Acnecide Wash 5% w/w Gel is a rinse-off wash containing benzoyl peroxide for the treatment of acne vulgaris of the face, chest and back, where blackheads and spots predominate. It is a pharmacy medicine sold by Ways Pharmacy (UK).
This is a pharmacy (P) medicine sold under the supervision of our GPhC-registered pharmacist. You may be asked a few short questions before your order is supplied.
Key facts
| Active ingredient | Benzoyl peroxide 5% w/w |
|---|---|
| Format | Wash-off gel, 100g tube |
| Use | Cutaneous treatment of acne vulgaris of the face, chest and back, where comedones and papules predominate |
| How often | Once or twice daily |
| Contact time | Leave on the wet skin for 1 to 2 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water and dry |
| Shelf life | Use within 6 months of opening |
| Pack | 100g |
Who it is for
- People with mild to moderate acne spots and blackheads on the face, chest or back.
- Those who prefer a wash-off format over a leave-on benzoyl peroxide gel.
Not suitable for: Do not use if you are allergic to benzoyl peroxide or any of the other ingredients. Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, the angles of the nose and other mucous membranes. If you are pregnant, use only if clearly needed and ask a pharmacist or doctor first; if you are breastfeeding, do not apply it to the chest. Ask a pharmacist before use if you have very sensitive skin or are using other acne treatments on the same area.
How to use
- Read the label and Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) before use.
- Wet the area to be treated, put the gel on your hands and wash the affected skin with it.
- Leave the gel in contact with the skin for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with water and pat dry.
- Use once or twice a day unless your pharmacist or doctor advises otherwise.
- If the skin becomes severely irritated, use it less often, stop for a while, or stop altogether and ask a pharmacist.
Frequently asked questions
Will Acnecide Wash irritate my skin?
Some dryness, redness, peeling or a mild burning sensation is expected, especially at first. If irritation is severe, use it less often or stop and ask a pharmacist.
Does it bleach clothes or hair?
Yes. Benzoyl peroxide can bleach or discolour hair, dyed fabrics, towels and bedding. Rinse thoroughly and keep it away from coloured materials.
Can I go in the sun while using it?
Avoid sunlamps and deliberate or prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV. If you are going to be in the sun, use a sunscreen on treated skin.
How long does an opened tube last?
Use within 6 months of opening. Store below 25°C in the original tube.
Can I use it with a leave-on Acnecide gel?
Using more than one benzoyl peroxide product on the same area increases dryness and irritation. Ask our pharmacist before combining treatments.
Safety and storage
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes, lips, mouth and inside of the nose; rinse well with water if contact occurs.
- May bleach hair, clothing and coloured fabrics.
- Avoid sunlamps and prolonged sun or UV exposure on treated skin.
- Stop and seek medical advice straight away if you get facial swelling or signs of an allergic reaction.
- Store below 25°C. Use within 6 months of opening.
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
- Read the PIL. Report suspected side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
This is a medicine. Always read the label and the Patient Information Leaflet before use. If symptoms persist, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.
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