Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Acnecide Face Wash 5% w/w Gel
⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Benzoyl peroxide may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
What it is and what it is used for
for » Acnecide Face Wash contains the active ingredient benzoyl peroxide which kills the bacteria (germs) known as Propionibacterium acnes, one of the main causes of acne.
- Acnecide Face Wash is for the treatment of mild acne on the face, in adults and adolescents 12 years and over. Mild acne appears as predominately blackheads and whiteheads and there are few or no spots and pimples and no inflamed spots. Please take a look at the diagrams below showing the different types of acne: Mild
Moderate
Severe
v x
- Acnecide Face Wash is only absorbed into the body in very small amounts and has little effect, except on the surface of the skin.
What you need to know before you take it
e Acnecide Face Wash Do not use Acnecide Face Wash if you:
- are allergic (hypersensitive) to benzoyl peroxide or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). An allergic reaction may include a rash or itching.
- have any inflamed spots or larger lumps on your face, because you may have more severe acne and you should see your pharmacist or doctor for advice about treatment.
- have scars from past acne spots, usually a shallow dent or deeper pit in the skin, you should see your pharmacist or doctor for advice.
- have any acne on your shoulders, back or chest. Treating acne in these areas can be difficult and you should ask your pharmacist or doctor about how to treat it. Warnings and precautions
- Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using Acnecide Face Wash if you are unsure if your spots are acne or not.
- If you are worried or upset about your acne, even if it is mild, you should consult your pharmacist or doctor for advice. Acne can be associated with increased risk of depression, anxiety, poor self-image and poor self-esteem. If you experience any of these psychological effects, please consult your doctor for professional advice.
- Avoid contact of the face wash with the eyes, mouth, angles of the nose or other very sensitive areas of the body. If the preparation enters the eye, wash thoroughly with water. ¢ Acnecide Face Wash should not be applied to damaged skin.
- Acnecide Face Wash can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight, therefore excessive exposure to sunlight should be avoided. Sunbeds should not be used whilst using Acnecide Face Wash.
- Avoid contact of the face wash with any coloured material including hair and dyed fabrics as it may result in bleaching or discolouration.
- Acnecide Face Wash may cause swelling and blistering of the skin. If these symptoms occur, use of the product should be discontinued, and you should see your pharmacist or doctor for advice. Children and adolescents aged less than 12 years Acnecide Face Wash should not be used by children less than 12 years of age. Other medicines and Acnecide Face Wash Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.
- You should not use medicines with peeling, irritant and drying effects at the same time as Acnecide Face Wash.
- Do not use Acnecide Face Wash with other benzoyl peroxide containing products (including other Acnecide products), or any other preparations for acne, unless under supervision of a doctor. Pregnancy and breast-feeding ¢ If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice before using this medicine. ¢ Avoid using this product if you are breast-feeding unless your doctor has told you otherwise. If your doctor has recommended the use of this product while you are breast-feeding, you must not apply the gel onto your chest, this is to avoid exposure of your child to this product. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice before taking any medicine. Driving and using machines Acnecide Face Wash has no or negligible affect on your ability to drive or use machines.
How to take it
Acnecide Face Wash Always use this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet. Check with your pharmacist or doctor if you are not sure. Benzoyl Peroxide may cause irritation. You should therefore start by using this product on alternate days to minimise this risk and then gradually increase the frequency up to twice a day use if tolerated. If you experience any severe skin irritation stop using the product. If this irritation does not improve after stopping, please consult your pharmacist or doctor.
- Acnecide Face Wash is for EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over.
¢ Unless your pharmacist or doctor has told you otherwise:
- Acnecide Face Wash should be used once or twice daily to cover the affected skin areas of the face: Avoid contact with sensitive areas such as the eyes, mouth, nose lining and neck.
- When you first start treatment, use Acnecide Face Wash once daily, before going to bed. You may feel mild burning and notice slight reddening and peeling of the skin during the first few days. If you have more severe redness, burning, irritation and peeling then you should stop treatment and let your skin go back to normal before restarting treatment.
- If Acnecide Face Wash does not affect your skin, or you have only mild burning and slight reddening and peeling after 2-3 days of use, you can use the wash twice a day, in the morning and evening. If this causes more severe skin symptoms (burning, irritation, redness, peeling) then you should go back to using Acnecide Face Wash only once a day. If your skin remains more severely irritated you should stop treatment and let your skin go back to normal before restarting treatment once a day.
- Ifyou get severe skin irritation at any time whilst using Acnecide Face Wash you should stop the treatment. If your skin does not recover after stopping treatment you should seek a doctor's advice.
- Using a moisturiser after application can help to reduce any irritation the treatment may cause.
- Wet the area to be treated
- Wash hands before use and place a small amount of Acnecide Face Wash on to the hands to wash the affected area.
- Contact time with the skin should be 1 to 2 minutes followed by thorough rinsing with water and drying.
- After use, wash hands thoroughly and replace cap tightly. ¢ Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, angles of the nose, neck or other very sensitive areas of the body. If the preparation enters the eye, wash thoroughly with water. In the event that Acnecide Face Wash is accidently swallowed, contact your doctor.
- How long you will have to use Acnecide Face Wash will depend on how quickly your condition improves.
- If your acne gets worse while using Acnecide Face Wash or if it does not improve within 12 weeks, it is important that you see your pharmacist or doctor for advice. Under treatment of some forms of acne may sometimes result in scarring. Your pharmacist or doctor will be able to recommend an alternative treatment for your acne.
- If your spots heal but leave a scar for the first time, which is usually a shallow dent or deeper pit in the skin, you should see your pharmacist or doctor for advice. You may require additional or alternative treatment for your acne.
- Acnecide Face Wash should not be used in adolescents and children under 12 years of age. If you use more Acnecide Face Wash than you should
- If you use too much Acnecide Face Wash you will not get rid of your acne any quicker, but your skin may become irritated. If this occurs, treatment should be stopped and you should contact your pharmacist or doctor. In the rare event that you accidentally swallow any of this product, seek medical advice. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your pharmacist or doctor.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. STOP using Acnecide Face Wash and tell your doctor immediately if you develop a severe allergic reaction. Signs of severe allergic reaction may include: ¢ Raised and itchy rash (hives) ¢ Swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue or mouth (angioedema), having difficulty in breathing
- Fainting Acnecide Face Wash may cause the following side effects: Very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people
- Dry skin
- Skin redness
- Peeling of the skin
- Burning sensation of the skin Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people
- Itching of the skin (pruritus)
- Pain of the skin (pain, stinging)
- Skin irritation (irritant contact dermatitis) Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people
- Allergic contact dermatitis (redness, inflammation, bumps, dry and cracked, or a burn-like rash on the skin at the site of exposure).
These symptoms are usually reversible if the treatment is reduced in frequency or discontinued. If your skin becomes severly irritated, or severe redness, itching or peeling of the skin occurs, discontinue use immediately and consult your pharmacist or doctor. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your pharmacist or doctor. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
How to store it
Acnecide Face Wash
- Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
- Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the tube or outer carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
- Do not store above 25°C. ¢ After first opening the tube, use the medicine within 6 months. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
Contents of the pack and other information
What Acnecide Face Wash contains The active substance is benzoyl peroxide 5% w/w as hydrous benzoyl peroxide in a cleansing gel. The other ingredients are acrylates copolymer, glycerol, carbomer 940,
sodium C_,-C,. olefin sulfonate, sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment), and purified water. What Acnecide Face Wash looks like and contents of the pack Acnecide Face Wash is a white to off-white gel which is available in a 50g tube. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer Marketing Authorisation Holder: Galderma (U.K.) Limited, Evergreen House North, Grafton Place, London, England, NW1 2DX (PL 10590/0070) Manufacturer: Laboratoires Galderma, ZI- Montdésir, 74540 Alby-sur-Chéran, France. This leaflet was last revised in 12/2025
7. General advice for people with acne ¢ Try not touch your face too much and do not pick or squeeze your spots as this can make them worse.
- Cleanse your skin and remove make-up with a mild cleanser and water, or an oil-free soap substitute. When cleansing your skin scrubbing too hard can irritate the skin and make your acne worse. Remember, poor washing does not cause blackheads. ¢ Baths and showers should not be too hot as this can strip skin of its natural oils and may make acne worse. ¢ Skin should always be moisturised following cleansing and after applying any treatments as some products can cause drying and redness of the affected skin. ¢ If you use make up, choose products that are oil-free or water-based. Products that are labelled as being 'non-comedogenic' (should not cause blackheads or whiteheads) or non-acnegenic (should not cause acne), are less likely to make acne worse.
- If you go out in the sun, use a sunscreen. Choose products labelled as oil-free, water based or non-comedogenic, to avoid clogging pores. ¢ Shave carefully. If you shave, you can try both electric and safety razors to see which works best. With safety razors, use a sharp blade. Also, it helps to soften your beard with soap and water before putting on shaving cream. Shave lightly and only when you have to. G A L D E R M A
Frequently asked questions about Acnecide Face Wash 5% w/w Gel
How do I take Acnecide Face Wash 5% w/w Gel?
Acnecide Face Wash 5% w/w Gel comes as gel. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
What is the active substance in Acnecide Face Wash 5% w/w Gel?
The active substance in Acnecide Face Wash 5% w/w Gel is benzoyl peroxide.
Are there equivalent medicines to Acnecide Face Wash 5% w/w Gel?
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Acnecide 10% w/w Gel, Acnecide 5% w/w Gel, Acnecide Face 2.5% w/w Gel. In total there are 5 equivalent products. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Acnecide Face Wash 5% w/w Gel, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Can I get Acnecide Face Wash 5% w/w Gel without a prescription?
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
About this leaflet
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
- Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
- Active substance: benzoyl peroxide
- Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
4.1. Therapeutic indications
Acnecide Face Wash is intended for the topical treatment of mild acne affecting the face, where comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) predominate, and there are few or no papules and pustules (acne spots and pimples) and no inflamed spots.
Acnecide Face Wash is indicated in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Posology:
Adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over:
When first used Acnecide Face Wash should be applied once daily to cover the acne- affected skin areas before going to bed. After 2-3 days, if the treatment is well tolerated, the frequency of application can be increased to twice daily, in the morning and evening. The extent of any drying or peeling may be adjusted by modifying the dosage schedule (see section 4.4).
Paediatric population:
The safety and efficacy of Acnecide Face Wash in children aged less than 12 years have not been established. No data are available.
Method of administration:
For topical administration only
Wet the area to be treated, apply the preparation to the hands and wash the affected area with the gel. Contact time with the skin should be 1 to 2 minutes followed by thorough rinsing with water and drying.
4.3. Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
For external use only.
This product is not suitable for individuals with severe acne (characterised by large numbers of inflamed spots on the face or the presence of nodules and cysts), moderate acne (characterised by papules and pustules) or previous scarring from acne, who should seek treatment advice from a doctor.
Individuals with extensive acne lesions affecting other areas (e.g. the chest shoulders and back), which they want to treat, should consult their pharmacist or doctor. These lesions are often more difficult to treat and topical treatments may not be appropriate if they are widespread.
Individuals with mild acne that are particularly concerned by their condition should consult their doctor.
Acnecide Face Wash may cause swelling and blistering of the skin, if any of these symptoms occur, medication has to be discontinued.
In normal use, a mild burning sensation will probably be felt on first application and a moderate reddening and peeling of the skin will occur within a few days. During the first weeks of treatment a sudden increase in peeling will occur in most people, this is not harmful and will normally subside within a day or two if treatment is temporarily discontinued. Adjunctive use of moisturizers can help to limit the potential for skin irritation.
If severe irritation occurs, individuals should temporarily discontinue use until the irritation subsides. If treatment is restarted, the product should be applied less frequently (i.e. once a day instead of twice daily or alternate days instead of once a day). If severe irritation occurs again after treatment is restarted, discontinue use altogether.
Excessive application will not improve efficacy, but may increase the risk of skin irritation.
In the event of scarring following initial treatment with Acnecide Face Wash, treatment should be discontinued and advice should be sought from a doctor.
Acnecide Face Wash should not come into contact with the eyes, mouth, angles of the nose or mucous membranes. If the preparation enters the eye, wash thoroughly with water. Acnecide Face Wash should not be applied to the neck and other sensitive areas (around the eyes and mouth, angles of the nose or mucous membranes). Due to the risk of sensitisation, Acnecide Face Wash should not be applied to damaged skin.
As Acnecide Face Wash may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight, sunlamps should not be used and deliberate or prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV radiation should be avoided. When strong sunlight cannot be avoided, individuals should use a sunscreen product and wear protective clothing.
Contact with any coloured material including hair and dyed fabrics may result in bleaching or discoloration.
Acnecide Face Wash should not be used in conjunction with other benzoyl peroxide preparations (including other Acnecide products), nor with any other topical or systemic treatment(s) for acne except under medical supervision.
Individuals should cease use and seek medical advice if their condition deteriorates despite therapy or in cases of a lack of response after use for 12 weeks.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
No interaction studies have been performed. However, drugs with desquamative, irritant and drying effects should not be used concurrently with Acnecide Face Wash.
4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
There is no safety concern relating to the effects of cutaneously applied benzoyl peroxide on reproductive function, fertility, teratogenicity, embryotoxicity, or periand post- natal development from animal data. In widespread clinical use for the cutaneous treatment of acne vulgaris, at concentrations up to 10% w/w for several decades, benzoyl peroxide has never been associated with such effects. Acnecide Face Wash should only be used by a pregnant woman under medical supervision.
Breast-feeding
It is unknown whether benzoyl peroxide/metabolites are excreted in human milk. A risk to the new-borns/infants cannot be excluded and the preparation should not be applied on the chest in nursing women to avoid accidental transfer to the infant. Acnecide Face Wash should only be used by a nursing woman under medical supervision.
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Acnecide Face Wash has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines
4.8. Undesirable effects
The adverse reactions resulting from clinical trials are all skin disorders. They are reversible when treatment is reduced in frequency or discontinued.
The following categories are used to indicate the frequency of occurrence of adverse effects:
Very common (≥1/10)
Common (≥1/100 to <1/10)
Uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to <1/100)
Rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000)
Very rare (<1/10,000)
Unknown (Frequency not assessable based on the available data).
They are presented in the table below:
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Very common
(≥1/10)
Dry skin, Erythema, Skin exfoliation, (peeling), Skin burning sensation
Common
(≥1/100 to <1/10)
Pruritus, Pain of skin (pain, stinging), Skin irritation, (irritant contact dermatitis)
Uncommon
(≥1/1,000 to <1/100)
Allergic contact dermatitis
Swelling face and allergic reactions, including application site hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis (not known frequency) have been reported during post-marketing surveillance.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme. Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
4.9. Overdose
Acnecide Face Wash is for topical use only. If the medication is applied excessively, no more rapid or better results will be obtained and severe irritation might develop. In this event, treatment must be discontinued and appropriate symptomatic therapy, including the use of moisturizers, should be instituted.
In the case of accidental ingestion, urgent medical attention is required. Expert advice should be sought and supportive measures instituted.
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Acnecide Face Wash 5% w/w Gel. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.