Mia's Review: Benzac AC Gel 5% [Sponsored]

If you didn't know, I've been a long time supporter of Benzac AC 2.5 (this is my 3rd or 4th tube in the picture) and when SampleStore offered an advertorial opportunity for their 5% gel, I was more than glad to be able to do the 'upgrade'.

Benzac is a complete range of products to help treat acne. Its products are dermatologically-tested, safe and gentle to help us achieve clear, healthy and acne-free skin.

And of course, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my package came along with a liquid cleanser (RTP $14.90) to combat oiliness without drying out our skin, and also a facial scrub (RTP $10.90) to help remove impurities and unclog our pores! 

The full range of Benzac cleansers comes in 5 different choices of scrub, liquid and foam cleansers and the water based acne-treatment gel comes in 3 strengths, 2.5% (RTP $16.50), 5% (RTP $17.50) and 10% (RTP $18.50).

Benzac AC Gel is an effective treatment for mild to moderate acne problems with the following key benefits:

1. Kills P-acnes, an acne causing bacteria, within 48 hours.

2. Unblocks pores with a mild peeling effect

3. Absorbs excess oil without stripping skin of moisture

4. Reduces risk of irritation: Unique Acrylates Copolymer (AC) Technology releases glycerin to keep skin hydrated and comfortable. 

If you follow my blog, you would have read a short post of my acne-busting tip that includes Benzac AC 2.5, so let's move on with AC 5!

During my few days of testing out 5% on my face, it was fortunate for me that I didn't have any huge pesky pimples but I experienced a minor breakout of tiny 'cloggy' pimples across forehead, probably due to the hot weather and insufficient facial products used while I was in Malacca. And so, I used 5% on them, and was surprised to find that they almost went away (dried off) overnight. The efficacy of 5% is definitely much better as compared to using 2.5%, whereby I'll probably need at least full day usage (2x) or 2 days for the breakouts to tone down. 

However, after 3 days of usage, I realised that my forehead and cheeks (areas I apply the gel on) are getting drier and my cheeks even started to feel 'sandy' even though no visible peeling occurred. And of course, I didn't have such problems with 2.5% (else I wouldn't have continued using it for years) and I reckon it's because my facial skin is too sensitive and not hydrated enough by itself, which is why 5% ended up being like an overkill for me. 

So efficacy versus drying effects, you got to make the choice here depending on your own facial condition, and I'll definitely stick to my old favourite of 2.5% on my face.

However, I feel that 5% is an excellent choice for combating pimples on other parts of my body (namely back and chest) with thicker skin. Previously when I used 2.5% on them, it'll take at least 2 to 3 days of usage before the pimple heal. 

However with 5%, the angry redness and bump seems to tone down with just 1 application overnight and there wasn't any issue with drier or flaky skin no matter how much gel I used to spot-treat my blemishes (but by right you shouldn't put too much gel).

So, to conclude, if you're a new user to Benzoyl Peroxide, or suffer from sensitive or extremely dehydrated skin, do start low (2.5%) and slowly work your way up to a 5% or even 10% should you feel that the efficacy is lacking. 

To redeem a free sample of Benzac AC 5%, check out SampleStore website HERE

You can also find full range of Benzac Products at the following places:

National Skin Centre

Selected Guardian, Unity and Watsons stores.

Till then,

Mia Foo