The invention relates to a novel solubilized benzoyl peroxide topicalformulation for thetreatment of acne comprising: benzoyl peroxide, one or more skin penetrationenhancers, asurfactant, and one or more solvents, wherein the benzoyl peroxide issolubilized in the solvent.The invention further relates to the use of the topical formulation as well asa process for makingthe topical formulation.