Help Consumers Find Their Strength with Acnecide + Purifide

Acne is one of the most common concerns presented in pharmacy, yet no two acne journeys are the same. From first-time users experiencing occasional breakouts to those managing persistent, stubborn acne, pharmacists play a vital role in helping consumers navigate treatment options with confidence.

The Acnecide + Purifide portfolio has been designed to support consumers across the acne spectrum, combining clinically proven Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO) treatments with a complementary skincare routine that helps protect and maintain the skin barrier. By understanding the strengths within the range and when to recommend each product, pharmacy teams can deliver more personalised, effective acne advice.

Start with the Right Strength: Matching Acnecide to Acne Severity

When recommending acne treatment, selecting the appropriate strength of benzoyl peroxide is key. Acnecide offers a graduated approach, allowing consumers to start at a suitable level and progress if required.

Acnecide Face 2.5% w/w Gel

For consumers with mild acne, sensitive skin, or those who are new to benzoyl peroxide therapy, Acnecide 2.5% Gel offers an effective starting point. The lower strength helps minimise irritation while still targeting acne-causing bacteria, clogged pores and excess oil. It is particularly suitable for patients who may be concerned about dryness or sensitivity when beginning treatment.

Acnecide 5% w/w Gel

For established Acnecide users or consumers with less reactive skin experiencing everyday facial, chest or back breakouts, Acnecide 5% Gel provides a stronger leave-on treatment option. This strength is often the next step when adequate improvement has not been achieved with 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide and can be found over the counter as a P Med.

Acnecide Wash 5% w/w Gel

Some consumers prefer a wash-off format as part of their daily routine. Acnecide 5% Wash is suitable for mild to moderate acne where comedones and papules predominate and can be particularly appealing for acne affecting larger surface areas such as the chest and back. To use this product, wet the area to be treated and apply the wash to the affected area for a contact time of 1 to 2 minutes followed by thorough rinsing with water and drying.

Acnecide 10% w/w Gel

For consumers whose acne remains persistent despite successful tolerance of 5% benzoyl peroxide, Acnecide 10% Gel offers a higher-strength option for stubborn or persistent acne. As the most potent formulation within the range, it should typically be considered after lower strengths have been trialled and tolerated.

Why Routine Matters: Cleanse, Treat, Moisturise + Protect

While acne treatment often focuses on active ingredients, skincare routines are equally important for long-term success. Benzoyl peroxide remains a gold-standard topical acne treatment, but it can be associated with dryness, tightness, redness and increased sensitivity, particularly during the first few weeks of use.

This is where pharmacists can add significant value by recommending a simple but effective Cleanse, Treat, Moisturise + Protect routine.

Step 1: Cleanse

A gentle cleanser helps remove excess oil, impurities and debris without compromising the skin barrier. Purifide Daily Cleanser is specifically formulated for blemish-prone skin, helping to cleanse while supporting skin comfort. Ingredients such as glycerin, liquorice root extract and zinc help maintain skin balance, making it an ideal companion to benzoyl peroxide treatment.

Step 2: Treat

Select the most appropriate Acnecide strength based on acne severity, treatment history and skin sensitivity. Regular, consistent use is essential, and consumers should be reminded that increasing application frequency or using more product will not accelerate results and may increase irritation.

Step 3: Moisturise + Protect

Acne-prone skin still requires hydration. Moisturisation helps support the skin barrier and improve treatment tolerability, while daily SPF protection is particularly important as benzoyl peroxide can increase sensitivity to UV exposure. Purifide Moisturiser SPF provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection alongside ingredients such as ceramides, allantoin and liquorice root extract to help hydrate, soothe and strengthen the skin barrier.

Importantly, clinical data has shown that using Purifide alongside Acnecide as part of a consistent skincare routine can help achieve a 72% reduction in spots after 12 weeks, underlining the value of recommending a complete regimen rather than a standalone treatment.

Targeted Spot Support: Understanding Purifide Power Patches

Consumers increasingly seek fast, visible solutions for individual blemishes, making Power Patches a useful recommendation alongside their broader acne management plan.

Purifide Power Patch Fast Fix

Fast Fix patches are best suited to early-stage or emerging spots. They provide targeted support when consumers first notice a blemish developing and are ideal for helping manage spots before they become more visible.

Purifide Power Patch Skin Restore

Skin Restore patches are designed for white headed pimples and more developed blemishes. These patches help support the later stages of the spot lifecycle and can be recommended when the blemish has already formed and requires targeted treatment.

For suitable consumers, combining Acnecide 5% Gel with Purifide Power Patch Fast Fix can offer an effective targeted regime. Clinical studies found that 91% of users reported visible improvements in skin tone and texture when using this approach.

The Pharmacist's Role

Acne affects far more than the skin. For many consumers, breakouts can negatively impact confidence, wellbeing and quality of life. By tailoring recommendations based on acne severity, skin sensitivity and patient preference, pharmacists can help consumers find the most appropriate Acnecide strength while supporting adherence through a complete Purifide skincare routine.

The Acnecide + Purifide portfolio provides pharmacy teams with a comprehensive toolkit to support acne-prone consumers at every stage, from their first breakout through to the management of more persistent acne. The result is a more personalised consultation, improved treatment confidence and a stronger opportunity to support positive outcomes for patients presenting with acne concerns.

Acnecide Face 2.5% w/w Gel, Acnecide 5% w/w Gel, Acnecide Wash 5% w/w Gel & Acnecide 10% w/w Gel contain Benzoyl Peroxide. Indications: Gel: Topical treatment of acne vulgaris. Wash: Treatment of acne vulgaris of the face, chest and back where comedones and papules predominate. Legal category: (2.5% Face Gel) GSL. Information about this product, including adverse reactions, precautions, contraindications and method of use can be found at (2.5% Face Gel): https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/101251/smpc ; (5% Gel, 5% Wash, 10% Gel) P. Information about this product, including adverse reactions, precautions, contraindications and method of use can be found at: (5% Gel)

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/2225/smpc; (5% Wash)

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/3274/smpc (10% Gel)

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/101268/smpc. Marketing authorisation number: (2.5% Face Gel) PL 10590/0073; (5% Gel) PL 10590/0006 ; (5% Wash) PL10590/0026 ; (10% Gel) PL 10590/0074. Further information is available from Licence Holder: Galderma (UK) Limited, 1 Triton Square, London, NW1 3DX. GB-ACC-2600050 August 2026. Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/.

Adverse events should also be reported to Galderma (UK) Limited at email: medinfo.uk@galderma.com

Tel: +44 (0)300 3035674. RRP is at the sole discretion of the retailer.