Acnecide Gel x1 Tube/x2 Tubes/x3 Tubes

Key points

• Topical treatment for inflammatory acne
• Unblocks pores, blackheads and whiteheads
• Can be used on face, chest or back
• Apply 1-2 times a day

What is Acnecide gel?

Acnecide gel is a spot treatment which works by reducing the number of bacteria on the skin. It also works by thinning the skin where it is applied, allowing the area to loosen and shed. It is a first-line treatment for mild acne and is effective in treating inflammatory acne (pustules and papules). It can also be used to treat whiteheads and blackheads.

What does acnecide do?

Acnecide face gel contains the active ingredient benzoyl peroxide, which falls under the category of keratolytics. It works by breaking down keratin, a protein responsible for forming part of the structure of the skin. This action helps to break down acne. It also has antibacterial properties, which help to reduce the number of Propionibacterium acnes (the bacteria responsible for causing acne).

How to use acnecide

• Wash the desired area with water and a mild skin cleanser and then gently pat it dry
• Apply a thin layer of gel to the affected area once or twice a day. Avoid application to any areas of the skin which may be damaged.
• Wash your hands after application
• Avoid contact with your mouth, eyes and angles of the nose. If contact occurs, rinse the gel off thoroughly with water
• If you experience irritation, reduce the amount of gel and the frequency of use, and contact your pharmacist or GP. If irritation persists after reduction of use, consider using a non-alcoholic moisturiser after application.
• Excessive use of this product will not make it more effective, but will increase the likelihood of irritation to the skin

How long does acnecide take to work?

The benzoyl peroxide gel treatment usually starts to work within 4 to 6 weeks but it can take slightly longer depending on the individual. If you do not see any improvement after 8 weeks, contact us for advice.

What if Acnecide gel is not working?

Acne treatments can take several weeks to show any improvement. If you do not see any improvement after one month of use, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist about trying the next step in treating your acne.

Avoid overusing Acnecide because too much benzoyl peroxide may cause your skin to become irritated. Acnecide is clinically proven to be an effective treatment for face acne. You can read our latest  acnecide reviews from our customers to learn about its effectiveness.

Acnecide gel alternatives

Treclin Gel is an alternative treatment to Acnecide Gel which contains clindamycin, an antibiotic that reduces the growth of bacteria and tretinoin which helps to regulate the turnover of skin cells, making it harder for acne to develop. Treclin is usually offered when over-the-counter treatments and non-antibiotic prescription medication have not been successful in treating acne.

Epiduo is a cream that contains benzoyl peroxide with an added retinoid. Differin contains a retinoid and Duac contains both benzoyl peroxide and an antibiotic called clindamycin. All these acne treatments can be used if Acnecide fails to work. You should speak to your GP to discuss suitable alternatives.

Acnecide gel ingredients

Active ingredient: Hydrous Benzoyl Peroxide equivalent to Benzoyl Peroxide 5% w/w in an aqueous, non-alcoholic gel base

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