Benzac® AC 5 contains benzoyl peroxide, and it is used on the skin surface to combat pimples. It is available in both a gel form for smaller areas such as the face and a wash for larger areas such as the shoulders, back and chest. Benzac® AC 5 is a benzoyl peroxide formulation which uses the Acrylate Copolymer Dual Action system. The special acrylic bead formulation absorbs excess sebum to reduce oiliness, while it releases glycerine to hydrate the skin. It is the No 1 topical spot treatment in pharmacy and is clinically proven to kill 95% of acne causing bacteria in just 5 days!
Availability: Clicks, Dis-Chem and independent pharmacies.
What we say:
I first tried this spot treatment after I read about the benefits of benzoyl peroxide, and I am completely blown away by the results. Whenever a spot appears, I apply this product under my moisturiser. It drastically improves the blemish overnight, and with consistent use, it disappears completely within a couple of days. In the past I have made the mistake of applying too much of it, and that has left my skin dry and resulted in peeling.
The trick is to use a very small amount and to let it dry completely before you apply your moisturiser. This helps hydrate the area so that you’re not left with any dry patches. Whether you have bad breakouts or just struggle with the occasional spot, this is a treatment you should definitely consider – I’ve never come across another product that clears the blemish as quickly as this one does.
– Anien, BSA Content Editor
18 Responses
I had really bad acne so my pharmacist recommended this product. At first my pimples started to go away but after a few applications, I has such a severe allergic reaction to it…. my face started to swell and on each cheek it became red an lumpy which eventually developed into pus filled pimples. I suggest people test it before use and if you have sensitive skin or eczema, do not try it
It dries up acne overnight but should only be applied on the acne or your skin will get dry. When I had severe acne I used to use it daily and sometimes twice a day, it really helps and dries fast and is not visible on the skin once dry.
My skin went through a very bad (and traumatic) phase where I had severe breakouts and this product worked wonders for me. I would use it every night before my night cream and my skin cleared up shortly after starting use. Although I haven’t had any issues with break outs since, I always keep a tube on hand. I’ve tried the face wash as well but wasn’t impressed and did not repurchase that.
I was using this product as I tend to have particularly oily skin during the summer, although not so much in the winter. Initially I used it daily in conjunction with cetaphil face wash, but cut usage down to once every two days as it actually worked too well! My skin was starting to dry out too much, but after reducing usage I found it more effective. As they say, a little bit goes a long way.
I have very oily skin and wear makeup. I tend to breakout a lot and have very pink skin. After using this product I could see that my pimples have gone down a little and the redness is slowing going away. I would recommend this product to anyone with acne problems.
This stuff has been amazing for my skin. I just love this stuff and I always make sure I have a tube of it all the time. It has helped my problematic skin so much. Just put a bit on the pimple, let it dry and the next morning…the blemish has been dramatically reduced. And within a day or two, gone. No need for popping, scratching or fiddling with your face. I love this stuff.
This is simply the best I have used. When ever a pimple pops up. I apply some of this gel onto the pimple and within few days it’s all dried up and gone down. Definitely awesome!
This is probably the best on-spot treatment I have used! It dried up blind pimples within 2 days and got rid of them completely within 5… Definitely worth every cent!
I have tried this before, as directed. I found that my skin just didn’t respond to it at all. It really didn’t help me at all.
I used this when I was a teen. My acne started when I was 11 and has stayed till recently, when I started on orratane. I used benzac together with Diane 35 and anti biotics when I was 13 and with out antibiotics again at 17! It didn’t work at all, and burnt my skin, I still have the marks from where it damaged my skin!