Acnecide Gel

Buy Acnecide 5% Gel Online

Written by Clinical Pharmacist Hywel McGlinchy

You can buy Acnecide online from our UK registered online pharmacy. Please read the information about this medicine to make sure it’s safe for you before placing your order.

Simply complete a quick assessment form for our pharmacists to review as part of your order. If approved, it will be dispatched to your chosen address. If for any reason your order is not approved, a full refund will be issued.

We offer two pack sizes: Acnecide 30g and Acnecide 60g. This product is a gel although sometimes people refer to it as Acnecide cream. We also offer Acnecide Wash Gel from our pharmacy, although you cannot use both products together so we are unable to accept an order for both.

To see our prescription acne treatments, visit our online doctor acne clinic.

What is Acnecide?

Acnecide, in the UK, is a commonly used topical gel used in the treatment of mild to moderate acne. The active ingredient in Acnecide is benzoyl peroxide 5%w/w, which is found in many recommended acne creams and gels.

How does Acnecide work?

Benzoyl peroxide gel has been clinically shown to kill up to 95% of bacteria on the skin that causes or contributes to acne. It also helps to unclog pores by removing dead skin to prevent blockages. This improves existing acne and it can help prevent new spots from appearing.

It works best when you use it regularly and can take up to 4 weeks to start working. It may take several months for it to take full effect.

Skin irritation is a common side effect with benzoyl peroxide. It’s better to use it less often at first, then build up as your skin gets used to it. See the ‘directions’ tab for further information on applying the gel.

How effective is Acnecide?

The active ingredient, benzoyl peroxide, is a well-established treatment for acne and is clinically recommended in many countries worldwide. However, people can respond differently to different treatments. Some people may find Acnecide very effective, whereas others find different treatments better. When trying Acnecide, you should use it regularly over several months to see if it has a beneficial effect for you.

You may be able to find ‘Acnecide reviews’ on various websites but you should bear in mind that people can respond differently to treatment.

Acnecide Summary

Acnecide Prices

Acnecide alternatives

If you would like to try combination products that contain benzoyl peroxide, you can consider Duac Gel or Epiduo Gel. Duac contains benzoyl peroxide and an antibiotic called clindamycin. Epiduo contains benzoyl peroxide and a drug called adapalene.

Other topical treatments include Zineryt Solution and Differin Gel. Oral treatments include antibiotic capsules like Lymecycline (Tetralysal).

Practical tips and advice

When using Acnecide, you should try to avoid exposure to strong sunlight. If you can’t avoid sun exposure, use a suitable sunscreen lotion and apply Acnecide in the evening. Remember to wash the affected area before use.

If you accidentally apply too much of the gel, you may find that your skin becomes irritated. In this case, wash off as much as you can, and when the irritation has gone down, start using again as directed.

How long does Acnecide gel take to work?

It can take a patient around 6 to 8 weeks to notice any improvement in the skin, so it is advised to keep applying the gel. The full effect may take several months to become apparent.

Can I use Acnecide Gel with other medication?

If Acnecide is used alongside other acne treatments at the same time this can lead to skin irritation and excessive dryness. We advise that you speak to your own GP before using multiple products. 

If you take Isotretinoin (also known as Roaccutane) this can cause a reaction when used together with Acnecide which dries out the skin so it is advised that they are not used together.

Can Acnecide gel remove blackheads?

Yes, it can be used to remove blackheads from the skin as it contains benzoyl peroxide, this effectively works as an all-around acne gel.

Is Acnecide cream available?

Acnecide 5% benzoyl peroxide only comes in a gel form in the UK.

Is Acnecide gel better than acne creams?

There isn’t much difference between acne gels and acne creams when choosing a treatment. Acne Gel is a water-based medication and can leave a film effect over the skin and can dry the skin out. Acne cream can normally be more oily than the gel and needs to be applied when your skin is dry. It’s normally the active ingredient found in the gel/cream that will make treatment more or less effective.

Acnecide Side Effects

Like all medicines, Acnecide Gel can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. 

Please note, if you notice your skin becoming severely irritated, red, or peeling, you should stop using the gel immediately and seek medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

Very common side effects of the gel include drying or peeling skin, a burning sensation and redness. If you notice these side effects you can try to use it less frequently, for example once a day or once every other day. This may reduce the side effects but still have a beneficial impact on your acne.

See the patient information leaflet for further information on side effects.

Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet. You can find information leaflets for your medicines by typing them into the search bar at medicines.org, or by contacting us.

• Acnecide Gel PIL

How to apply Acnecide Gel

Acnecide Gel should only be used externally. 

Before applying the gel you should wash the area using a mild skin cleanser and water and then gently pat the skin dry. Usually, Acnecide gel is applied to the affected area in a thin layer once or twice a day.

If you find your skin is sensitive to the gel, you should only apply it once daily before going to bed.

Warnings for Acnecide Topical Gel

• Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, and lining of the nose
• Acnecide should not be used on damaged skin
• Acnecide can possibly cause swelling and blistering of the skin
• Acnecide can bleach hair and coloured fabrics, so care should be taken to avoid contact of
• Acnecide gel with these
• Wash your hands thoroughly after using the gel
• Try to avoid sunlight or UV light exposure during treatment 

You should not use Acnecide if you’re allergic to benzoyl peroxide or any of the ingredients in the gel. Consult your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Acnecide 5%w/w Gel Ingredients

Active substance: hydrous benzoyl peroxide equivalent to benzoyl peroxide 5%. 

Other ingredients: docusate sodium, disodium edetate, poloxamer 182, Carbomer 940, propylene glycol, acrylates copolymer, glycerol, colloidal anhydrous silica, purified water, sodium hydroxide to adjust the pH.