What is the difference?
| Detail | PanOxyl benzoyl peroxide washes | If your CeraVe bottle lists salicylic acid |
|---|---|---|
| Main action | Kills acne bacteria and helps clear blocked pores. | Exfoliates and unclogs pores, but does not kill acne bacteria. |
| Strength | Acne Creamy Wash contains 4%; Acne Foaming Wash contains 10% benzoyl peroxide. | Check the percentage on your bottle; percentages of different ingredients are not interchangeable. |
| Formula choice | The 4% Creamy Wash is the gentler option, with humectants and emollients to help combat dryness. | Choose based on your bottle's formula and directions, rather than assuming it matches a benzoyl peroxide wash. |
| Best starting point | Start with the lowest benzoyl peroxide strength. | Salicylic acid is an option for mild acne and small bumps that are not inflamed. |
Which should you choose?
Choose PanOxyl 4% first if you want a benzoyl peroxide wash, especially if your skin is dry. Benzoyl peroxide can cause dryness and peeling, and a lower strength is a sensible starting point. PanOxyl offers both a Creamy Wash and a Foaming Wash, so even the lather gets a product name. The 10% version is not the default starting choice just because it is stronger. PanOxyl's washes can also be used for acne on the chest, back and shoulders. A salicylic acid cleanser is a reasonable alternative when mild pore blockages are the main concern.12
How should you use the cleanser?
- 1Test benzoyl peroxide on one or two small affected areas for three days before broader use. If there is no reaction or discomfort, follow the package directions.
- 2Start benzoyl peroxide once daily, in the morning or evening. Increase only within the package directions if your skin tolerates it.
- 3Wet the affected skin and gently wash with your hands. Follow your PanOxyl bottle's contact time; follow CeraVe's own directions rather than borrowing a benzoyl peroxide wash routine.
- 4Rinse thoroughly and gently pat dry. Keep benzoyl peroxide away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
- 5Use a fragrance free moisturizer that is noncomedogenic, meaning less likely to clog pores. Use sunscreen daily, since benzoyl peroxide makes skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Can you use both?
Do not start both acne cleansers together. Introduce one product at a time so you can identify what causes irritation. Combining benzoyl peroxide with another acne treatment can increase dryness and irritation; ask a pharmacist or doctor before combining them. Check with your prescriber before adding either cleanser to prescription acne treatment.124
How long should you give PanOxyl?
Benzoyl peroxide usually starts working within about four weeks; visible effects can take four to six weeks. If there is no improvement after that, contact your doctor rather than simply moving to a stronger wash. Seek advice sooner if acne worsens. Using more than directed will not make benzoyl peroxide work faster and increases the risk of side effects.45
When should you reduce use or stop?
Reduce benzoyl peroxide use if dryness or peeling develops, and get advice if symptoms persist or bother you. Stop and seek urgent medical advice for burning, blistering or swelling. Stop and get emergency help for throat tightness, trouble breathing, faintness, or swelling of the face, lips or tongue. Do not apply benzoyl peroxide to cuts, grazes or infected skin. Keep it away from hair and colored fabrics because it can bleach them; use a white towel. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your healthcare provider before using PanOxyl.245
Where this answer comes from
- 1Home Remedies for Acne: Do They Work?health.clevelandclinic.org
- 2Frequently Asked Questionspanoxyl.com
- 3About Benzoyl Peroxidepanoxyl.com
- 4Benzoyl peroxide: a medicine to treat acnenhs.uk
- 5Benzoyl Peroxide Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Informationmedlineplus.gov
- 6DIY treatment for 5 common beard problemsaad.org
