Acnecide Gel

What Is Acnecide Gel?

Acnecide Gel 60g and 30g contains the active ingredient benzoyl peroxide in either 5% or 10% strengths. It's a powerful antiseptic that kills up to 95% of bacteria on the skin that causes types of acne like spots, blackheads and whiteheads.

This product is applied directly to the affected skin, where it works quickly by not only killing bacteria but also absorbing excess oil.

What's the Difference Between Acnecide 5% and 10% Gel?

Acnecide 10% is a higher concentration that is intended for more persistent or stubborn acne that hasn’t responded to the lower 5% strength.

Acnecide 10% contains a stronger concentration of the active ingredient benzoyl peroxide. It is therefore more likely to cause side effects such as dryness, redness, peeling and irritation, especially if skin is sensitive.

If you’re unsure which is right for your skin, it’s best to start with 5% and see how your skin reacts, and discuss options with a pharmacist, as results are not dramatically better with 10% but the risk of side effects is greater. This is especially true if you are treating large areas like the face, chest or back.

What Is Acnecide Gel Used for?

Acnecide Gel is just one of many benzoyl peroxide treatments available to treat acne, spots, or pimples. When used alongside a gentle Acnecide Cleanser (now rebranded to Purifide Daily Cleanser) and Purifide (formerly Acnecide) Daily Moisturiser, most people notice a visible improvement in the condition of their skin in just a few weeks.

• Topical antibiotics: Zineryt, Dalacin-T, Zindaclin
• Oral antibiotics: Tetralysal, Oxytetracycline

How Does Acnecide Gel Work?

Acnecide Gel contains the active substance benzoyl peroxide. It has antiseptic properties that mean it attacks the bacteria on your skin, which, when present, can lead to acne.

It also helps further reduce acne by unclogging the pores on your skin. It removes the dead skin that can build up and cause blockages. Helping to treat existing acne and, when used regularly, prevents further breakouts.

How Long Does Acnecide Gel Take to Work?

When used as directed, up to twice a day on all affected areas of skin, Acnecide Gel starts working straight away. Most people will see a noticeable difference in the appearance of their skin within 2 - 4 weeks.

For best results, it is recommended that Acnecide Gel is used alongside a gentle skin cleanser and a non-comedogenic moisturiser that does not block up the pores as part of your daily skin care routine.

If you do not see visible improvements to your skin within this time or you notice your skin condition getting worse, you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to Use Acnecide Gel

Acnecide Gel is suitable for use by children and adults over the age of 12 years for external use only.

1. Wash the affected areas of the skin with a gentle skin cleanser and water.
2. Pat the skin dry.
3. For 5% gel, apply a thin layer of gel to all affected areas 1 - 2 times a day. If you have sensitive skin, apply once at bedtime.
4. Build up the Acnecide usage carefully and start with a once-a-day application in the evening for the first few days.
5. For 10% gel, only apply once a day. Do not increase use to twice a day.

If you notice any drying or peeling of the skin, you should reduce the number of applications accordingly until your skin has settled and adjusted to this product.

Acnecide Gel Ingredients

Active Ingredients: Hydrous Benzoyl Peroxide

Inactive Ingredients: Docusate Sodium, Disodium Edetate, Poloxamer 182, Carbomer 940, Propylene Glycol, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycerol, Colloidal Anhydrous Silica, Sodium Hydroxide, and Purified Water.

Acnecide Gel Side Effects

Acnecide Gel may cause side effects in some people, but not everyone will experience them.

Most commonly, people report irritation at the sites of application, which may include:

• Dry Skin
• Redness
• Peeling
• Burning sensation
• Itching
• Pain or stinging

If you experience any of these side effects and you become concerned or they do not improve after you have stopped using Acnecide Gel, you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

In very rare cases, some people may have a severe allergic reaction when using this product. If you experience any facial swelling, severe itching or burning or difficulty breathing, you should seek immediate medical help.

Please ensure you have read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly before using Acnecide Gel.

Acnecide Gel Warnings

• The product is for external use only. Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, nose and mucous membranes (for example, inside of your mouth or nose).
• Do not apply this product to damaged or broken skin.
• Make sure to avoid contact with hair, clothes or coloured fabrics, as Acnecide Gel contains ingredients that can bleach or stain. Wash your hands thoroughly after each application and, where possible, avoid contact with materials.
• As Acnecide can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight, avoid repeated or prolonged exposure to sunlight and other sources of UV light when using this product, either sunbeds or strong sunlight.
• Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before using Acnecide Gel if you are using any other treatment of acne on your skin or products that dry or peel, as this can cause the skin to become very sore.
• Keep in mind that excessive application will not increase the efficacy of the benzoyl peroxide product. Instead, it could increase the risk of skin irritation.

Please read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly before using this product.

Acnecide Gel & Pregnancy

You should not use this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before consulting a doctor. If you are advised to use Acnecide Gel while breastfeeding, you should not apply it to your chest.

Sources

• NHS (2022). About benzoyl peroxide - https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/benzoyl-peroxide/about-benzoyl-peroxide/
• Acnecide Gel Patient Information Leaflet:https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/2225/pil