What is the active ingredient in PanOxyl?

Which ingredient is in which PanOxyl product?

PanOxyl sells several acne treatments, so the logo is doing less detective work than you might hope. Use the full product name and the active ingredient listed in its Drug Facts panel to identify your treatment.23

PanOxyl also uses salicylic acid in its Acne Gel Wash, Acne Banishing Body Spray and Daytime Invisible Patches. A PanOxyl gel wash is therefore not automatically a benzoyl peroxide wash.2

What does benzoyl peroxide do?

Benzoyl peroxide reduces bacteria on the skin and helps improve pimples and blocked pores. It is a recognized safe and effective active ingredient for acne medicines sold without a prescription. It is especially useful for mild pimples; salicylic acid works best on blackheads and whiteheads by unclogging pores, while adapalene is a retinoid that treats blackheads, whiteheads and pimples.345

Should you choose 4% or 10%?

Start with a lower strength to assess tolerance. General advice for adult acne is to begin with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide to reduce dryness, irritation and burning. Between these two PanOxyl washes, 4% is the lower strength, and PanOxyl positions its Creamy Wash as the gentler option. The choice is between specific products, not between which bottle sounds most determined.15

How do you use a benzoyl peroxide wash?

These are general benzoyl peroxide instructions; follow your PanOxyl package for the exact washing directions. Start once daily to see how your skin reacts, and do not exceed the label's frequency. Before first use, apply a small amount to one or two small treatment areas for three days. Continue as directed only if there is no reaction or discomfort.6

1. 1Wash your hands and wet the affected skin.
2. 2Use a small amount of wash, following the package's contact time.
3. 3Rinse thoroughly and gently pat dry.
4. 4Wash your hands afterwards.

Keep benzoyl peroxide away from eyes, mouth, nose, broken skin and infected skin. Use sunscreen and avoid sunbeds. Benzoyl peroxide can bleach hair and colored fabrics. Ask a pharmacist or doctor before combining it with other acne treatments, including prescriptions, because combinations can increase dryness and irritation.46

How long does it take to work?

Benzoyl peroxide generally begins working around four weeks. With acne treatment, fewer breakouts can take four to eight weeks, and clearing can take about 16 weeks. Use one treatment consistently as directed rather than adding new acne products during the first six to eight weeks. Contact a doctor if there is no improvement after four to six weeks or acne worsens.456

Who should be careful, and when should you stop?

Dryness, peeling and slight stinging can occur. Use less often if irritation develops, and seek advice if symptoms persist or bother you. Get urgent medical advice for burning, blistering, swelling or a rash. Stop using benzoyl peroxide and get immediate medical help for hives, throat tightness, difficulty breathing, faintness or swelling of the face, lips or tongue.46

Ask a doctor before use in children under 12. If pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding, check with a clinician before choosing an acne treatment. Seek dermatology care for deep, painful pimples, scarring or dark spots left by acne rather than choosing a stronger wash.56