Acnecide Gel

About Acnecide gel

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 

Buy Acnecide gel  

You can buy Acnecide gel online today from our UK-registered pharmacy without the need for a prescription. Complete a short medical questionnaire and your order will be delivered to your door in plain and discreet packaging.  

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). 

Acnecide gel dosage instructions

Apply to the affected area daily. Acencide 5% w/w Gel contains the active ingredient Benzoyl Peroxide. Your GP or pharmacist should advise you on the best way to use it or follow the instructions in the patient information leaflet. It’s important to avoid exposure to sunlight and wear high protection SPF whilst using this medicine.  

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 side effects

Side effects that may affect more than 1 in 10 people (Very common) include: 

• Dry skin 
• Redness of the skin 
• Peeling skin 
• A slight burning sensation of the skin 

Side effects that may affect less than 1 in 10 people (Common) include: 

• Itchy skin 
• A painful sensation on the skin 
• An irritating sensation on the skin 

These side effects are often reversible by reducing frequency of use or stopping the treatment completely. Nonetheless, we suggest getting in touch with your pharmacist or GP if you are experiencing any of the above. 

If these side effects are occurring at a more alarming rate, stop using this treatment immediately, and get in touch with your pharmacist or GP. 

Acnecide gel warnings

When should I not use Acnecide gel? 

• You should not use acnecide gel if you are allergic to benzoyl peroxide or any of the other ingredients in this medicine which you are able to find here 
• Do not apply to damaged skin 
• Stop applying if it is causing swelling or blistering. If this is the case, please contact your GP or pharmacist 
• Do not use with any other topical (treatment which you apply to the skin) acne treatment unless you have been instructed by your GP or pharmacist 
• Do not use if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, unless your doctor has said it is safe to do so. If using while breastfeeding, do not apply to any areas which may cause exposure to the skin of your child 

Stop using this treatment immediately if you experience face swelling or your skin becomes severely red, itchy or starts peeling excessively. Acnecide contains Propylene Glycol which can cause skin irritation.  

Please note: Benzoyl peroxide, which is the active ingredient of Acnecide, can increase photosensitivity. This means your skin may burn more easily when exposed to sunlight. Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially during the initial phase of using benzoyl peroxide when your skin is adjusting to the treatment. 

Caution should be taken when applying acnecide gel to your face, back and chest because it may bleach hair and coloured fabrics, such as bedding and clothing.  

Acnecide gel and pregnancy

You should not use Acnecide if you are pregnant, unless advised otherwise. If you are trying to get pregnant or are pregnant speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this treatment.  

Acnecide gel and breastfeeding

Using this treatment whilst breastfeeding is not recommended. It’s important that you discuss this with your doctor before using it. If you are breastfeeding, do not apply this medicine to your chest to avoid any potential exposure to the child.  

Acnecide gel interactions

Benzoyl peroxide helps to exfoliate the skin by promoting the shedding of dead skin cells, known as the keratolytic effect. Your skin can become red and very sore if you use other topical products whilst using acnecide. Do not use the following: 

• Alcohol-based products with peeling, irritant or drying effects such as toners or astringents 
• Other acne products used on the skin such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, retinoids or topical antibiotics.  

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. 

Sources

1. NHS UK. (n.d.). Benzoyl Peroxide. Retrieved August 26, 2024, from https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/benzoyl-peroxide/
2. NHS UK. (n.d.). Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Fertility While Using Benzoyl Peroxide. Retrieved August 26, 2024, from https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/benzoyl-peroxide/pregnancy-breastfeeding-and-fertility-while-using-benzoyl-peroxide