medical procedures.

Why is it so Hard to Find?

Medicinal hydrogen peroxide has become difficult to buy from retailers in the UK for several reasons:

The UK has tightened controls on hydrogen peroxide due to its classification as a precursor to explosives. Even at lower concentrations (e.g., 6% or higher), stricter regulations have made it less attractive for retailers to stock.

Hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation, burns, and other health issues if misused. Many retailers have phased it out in favour of alternative antiseptics like chlorhexidine or iodine, which have fewer risks. The NHS and medical professionals have largely moved away from hydrogen peroxide as a wound cleaner, favouring milder antiseptics and saline solutions. As demand dropped, many pharmacies stopped carrying it.

While lower concentrations (3% or less) may still be available in some pharmacies or online, they are less common than they used to be. If you need it for medical purposes, you might need to check with a pharmacy or specialised supplier.

Is Anyone Still Manufacturing Hydrogen Peroxide?

We reached out to all the main manufacturers of hydrogen peroxide and care+ as well as many other manufacturers have discontinued citing the reason 'One of the materials used to stabilise the product is no longer available and attempts to reformulate with alternative materials have so far proved unsuccessful'. Ultrapure Laboratories have begun the manufacturing of a 6% hydrogen peroxide solution.

Where can I buy Hydrogen peroxide?

You can buy Ultrapure Laboratories 6% hydrogen peroxide from us at medino