Acnecide Face Wash

Acnecide face wash is a rinse-off medicated cleanser containing 5% benzoyl peroxide, used to treat mild acne on the face. Like Acnecide gel, it kills the bacteria that cause acne and helps to unclog blocked pores by breaking down dead skin cells. The key difference is that the face wash is rinsed off after a short contact time, rather than being left on the skin overnight. This makes it a particularly good option for people with sensitive skin, those who find leave-on benzoyl peroxide products too drying, or anyone looking to treat a larger affected area such as the chest or back more comfortably. It is suitable for adults and young people aged 12 and over.

Wet the area you want to treat, then place a small amount of Acnecide face wash onto your hands and use it to wash the affected area. Leave it in contact with the skin for 1 to 2 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water and pat dry. Use it once or twice a day. When you first start using it, begin with once a day before bed to allow your skin to build up tolerance to the benzoyl peroxide — then increase to twice daily if your skin copes well. A little goes a long way — using extra product will not clear spots faster but is likely to cause more irritation. Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, and nostrils during use.

Like other benzoyl peroxide treatments, Acnecide face wash typically starts to show results within 4 weeks of regular use, with the full effect usually seen after 8 to 12 weeks. Consistency is key — the most common reason the treatment doesn't seem to work is stopping too early. If you haven't noticed any improvement in your acne after 12 weeks, speak to your pharmacist or one of our clinicians at Access Doctor, who can recommend an alternative or stronger treatment.

For many people, yes. Because Acnecide face wash is rinsed off after just 1 to 2 minutes, the skin's exposure to benzoyl peroxide is much shorter than with the leave-on gel. This can make it a better-tolerated option for those with sensitive, dry, or easily irritated skin. However, some skin irritation is still common when you first start using it, particularly mild redness, peeling, and a slight stinging sensation during the first week or two. These effects usually settle as your skin adjusts. If irritation is severe, reduce to using it every other day until your skin acclimates.

Yes — benzoyl peroxide can bleach or discolour fabrics, including towels, flannels, and clothing if they come into contact with it. To avoid this, rinse your skin very thoroughly after using the face wash and make sure no product residue is left on your skin before drying your face. Consider using a white or old towel to pat your face dry, and rinse the sink thoroughly after use to remove any traces of the product.

You should not use Acnecide face wash at the same time as other benzoyl peroxide products or other topical acne treatments unless specifically advised to do so by a doctor. Using multiple acne products together can significantly increase the risk of skin dryness, irritation, and peeling. Avoid using it alongside products containing AHAs, BHAs, retinol, or physical scrubs, as these all have exfoliating effects and combining them with benzoyl peroxide can damage your skin's natural barrier.

Yes — benzoyl peroxide can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, even in a rinse-off format. While the contact time is shorter than the gel, it is still important to apply an oil-free sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on any treated areas before going outdoors. Try to avoid prolonged sun exposure and avoid sunbeds altogether during treatment.

Acnecide face wash is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless your doctor has specifically advised that it is safe for you to use. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding and are looking for acne treatment, speak to your GP or one of our clinicians at Access Doctor before using any medicated skincare product. If you are breastfeeding and your doctor does recommend using it, do not apply the product to your chest area to prevent any contact with your baby.