Is PanOxyl Good? Here’s Why You Need to Add Benzoyl Peroxide to Your Routine

Yes, PanOxyl is a great brand for the prevention, treatment, and management of acne.

In particular, the 4% Creamy Acne Wash and 10% Acne Foaming Wash both feature benzoyl peroxide which is an effective ingredient for fighting acne.

At the same time, they can also cause side effects such as excessively dry skin and irritation.

Therefore, you should also use a rich moisturizer at least twice per day to protect your skin barrier.

Sound confusing?

Don’t worry – in this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know about PanOxyl and how to use it in your skincare routine.

PanOxyl 4%

What is PanOxyl?

PanOxyl is a skincare brand specializing in skincare products with benzoyl peroxide.

In particular, PanOxyl is known for its 4% Creamy Daily Creamy Wash and its 10% Foaming Acne Wash which are benzoyl peroxide-based cleansers.

The brand also offers:

  • overnight acne patches

  • adapalene gel

  • 10% benzoyl peroxide body wash bar

  • 2% salicylic acid clarifying exfoliant

  • and a moisturizer

You can generally find PanOxyl products on Amazon, in drug stores, and in select grocery stores.

How does PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash work?

PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash features 10% benzoyl peroxide to treat acne.

Benzoyl peroxide works by killing off acne-causing bacteria which can help:

  • treat existing breakouts

  • clear inflammatory acne

  • fight the acne cycle

Benzoyl peroxide also unclogs pores and leaves you with clearer skin.

Overall, it’s one of the best affordable acne treatments for people with mild to moderate acne.

However, while it treats existing breakouts, PanOxyl is likely not strong enough to treat cystic acne.

PanOxyl 4% with Box

What is PanOxyl good for?

PanOxyl’s benzoyl peroxide washes are perfect for people with oily skin and acne-prone skin to treat existing breakouts.

Studies show that benzoyl peroxide can also help prevent new breakouts from forming and reduce the inflammation associated with acne.

PanOxyl 4% vs. 10%

PanOxyl offers two different strengths of benzoyl peroxide cleansers: PanOxyl 4% and 10%.

4% is more gentle than 10% which makes it a better treatment option for existing acne on your face. However, it may not be strong enough to treat body acne.

Therefore, you’re better off using PanOxyl 4% to treat facial acne and using PanOxyl 10% to treat back and shoulder acne.

PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide

Side Effects of PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash

Benzoyl peroxide is one of the best acne treatments, but it can also lead to some unwanted side effects:

  • skin purging
  • dry skin

  • flaking skin

  • redness

  • irritation

  • and a compromised skin barrier

To combat dryness, it’s essential to use a good moisturizer with PanOxyl and not include too many other active ingredients in your routine.

Woman Applying Skincar

How to Use PanOxyl

To use PanOxyl, follow these steps:

  1. First, decide which product is right for you. If you have facial acne, stick to the 4% Creamy Acne Wash. If you have body acne, try the 10% Foaming Acne Wash.

  2. Get your face wet and dispense about a dime-sized amount of PanOxyl into your hand

  3. Gently rub the PanOxyl into your face for about 20-30 seconds, taking particular care to cleanse the areas of your face with the worst breakouts and excess oils

  4. Wash off the PanOxyl

  5. While your skin is still damp, apply your favorite hyaluronic acid serum, moisturizer, and facial oil to reduce your chances of developing irritated skin

There you go! Simple, right?

Can I use PanOxyl every day?

Yes, you can use PanOxyl every day as long as you do not develop any unwanted side effects.

For most people, the 4% Creamy Acne Wash will be safer to use every day than the 10% Foaming Acne Wash.

Woman Applying Skincar

Should I use PanOxyl in the morning or night?

Generally, cleansers with harsh active ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide should be used once per day at night.

Depending on the severity of your acne, you can consider using PanOxyl both morning and night. However, this might lead to excessively dry skin.

Therefore, for best results, use your PanOxyl face wash once daily at night.

Woman Applying Skincar

Is PanOxyl good for sensitive skin?

PanOxyl is formulated with benzoyl peroxide which is generally not well tolerated by people with sensitive skin.

That being said, PanOxyl 4% Creamy Acne Wash is more suitable for sensitive skin than PanOxyl 10% Acne Foaming Wash.

If benzoyl peroxide doesn’t work for you, you can always switch to a more gentle acne-fighting ingredients like:

Does PanOxyl bleach clothes?

Yes, PanOxyl contains benzoyl peroxide which can bleach fabric.

To prevent damaging your clothes, it’s best to use PanOxyl in the shower or while wearing an old T-shirt.

Does PanOyxl have salicylic acid?

Neither PanOxyl 4% Creamy Acne Wash nor PanOxyl 10% Acne Foaming Wash contain salicylic acid.

The only PanOxyl product that contains salicylic acid is the PanOxyl 2% Clarifying Exfoliant.

Does PanOxyl cause purging?

Typically, purging is associated with skincare ingredients that speed up the skin cell lifecycle such as retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids.

That said, some people suggest that they have experienced purging with PanOxyl. Purging should only last for a few weeks before subsisting.

Is PanOxyl good for fungal acne?

No, PanOxyl is not good for treating fungal acne.

To treat fungal acne, you need to use ingredients that fight Malassezia, which include:

  • ketoconazole

  • pyrithione zinc

  • tar

  • and sulfur

Does PanOxyl test on animals?

No, PanOxyl does not test on animals; according to The Vegan Abroad, PanOxyl is both cruelty-free and vegan.

Is PanOxyl cruelty-free?

Yes, according to Ethically Engineered, PanOxyl is a cruelty-free brand.

Woman Applying Skincare

The Bottom Line: Is PanOxyl Good?

Yes, PanOxyl is one of the best affordable acne treatments you can find.

Their two main products, 4% Creamy Acne Wash and 10% Foaming Acne Wash, both feature benzoyl peroxide which is a superstar ingredient for treating acne.

Their product line also includes a 2% salicylic acid acne treatment and a moisturizer that is suitable for people with oily and acne-prone skin.

Overall, PanOxyl is a good brand to check out if you struggle with acne.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use PanOxyl benzoyl peroxide every day?

Yes, you can use PanOxyl benzoyl peroxide every day, especially the 4% Creamy Acne Wash, which is milder. Monitor your skin for any signs of dryness or irritation and adjust usage accordingly.

Do I really need benzoyl peroxide?

If you’re dealing with acne, benzoyl peroxide, found in PanOxyl, is a highly effective ingredient. It helps eliminate acne-causing bacteria, treat breakouts, and prevent new ones, making it a valuable addition to your skincare routine.

Do dermatologists recommend PanOxyl?

Many dermatologists recommend PanOxyl for its benzoyl peroxide-based formulations. However, it’s always wise to consult your dermatologist for personalized advice based on your skin type and specific needs.

Can you use other products while using PanOxyl?

Yes, you can use other products with PanOxyl. Ensure you include a moisturizer in your routine to combat dryness. However, avoid too many active ingredients simultaneously to prevent potential irritation.

How often should I use PanOxyl benzoyl peroxide?

For most people, using PanOxyl, particularly the 4% Creamy Acne Wash, once daily at night is recommended. This helps maintain effectiveness without causing excessive dryness.

When should I stop using PanOxyl?

Consider stopping PanOxyl if you experience persistent irritation or dryness. It’s essential to listen to your skin. If issues persist, consult a dermatologist for alternative solutions tailored to your skin’s needs.

Photo of author
Author
Fawn
Fawn is a skincare & beauty blogger and the founder of Skincare Stacy. With a background in chemistry and a love for cosmetic science, she also writes Skincare Stacy's Stack through Substack and is a top creator on ShopMyShelf as Skincare Stacy.

Struggling to keep up with skincare? You need to sign up for my newsletter below! Find specific skin routines and protocols in My Roadmap or start with my Basic Skincare Guide.

Also, follow my other socials for free skincare, health, and beauty content daily: