What is the active ingredient in PanOxyl® Acne Management Products?
All currently available PanOxyl® products contain the same active ingredient, Benzoyl
Peroxide (BPO). BPO is the #1 Dermatologist recommended ingredient for acne products.
What is Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO) and how does it work to help manage my acne?
Stiefel pioneered the use of BPO for acne management more than 40 years ago. Benzoyl
peroxide has been shown to eliminate the bacteria most commonly associated with acne
lesions, P. acnes.
BPO is a topical acne medication with a number of activities that allow it to function as an acne
medication including:
- Antibacterial activity
- Anti-inflammatory activity
- Exfoliating (shedding of the skin) activity
Benzoyl peroxide can improve relief of both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions.
In mild to moderate cases of acne, benzoyl peroxide is effective used by itself, but can also be combined with
other agents in the treatment of moderate to severe cases of acne.
I have acne on my face, chest, back and/or shoulders. Can I use PanOxyl® products on these
parts of my body?
Yes, PanOxyl® can be used on the face, chest, back, and shoulders. However, you should avoid
contact with the eyes, lips, and mouth.
Why are PanOxyl® products available in different strengths (% BPO) and which product is right
for me?
We offer PanOxyl® products in three strengths of BPO to accommodate different skin types.
PanOxyl® products are available in 4%, 8%, and 10% BPO. While a physician is the best person to
recommend which PanOxyl® product is best for your skin type, we realize not everyone is able
to seek the advice of a physician. Generally speaking, you should use the lowest strength BPO
that controls your acne.
I see your new PanOxyl® 4% and 8% Acne Creamy Wash products contain DMI. What is DMI
and what does it do?
PanOxyl® 4% and 8% Acne Creamy Wash products are patented formulations that contain
Dimethyl Isosorbide (DMI). DMI offers safe and effective delivery of active ingredients, such as
benzoyl peroxide, in personal care products. By providing enhanced delivery of the active
ingredient to the skin, DMI allows ingredients to more effectively penetrate to the desired
locations for these active ingredients to work.
DMI can be found in a number of personal care products including sunless tanners, facial and
eye-zone treatments, skin serums, make-up removers, and acne treatments.
In the case of PanOxyl® 4% and 8% Acne Creamy Wash products, DMI has been formulated with
benzoyl peroxide to provide effective treatment of acne with reduced skin irritation. It is
believed that DMI may assist in solubilizing, or dissolving, benzoyl peroxide in water without
interfering with benzoyl peroxide's ability to be in contact with the skin.
Where can I buy PanOxyl® products?
PanOxyl® products are sold in multiple stores nationwide. Click here for a partial listing of
leading retailers that carry PanOxyl®. If your local store does not carry the PanOxyl® product you
are looking for, please ask the pharmacist to order the product for you.
Can I order your products directly from you?
We're sorry, but our company is not set up to sell PanOxyl® products directly to consumers. Instead, we sell to
regional distributors who stock your favorite stores with our products.
Can you suggest a mail-order company or website that sells your products?
Click here for a listing of online stores that carry PanOxyl® products.
Are PanOxyl® products safe to use while pregnant?
As with any medication, if you are pregnant or nursing a baby, seek the advice of a healthcare
professional before using this medication.
Can I use PanOxyl® products after the expiration date?
Please check the product lot number and expiration date. We do not recommend using PanOxyl®
products after they have expired.
Are there any warnings associated with PanOxyl® products?
Benzoyl peroxide is for external use only.
Do not use PanOxyl® products if you have sensitive skin or are sensitive to benzoyl peroxide.
When using PanOxyl® products:
- Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and use a sunscreen.
- Avoid contact with the eyes, lips, and mouth.
- Avoid contact with hair or dyed fabrics, including carpet and clothing which may be
bleached by these products.
- Skin irritation and dryness is more likely to occur if you use another topical acne medication
at the same time. If irritation occurs, only use one topical acne medication at a time.
- Skin irritation may occur, characterized by redness, burning, itching, peeling, or possibly
swelling. Irritation may be reduced by using the product less frequently or in a lower
concentration.
Stop use and ask a doctor if irritation becomes severe.
Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center
right away.
I see skin irritation and peeling are listed as side effects of benzoyl peroxide. Are these side
effects temporary?
The side effects associated with benzoyl peroxide have been shown to last a short period of
time. Skin peeling, otherwise known as exfoliation, is part of the therapeutic effect.
Skin irritation and dryness is more likely to occur if you use another topical acne medication at
the same time. If irritation occurs, only use one topical acne medication at a time. Skin
irritation may occur, characterized by redness, burning, itching, peeling or possibly swelling.
Irritation may be reduced by using the product less frequently or in a lower concentration.