PanOxyl Acne Treatment

Frequently Asked Questions


  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Why are PanOxyl® products available in different strengths (% BPO) and which product is right for me?

    We offer PanOxyl® products in two strengths of BPO to accommodate different skin types. PanOxyl® products are available in 4% 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.

  5. I see your new PanOxyl® 4% Acne Creamy Wash product contain DMI. What is DMI and what does it do?

    PanOxyl® 4% Acne Creamy Wash product is a patented formulation that contains 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% Acne Creamy Wash product, 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.