Acnecide 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Gel - 30g

Product Summary

Acnecide contains the active ingredient benzoyl peroxide, which attacks the bacteria (germs) known as Propionibacterium acnes, one of the main causes of acne.

Your doctor or pharmacist can recommend this medicine to treat your acne.

Acne appears as blackheads and whiteheads, often referred to as pimples or spots.

Acne of the face, chest, or back may be treated with this medicine.

What you need to know before you use Acnecide 5% gel

Do not use Acnecide if you are:

• Allergic to benzoyl peroxide or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6 of information leaflet). An allergic reaction may include a rash or itching.

Directions of Acnecide 5% gel

Suitable for adults and children

Please read the enclosed leaflet carefully before use.

After washing with a mild cleanser and water, apply Acnecide once or twice a day to the entire affected areas, or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, angles of the nose, and other sensitive areas or damaged skin.

May bleach hair and dyed fabrics.

Ingredients of Acnecide 5% gel

• Active Ingredients: Hydrous Benzoyl Peroxide, equivalent to Benzoyl Peroxide 5% w/w
• Also contains: Docusate Sodium, Disodium Edetate, Poloxamer 182, Carbomer 940, Propylene Glycol, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycerol, Colloidal Anhydrous Silica, Sodium Hydroxide, Purified Water and Sodium Hydroxide to adjust the pH.

Warnings and restrictions for Acnecide 5% gel

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Acnecide.

• Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, angles of the nose and other mucous surfaces such as the nose lining. If accidental contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with warm water.
• Acnecide should not be applied to damaged skin.
• This product may bleach hair and coloured fabrics, including clothing, towels, and bed linen. Take care to avoid contact of the gel with these materials.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after using Acnecide.
• Caution should be exercised when applying Acnecide to the neck and other sensitive areas.
• Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight or UV lamps.

Precautions for Acnecide 5% gel

This is a medicine. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have an underlying medical condition, are taking any other medication or complementary therapy, or if symptoms persist.

Seek advice before using if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or suffer from allergies.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.

Acnecide contains propylene glycol. Propylene glycol may cause skin irritation.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, do not use this product unless your doctor has told you that you can.
• Avoid using this product if you are breastfeeding, unless your doctor has told you otherwise.
• If your doctor has recommended the use of this product while you are breastfeeding, do not apply the gel to your chest. This is to avoid your child being exposed to the product.

Other medicines and Acnecide

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines.

• You should not use medicines with peeling, irritant, or drying effects at the same time as Acnecide.
• Do not use Acnecide with any other acne products that are applied to the skin, unless your doctor or pharmacist has told you that you can, as this may cause your skin to become red and very sore.

Storage for Acnecide 5% gel

• Do not store above 25°C.
• Do not freeze.
• Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
• For external use only.

Pharmacist-Answered FAQs

How does Acnecide work?

Acnecide contains benzoyl peroxide, which targets the bacteria - one of the main culprits behind breakouts. It also has mild exfoliation, helping to clear blocked pores and reduce inflammation on the skin.

Can I use Acnecide if I have sensitive skin?

Benzoyl peroxide can be drying and irritating, especially for sensitive skin. If you’re new to it, start with a once-daily application and use a light, moisturiser to prevent excessive dryness. If irritation contines, reduce usage or speak to your local pharmacist.

How long does it take to see results?

Most people notice improvements within around 4 weeks, but complete results can take up to 12 weeks. Consistency is key - stopping too soon may allow acne to return.

Can Acnecide be used with other acne treatments?

It depends. Avoid using Acnecide with other products that have peeling agents, such as salicylic acid or retinoids, unless advised by a doctor or pharmacist. This reduces the chances of excessive dryness and irritation of the skin.

Does Acnecide help with acne scars?

It won’t remove scars, but it can prevent new breakouts, reducing the chance of future scars. For post-acne marks, you might need additional treatments like niacinamide or azelaic acid. Azeliac acid can be found on prescription for rosacea.

Can I wear makeup while using Acnecide?

Yes, but choose oil-free makeup to avoid clogging up your pores. Allow the gel to dry before applying any products on top. However, it may be better to apply just before bed to avoid this issue entirely.

What should I do if my skin becomes too dry or irritated?

Reduce usage to once a day or even reduce further to every other day. Using a fragrance-free, hydrating moisturiser can also help - we have a good article about the different choices. If irritation is severe, stop using it and speak to a pharmacist.

Can I use Acnecide on my body acne?

Yes, it can be used on the chest and back as well as the face. However, be mindful of contact with clothes, as it may bleach clothing and bedding.

Is it safe to use Acnecide long-term?

Many people use it for months or even years to keep their acne under control.

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The Role of Benzoyl Peroxide vs. Other Acne Treatments

Unlike antibiotics and other acne treatments, benzoyl peroxide doesn’t lead to bacterial resistance, making it a reliable, long-term and safe option. It works differently from retinoids - which work by speeding up skin cell turnover. And salicylic acid - which focuses on exfoliation and breakdown of the skin. Depending on your acne type, a combination approach may work best.