This post will be reviewing the Acnecide Face Wash w/w 5% Gel.
I don’t know where the myth that people with dry skin do not have acne came from. I mean if that was true, I won’t have hyperpigmentation and my skin will be seriousy glowing! So, like those of you with oily skin that is easily prone to acne, I also have acne. This means that my skincare routine is particularly targeted to treat acne and hyperpigmentation.
Naturally, my favourite product to treat acne is Salicylic Acid but last year, I became more active in online skincare communities and was introduced to Benzoyl Peroxide. Like every other awesome product, I did not think that I would find a Benzoyl Peroxide here in the UK. I had already planned to go to Amazon or eBay to buy a product to try out. Imagine my surprise when I got to Superdrug one day and saw the Acnecide Face Wash 5% Gel. I was overjoyed. After spending the next few minutes contemplating between the Face Wash and Gel spot treatment, I eventually went for the former.
I’ve been using this product for a few months now and I’m ready to discuss it before I exhaust it.
First Impressions of the Acnecide Face Wash 5% Gel
For anyone that is not familiar with Benzoyl Peroxide, it is an antiseptic that reduces the bacteria that causes acne. Educate yourself further on the NHS website. Depending on what country you buy it, it can be purchased over the counter between 5 – 10%. Here in the UK, I haven’t really seen any product above 5% which I believe is the standard.
Overview
As you have probably noticed this product is a gel cleanser with 5% Benzoyl Peroxide. Before going for the face wash, I had to decide how it would fit into my routine without conflicts. At that stage, I didn’t have that many cleansers with active ingredients so I just went for it.
Product Promise
According to Boots;
Acnecide Gel is an effective leave-on treatment for acne which can be used on face, chest and back.
It contains active ingredient benzoyl peroxide which effectively kills up to 95% of bacteria causing spots. In addition, it contains microsphere technology which helps absorb excess oil while releasing glycerine to hydrate the skin.
Ingredient List
hydrous benzoyl peroxide equivalent to benzoyl peroxide 5% w/w, acrylates copolymer, glycerol, carbomer 940, sodium C14 – C16 olefin sulfonate, sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment), purified water
As you can see, it is alcohol, essential oil and fragrance free. It’s just as basic as it can get.
Texture & Consistency
It has a light gel texture that also manages to be creamy and non-drying. I wouldn’t say it is hydrating or moisturizing like Cerave Hydrating Cleanser. It is also non-foaming. Sometimes, I have to stop myself from using too much because it doesn’t lather up and also never seems to be enough. After using this product for a while, you would agree that it has thoughtfully been formulated to work across all skin types. In terms of fragrance, it is pretty bland. You can’t pinpoint any because there isn’t any in the ingredient list.
Packaging & Price
It comes in a 50g tube and retails for about £15 depending on where you buy it. I think I was lucky to get mine for half the price at Superdrug. I also noticed that it also moves very fast. So, if you use this product a lot, it is advisable to always buy extra as well. For a 50g tube, it seems to last quite a bit. While I don’t use it every day, it lasts for a while. Just be mindful of the expiry date. When I think about the price to quantity ratio, I think it’s pricey especially for someone with acne who would have to use it regularly. So, try to take advantage of sales.
Review of the Acnecide Face Wash 5% w/w Gel
As I mentioned ealier, my skin is dry acne prone and I like to get rid of pimples before they become blackhead and eventually hyperpigmentation. This means that I use this cleanser a couple of times a week in the mornings. Sometimes at night but preferably in the morning as it doesn’t have enough cleansing power as a second cleanser.
During application, I apply a bit on my palm and go over my face in circular motions for 60 seconds. When I’m done, I rinse out and continue with the rest of my routine.
Performance
After using this product for a bit, I’ve come to prefer Salicylic Acid over Benzoyl Peroxide. This is because I see an immediate result with the former as opposed to the latter. I remember the first few times I used it, I thought my acne would disappear by the next day as it does when I use my Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. But no, I kept seeing those pesky pimples. After a bit of research, I found out that it takes about four weeks to work. Man, that is such a long time to me. I’d rather stick to my Salicylic Acid.
It’s safe to say that I didn’t get the results I was looking for but I continue to use it. These days, I use it as a preventive measure while I use the Cerave SA Smoothing Cleanser to treat active breakouts. I also started to break out in my back and chest so I’m thinking of using it there as well. The results I get will determine whether I will repurchase or not.
Alternative Benzoyl Peroxide Face Wash
If you don’t like this product and you have mild acne but you’re willing to give Benzoyl Peroxide another try, here are two alternatives:
PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash 10% Benzoyl Peroxide
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Cleanser 10% Benzoyl Peroxide
Differin Daily Deep Cleanser 5% Benzoyl Peroxide
Cerave Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser 4% Benzoyl Peroxide
In Conclusion,
I’ll probably not repurchase this product because I don’t think it is suitable for my mild acne. There are also quite a bit of exfoliating cleansers in the market that I am looking to try so that I can review for my readers. So this product is quite frankly, a NO from me.
Have you used this product before? Share your experience in the comments.
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