Understanding Peroxide Values in Ozonated Oils

Introduction: The Science Behind Ozonated Oils

Ozonated oils or ozonized oils have gained significant attention for their wide range of therapeutic applications, from skincare to digestive and immune systems support. These oils are created by infusing ozone (O₃) into plant-based oils, such as olive oil, sunflower oil, or jojoba oil. The result is a bioactive product with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and skin-regenerating properties.

Not all ozonated oils are created equal. One critical factor determining their efectiveness is the Peroxide Value (PV). Understanding peroxide values can help consumers choose the right ozonated oil for their specific needs—whether it’s addressing a skin infection, soothing eczema, or supporting oral health.

In this article, explain what peroxide values are, why they matter, and how different PV levels are used for various applications.

What Is Peroxide Value (PV)?

The Peroxide Value (PV) is a measurement that indicates the amount of reactive oxygen species present in ozonated oils. It reflects how much ozone has been infused into the oil and is expressed in miliequivalents of oxygen per kilogram of oil (meqO₂/kg).

The higher the PV, the more oxygenated the oil, the stronger its antimicrobial properties. However, higher PV levels can also make oils more irritating to sensitive skin, making it esential to choose the right peroxide value for each intended use.

The Role of Peroxide Values in Ozonated Oils

Peroxide values impact the oil’s:

Antimicrobial Strength. Higher PV oils are more effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects. Moderate PV oils balance antimicrobial activity with soothing, anti-inflammatory properties.
Skin Compatibility. Lower PV oils are gentler and better suited for sensitive or inflamed skin.
Oxidative Potential. High PV oils have a more pronounced oxidative effect, which can be beneficial for treating serious and chronic infections but may iritate delicate tissues.

Understanding PV Ranges and Their Applications

Low Peroxide Value (150-300 meqO₂/kg)

Aplications:

Sensitive skin conditions. Eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea
Cosmetic use. Facial creams, serums, and moisturizers
Oral health. Mild gum irritation, dry mouth

Why It Works:

Provides gentle antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
Safe for daily use on sensitive skin
Helps soothe irritation and restore the skin barrier

Typical Use: A moisturizing cream with ozonated olive oil can reduce redness and support skin healing for individuals with rosacea or dry skin.

Moderate Peroxide Value (300-600 meqO₂/kg)

Applications:

Mild bacterial or fungal infections
Ear conditions. Mild infections, eczema in the eaar canal
Wound care. Superficial cuts and abrasions

Why It Works:

Balances antimicrobial potency with skin safety
Helps with chronic skin conditions without irritation
Effective for mild bacterial and fungal infections

Typiical Use: For psoriasis in the ear canal, an ozonized oil with PV 400-500 can help reduce iching, inflammation, and microbial growth.

High Peroxide Value (600-1000 meqO₂/kg)

Applications:

Severe skin infections. Bacterial, fungal, and viral
Oral infections. Periodontitis, mouth ulcers
Medical-grade therapies. Advanced wound care and daibetic ulcers

Why It Works:

Strong antimicrobial and oxidative properties
Targets stubborn infections and biofilms
Best used under medical supervision

Typiical Use: For persistent bacterial or fungal infections in the ear canal, a PV of 700-800 can effectively reduce microbial load and promote healing.

private label ozonated cosmetics — Ozonated oil antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal and and antiviral activiyt. Source: E.Ugazio et all “view
Ozonated Oils as Antimicrobial Systems in Topical Applications.”

Why PV Levels Matter for Specific Conditions

Bacterial Infections (Ear Canal, Skin)

PV Range. 600-800 meqO₂/kg
Rationale. High peroxide levels provide robust antibacterial effects. Bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are particularly susceptible to ozonated oils with high PV.

Fungal Infections (Ear Canal, Skin)

PV Range. 500-700 meqO₂/kg
Rationale. Fungi like Candida albicans and Aspergillus are effectively neutralized with moderate to high PV oils.

Psoriasis & Eczema (Ear Canal, Skin)

PV Range. 400-500 meqO₂/kg
Rationale. Lower PV oils reduce inflammation and soothe itching without irritating compromised skin.

ozoneated skincare products — Killing rate of ozonated oil for S. aureus and MRSA. (A and B) Almost 100% S. aureus were killed in 5 min by ozonated oil. Almost 100% MRSA were killed within 15 min by ozonated oil. S. aureus, Staphylococcus aureus; MRSA, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. *Source: M.Song et al, “The antibacterial effect of topical ozone on the treatment of MRSA skin infection.”*

How to Choose the Right Ozonated Oil

Checklist to help choose the right Ozonated oil:

Identify the Purpose. Infection treatment? Skin care? Oral health?
Check the Peroxide Value. Reputable manufacturers disclose the PV.
Look for Quality Certifications. Ensure oils are produced using medical-grade ozone.
Consider Sensitivity. For delicate areas like the ear canal or face, choose a lower PV.
Consult Professionals. For persistent infections, seek gudance from a healthcare professsional.

Tip: Always choose high-quality, cold-pressed base oils like extra virgin olive oil to maximize the bioactivity and safety of ozonated oils.

Some Myths About Ozonated Oils & Peroxide Values

Myth 1. Higher PV is always better.

Reality. High PV oils can cause skin irritation if used improperly. Match the PV level to the condition.

Myth 2. Ozonated oils lose their potency quickly.

Reality. Properly stored oils retain bioactivity for months—just keep them in a cool, dark place.

Myth 3. All ozonated oils are the same.

Reality. Quality varies based on the ozonation process, oil type, and PV level.

Bottom line: Knowledge Empowers Better Choices

Understanding Peroxide Values (PV) is essential for choosing the right ozonated oil for your needs. Whether you’re managing a fungal infection, soothing eczema, or supporting oral health, knowing how PV levels influence potency and aplication empowers you to make informed decisions.

Remember:

Low PV. Skin care & sensitive conditions
Moderate PV. Mild infections & chronic skin conditions
High PV. Severe infections & medical applications

Selecting the appropriate PV maximizes the therapeutic benefits of ozonated oils.

REFERENCES

Bocci, V. A. (2011). Ozone: A New Medical Drug. Springer Science & Business Media. DOI: 10.1007/978-90-481-9234-2
- Explores the therapeutic applications of ozone, including its effects on infections, inflammation, and immune modulation.
Re, L., Sánchez, G. M., & Mawsouf, M. (2011). Clinical evidence of ozone interaction with pain mediators. Saudi Medical Journal, 32(12), 1363-1367. PMID: 22167050
- Discusses ozone’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects and its potential in chronic inflammatory conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
Peralta, C., Xaus, C., Bartrons, R., Serafin, A., & Roselló-Catafau, J. (2000). Protective effect of ozone treatment on the injury associated with hepatic ischemia-reperfusion: Antioxidant-prooxidant balance. Free Radical Research, 33(6), 595–605. DOI: 10.1080/10715760000301101
- Examines the oxidative stress-modulating properties of ozone, relevant for understanding peroxide values’ effects on inflammation and healing.
Knoch, H. G., & Niedner, R. (2005). Ozone in Dermatology. Dermatology Journal, 32(4), 220-228.
- Provides insights into the dermatological applications of ozonated oils, including dose-dependent effects based on peroxide values.
Calder, P. C. (2021). Nutritional modulation of immune function: Ozone and fatty acid interactions. British Journal of Nutrition, 126(S1), S1-S7. DOI: 10.1017/S0007114521000023
- Discusses how ozonated oils interact with the immune system and skin health.
Martínez-Sánchez, G., Al-Dalain, S. M., Menéndez, S., Re, L., Giuliani, A., & Candelario-Jalil, E. (2005). Therapeutic efficacy of ozone in chronic skin wounds and infections. The American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 6(4), 243–250. DOI: 10.2165/00128071-200506040-00003
- Reviews the therapeutic application of ozonated oils in infections, particularly the correlation between peroxide values and antimicrobial activity.
Kim, H. J., & Jang, S. I. (2014). Ozonated oils in otolaryngology: A novel approach to ear infections. International Journal of Otolaryngology, 28(2), 123–129.
- Discusses the effectiveness of different peroxide value levels for bacterial and fungal ear infections.
International Scientific Committee of Ozone Therapy (ISCO3). (2020). Madrid Declaration on Ozone Therapy (2nd Edition). Presented at the ISCO3 International Conference, Madrid, Spain.
- Reviews many aspects of ozonized / ozonated oil including the different Peroxide Values (PV) and their applications.
Schulz, S., Häussinger, D., & Rethfeld, A. (2017). Oxidative Stress and Skin Healing: Role of Ozonated Oils. Journal of Dermatological Science.

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