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Acnecide

Acnecide 5% Gel

A 5% benzoyl peroxide gel available from UK pharmacies for spots and mild acne.

At a glance

Best for
Occasional spots and mild acne, People who want pharmacy-strength benzoyl peroxide, Whiteheads and inflamed spots
Key active
Benzoyl peroxide 5%
Format
Spot treatments
Availability
See options below. We may still be adding retailers for your country.

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Is Acnecide 5% Gel right for your skin?

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Is it right for you?

Evening · Thin layer on affected areas after cleansing

Often chosen for

  • Occasional spots and mild acne
  • People who want pharmacy-strength benzoyl peroxide
  • Whiteheads and inflamed spots

Worth knowing

  • Very sensitive skin without a slow introduction
  • Large areas of body skin every day (a wash may be easier)

Pros

  • 5% benzoyl peroxide in a simple gel
  • Available from UK pharmacies including Boots
  • Well recognised active for spots

Cons

  • Can bleach fabrics and towels
  • May cause dryness or irritation at first
  • UK-focused availability

Routine pairing

How people often combine this product. Introduce one change at a time and patch test if your skin is sensitive.

Often paired with

  • Simple fragrance-free cleanser
  • Oil-free moisturiser on dry areas
  • Daily SPF (especially if you use other actives in the day)

Introduce carefully with

  • Retinol or strong acids on the same areas without alternating nights
  • Applying over large body areas daily — a wash may be easier

What to expect

Typical patterns people report. Your skin may differ. Not medical advice.

  1. Days 1–7

    Dryness or mild redness is common when starting benzoyl peroxide — use a pea-sized amount on affected spots only.

  2. Weeks 2–4

    Inflamed spots may calm for some people; fabric bleaching is possible until the gel is fully dry.

  3. After 8 weeks

    If spots persist or worsen, a pharmacist or GP can discuss next steps — this is general information only.

Formulation

Minimal ingredients

Tags reflect how we describe the formula. Always check the full INCI if you have allergies or sensitivities.

Often compared with

Related reading

Key points

  • 5% benzoyl peroxide
  • Pharmacy product

How people use it

Follow the pharmacy leaflet. Start with alternate days and use SPF. May bleach fabrics.

Ingredients

Key actives

Benzoyl peroxide5% · Active

Full ingredient list (INCI)

Hydrous Benzoyl Peroxide equivalent to Benzoyl Peroxide 5%, Docusate Sodium, Disodium Edetate, Poloxamer 182, Carbomer 940, Propylene Glycol, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycerol, Colloidal Anhydrous Silica, Sodium Hydroxide, Purified Water.

Listed in label order. Always check the pack for the most current formula.

Often compared for

Occasional pimplesWhiteheads

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Country availability & price

Prices are a guide where shown. Stock and availability change. Always confirm on the retailer site before you buy.

🇬🇧 United KingdomAvailable
PharmacyGBP 10–12

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Common questions

Is Acnecide 5% Gel good for spots?
It contains 5% benzoyl peroxide, an active commonly used for spots and mild acne. Many people use it as a targeted gel on affected areas. Results vary between people. This is general information, not medical advice.
Can I buy Acnecide 5% Gel at Boots?
Yes. Acnecide 5% w/w Gel is sold at Boots and other UK pharmacies. See the buy section on this page for a direct retailer link and indicative price.
Acnecide vs salicylic acid: which is better?
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid work differently and suit different types of spots. Many people compare Acnecide with leave-on salicylic acid gels such as CeraVe Blemish Control Gel. See our comparison pages for an ingredient-led overview.
Does Acnecide bleach clothes?
Benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabrics. Let the gel dry fully and avoid contact with towels, pillowcases and clothing.

Reviews & tester results

Editorial reviews and consented panel results are coming soon. We do not publish open user ratings or made-up testimonials.

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