I previously used Panoxyl gel and it was okay to spot treat with, but when I tried using the amount you are supposed to use on the acne.org regimen it practically burned the skin off my face. Pretty brutal stuff if used in large quantities - well, it was in my case anyway.
As has been said the lower percentages have disappeared. When I first started I bought the 10% aqua gel and a 5% cream. The 5% cream seemed to be better on my skin and not as harsh (obvious i suppose) but now i'm having to make do with the aqua gel - perhaps it just needs more persistance and my skin will grow acustomed to it too.
But I'll be honest if they still made the 5% gel I wouldn't be wanting the aqua gel.
Can anyone shine light on why they have stopped making the 2.5 version when's it's obviously such a sort after treatment.. My alternative is oxy on the spot 2.5 cream.. It's slow absorbing though but works great. What about benzac 2.5? Is that a good alternative?
I've also heard the 2.5 version can still be had via prescription.. Is this fact?
The Steifel factory is based in Ireland n is owned by GSK. It was about to shut down but thankfully it hasn't. AFAIK, it seems as if they are going to rebrand Panoxyl n sell it fancy bottles. That's the impression I get. I hope to call them one of the days to see what story is
http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/1015/jobs-saved-at-stiefel-laboratories-in-sligo-business.html
1 Year wait folks.........An email response from GSK....
I can confirm that the Panoxyl range has been discontinued, with the exception of Panoxyl 5% Cream due to return in March 2013 and Panoxyl Acnegel 2.5% and 5% due to return in September 2013.
I am afraid that the reasons for discontinuing the product are commercial and that this decision came following a review of the Stiefel Brand acquired by GlaxoSmithKline. One of the main reasons for discontinuing Benzoyl Peroxide products is the high cost and difficulty producing this chemical which made it uneconomical to continue its production.
At least they are bringing back 'something' - it's not the Aquagel that I would have wanted (have never tried the Acnegel before - Acnegel is Alcohol based instead of water based) but it is something.
I'm hoping that Dan's BP does the trick though. It used to be good and then something changed with it, which forced me onto PanOxyl. Has been almost 3 years since was on it so fingers crossed.
one thing about that email statement - I don't buy into the "it became too expensive..." part. PanOxyl was cheap - very cheap in fact. Had they added an extra 10% onto it's price I don't think many people would have been too bothered, but they didn't even consider that.
My guess is that they will re-introduce a new branded tube of AcneGel, and then increase it's cost probably by as much as 50% - to the more commercialised OXY prices.
Fingers crossed that they don't.
just want to say thanks for the update astrobhoy! very much appreciated have been trying to source 2.5% bp for almost a year now with no luck everywhere sold out, one tube of oxy on the spot left, gonna give regime bp a try i think when that runs out? whats it like as haven't tryed it yet?