Acne Pimple Medication 10%
Acne Pimple Medication 10%
Product Description
Product overview
OXY Malaysia Acne Pimple Medication 10% is a maximum-strength dermatologist-favorite spot treatment that uses 10% Benzoyl Peroxide to attack stubborn pimples, kill acne-causing bacteria, dry up excess oil, and unclog blocked pores. This greaseless, fast-vanishing cream is formulated for moderate to severe inflammatory acne that does not respond to milder treatments.
Kills Acne Bacteria
10% Benzoyl Peroxide releases oxygen into pores to eliminate Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria that drives inflammatory breakouts.
Texture & feel
SENSORYKills Acne Bacteria
10% Benzoyl Peroxide releases oxygen into pores to eliminateCutibacterium acnes, the bacteria that drives inflammatory breakouts.
Controls Excess Oil
Dries up excessive sebum on the surface and inside pores, helping reduce shine and prevent new pimples from forming.
Unclogs Pores
Keratolytic action helps shed dead skin cells trapped in pores, clearing whiteheads, blackheads, and congestion.
Maximum Strength
Targets the most stubborn pimples that mild acne treatments cannot clear, with the highest OTC concentration available.
Vanishes On Skin
Greaseless, odorless, and oil-free formula that absorbs quickly and disappears on application — no white film or shine.
Trusted Since 1955
OXY is a heritage Mentholatum brand recommended by dermatologists worldwide, with the Malaysia version registered under NPRA.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, or fermented ingredients that feed Malassezia yeast.
Oil-free formula with a comedogenic rating of 0 — will not clog pores or trigger new breakouts.
Topical Benzoyl Peroxide is generally considered low risk in small amounts but always consult your doctor before use.
Benzoyl Peroxide can increase photosensitivity. Daily SPF 30+ sunscreen is essential during use.
Combining with tretinoin or retinoids in the same routine can cause severe irritation. Alternate AM/PM or skip layering.
Use white towels and pillowcases. Avoid contact with colored clothing, hair, and dyed eyebrows.
Apply a small amount to one or two pimples once daily for 2–3 days to check for sensitivity before full use.
Avoid contact with eyes, lips, mouth, and broken skin. Keep away from children.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSBenzoyl Peroxide 10%Proven
The gold-standard active for acne treatment. This oxidizing agent releases oxygen into pores to killCutibacterium acnes bacteria, while also providing keratolytic exfoliation and reducing excess sebum. The 10% concentration is the maximum strength available without prescription.
- FDA & AAD: Classified as safe and effective; the #1 over-the-counter acne ingredient recommended by dermatologists.
- Mechanism: Releases free oxygen radicals into the pore environment, where anaerobic acne bacteria cannot survive.
- Speed: Studies show BPO can eliminate up to 99% of acne-causing bacteria within hours of application.
- No Bacterial Resistance: Unlike topical antibiotics, bacteria do not develop resistance to Benzoyl Peroxide.
Methylparaben 0.015%Proven
A widely-used preservative that protects the formula from bacterial, yeast, and mold contamination during the product's shelf life. Used at a very low, well-studied concentration.
- EU & FDA: Approved as a cosmetic preservative within established safe limits (up to 0.4% for individual parabens).
- Function: Prevents microbial growth that would otherwise spoil the product or cause skin infection.
- Concentration: Used at just 0.015% — well below regulatory thresholds.
Propylparaben 0.05%Proven
A complementary paraben preservative that works synergistically with methylparaben to ensure broad-spectrum microbial protection across the formula's full shelf life.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR): Considered safe in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.19%.
- Synergy: Combining methyl + propylparaben provides better preservation than either alone, allowing lower total amounts.
- Stability: Helps the active Benzoyl Peroxide remain effective until the printed expiration date.
10 ingredients
Benzoyl Peroxide 10%, Cetyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Colloidal Silica, Glycerol (Glycerin), Glyceryl Monostearate, Methylparaben 0.015%, Propylene Glycol, Propylparaben 0.05%, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Purified Water.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply OXY 10 only on active pimples after cleansing and toning — let it fully absorb before sealing with moisturizer. Always finish your AM routine with broad-spectrum SPF 30+.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Pat Dry
Wash the face thoroughly with a gentle cleanser. Pat dry — never apply OXY 10 to wet or damp skin, as it intensifies irritation.
Shake the Tube
Shake the tube well before each use to evenly distribute the active Benzoyl Peroxide throughout the lotion.
Apply a Thin Layer on Spots
Squeeze a small pea-sized amount and dab gently onto active pimples, blackheads, or oily acne-prone zones. Rub in lightly until invisible.
Start Once Daily
Begin with one application per day (preferably at night). Build up to twice daily after 1–2 weeks if your skin tolerates it well.
Moisturize & SPF
Always follow with a non-comedogenic moisturizer to reduce dryness. In the morning, finish with broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen — non-negotiable.
Wash Hands & Avoid Fabric Contact
Wash hands after applying. Use white towels and pillowcases — Benzoyl Peroxide will bleach colored fabrics and hair.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have stubborn inflammatory pimples that mild treatments cannot clear
- You suffer from oily or combination acne-prone skin
- You have body acne (back, chest, shoulders) and need a strong spot treatment
- You want a fragrance-free, fungal-acne-safe option
- You experience whiteheads, pus-filled pimples, or cystic-type spots
- You need a fast-acting formula that works within days
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry, eczema-prone, or compromised skin barrier
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding without doctor approval
- You already use tretinoin or strong retinoids
- You have rosacea or chronic skin sensitivity
- You have only mild whiteheads (try OXY 5 or salicylic acid first)
- You have a known Benzoyl Peroxide allergy
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESOil-free, mattifying formula directly targets excess sebum and acne bacteria. Vanishes without shine.
Apply only on breakout zones (T-zone, chin) — leave drier cheeks untouched. Layer moisturizer afterwards.
Designed exactly for this — non-comedogenic, fungal-acne safe, and clinically effective on inflammatory acne.
Use as a targeted spot treatment only. Whole-face application may be unnecessarily drying for normal skin.
Use sparingly on individual spots only. Always pair with rich moisturizer. Consider OXY 5 (5% BPO) instead.
10% strength is too aggressive. Patch test mandatory. Lower-strength options (2.5–5%) are gentler choices.
Results timeline
2 – 4 MONTHSVisible Reduction in Pimple Size
Active pimples begin to dry and shrink. Inflammation, redness, and pus appearance noticeably reduce overnight.
85% noticedStubborn Pimples Resolve
Full pus-filled pimples typically clear up within 2–3 days when applied consistently and not picked at.
78% noticedAdjustment Phase
Some initial dryness, mild peeling, or "purging" may occur as the skin adapts. Pair with moisturizer to ease transition.
62% experienceSignificant Skin Clearing
Most users see meaningful reduction in active acne, fewer new breakouts, and clearer skin with consistent daily use.
71% noticedLong-Term Maintenance
With sustained use, acne is largely controlled. Existing post-inflammatory marks fade gradually with sun protection.
68% noticedRatings by platform
28K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Fast-acting on inflamed pimples — visible reduction within 24 hours
- Maximum 10% Benzoyl Peroxide concentration without prescription
- Affordable price (RM 9.50–RM 19.90 in Malaysia)
- Vanishes upon application — invisible finish
- Greaseless, oil-free, fragrance-free formula
- Fungal-acne safe and non-comedogenic
- Trusted heritage brand (Mentholatum) with NPRA registration
- Effective on body acne (back, chest, shoulders)
Criticized
- Can cause dryness, peeling, and irritation, especially in week 1
- Bleaches towels, pillowcases, hair, and dyed fabrics
- 10% strength may be too harsh for sensitive or dry skin
- Increases sun sensitivity — daily SPF is non-negotiable
- White cream may show on darker skin tones if overapplied
- Cannot be combined with retinoids without irritation
- Small 10g tube may not last for full-face users
- Contains parabens — a turn-off for paraben-conscious shoppers
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Same active concentration (10% Benzoyl Peroxide). PanOxyl uses a slightly different inactive base with no parabens. Comparable acne-clearing results, but price is similar — not necessarily a budget swap.
Same 10% Benzoyl Peroxide active. Clearasil includes additional skin-soothing humectants. Slightly more cosmetically elegant, easy to find globally, and often cheaper per gram.
10% Benzoyl Peroxide gel format. AcneFree is one of the most affordable max-strength BPO options on the US market. Gel texture absorbs faster than cream but can be slightly more drying.
Same brand, same formula, but at half the strength. Ideal for first-time BPO users, sensitive skin, or those who found OXY 10 too drying. Just as effective for milder acne.
Same 10% BPO active in a slightly more elegant lotion base. Differin is widely available in pharmacies and well-tolerated, though it costs slightly more per gram than OXY.
Lower-strength 2.5% BPO in a gentle whole-face formula. Less aggressive but suitable for daily use over wider areas. More expensive, no parabens, and includes calming antioxidants.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEOXY 10
Clearasil Stubborn Acne 10% BPO
Differin Acne Spot 10% BPO
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening — Benzoyl Peroxide oxidizes and loses potency over time.
Store away from direct sunlight in a cool, dry place — preferably below 25°C. Replace cap tightly after each use.
Squeeze tube with screw cap (10g or 25g) — hygienic, light-protective, and travel-portable.
Yes — both 10g and 25g tubes are well under TSA's 100ml liquid limit for carry-on baggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQTopical Benzoyl Peroxide is generally considered low risk during pregnancy and breastfeeding when used in small amounts on limited areas (spot treatment only). Less than 5% absorbs through the skin and is rapidly metabolized to harmless benzoic acid. However, no large-scale safety studies exist, so most dermatologists recommend you consult your OB-GYN or doctor before using OXY 10 during pregnancy or while nursing. Avoid applying near the breast area when breastfeeding.
Yes — OXY 10 is fungal-acne safe. The formula contains no fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, or fermented ingredients that feed Malassezia yeast. In fact, Benzoyl Peroxide itself has antifungal properties and is sometimes recommended off-label for fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis). The simple ingredient list (Benzoyl Peroxide, Cetyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Colloidal Silica, Glycerin, Glyceryl Monostearate, parabens, Propylene Glycol, SLS, Water) is one of the cleanest in this category.
Use with caution — Benzoyl Peroxide can be deactivated by some forms of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and can cause severe irritation when layered with tretinoin or strong retinoids. Best practice: use OXY 10 at night and your retinoid on alternate nights, or use vitamin C in the morning and OXY 10 at night. AHAs and BHAs (salicylic acid) can technically be combined but may cause excessive dryness. If layering exfoliants, alternate days rather than same-routine layering.
OXY 10 is best for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types dealing with stubborn inflammatory pimples, whiteheads, or pus-filled spots. It's also excellent for body acne (back, chest, shoulders). It is too aggressive for very dry, sensitive, or rosacea-prone skin — those skin types should try OXY 5 (5% BPO) or a 2.5% concentration first. Always patch test before full use.
Most users see visible reduction in pimple size and redness within 8–24 hours of the first application. Stubborn pus-filled pimples typically resolve in 2–3 days. However, full clearing of acne and prevention of new breakouts requires 4–6 weeks of consistent daily use. Long-term acne control and fading of post-inflammatory marks may take 2–4 months. Be patient — Benzoyl Peroxide works progressively, not just instantly.
Apply OXY 10 after cleansing and toning, on completely dry skin, before serum and moisturizer. The order is: cleanser → toner → OXY 10 (on spots only) → wait 1–2 minutes → hydrating serum → moisturizer → sunscreen (AM only). Apply only on active pimples, not as a full-face treatment. Most users find evening application works best to avoid white residue and sun sensitivity issues during the day.
No — OXY 10 has a comedogenic rating of 0/5. The formula is oil-free, contains no comedogenic ingredients, and Benzoyl Peroxide actively unclogs pores by exfoliating dead skin cells trapped inside them. It is one of the least pore-clogging acne treatments available. The only common ingredient that's sometimes flagged is Cetyl Alcohol (rating 2/5), but in this small concentration it is not pore-clogging for most users.
OXY 10 has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. Benzoyl Peroxide is sensitive to heat, light, and air, and gradually oxidizes after the tube is opened. To maximize potency, store the tube at room temperature (below 25°C), away from direct sunlight, and always replace the cap tightly after use. If the cream changes color (yellowing or browning) or develops an unusual smell, discontinue use even if within the PAO window.
Verdict: OXY Malaysia Acne Pimple Medication 10% delivers maximum-strength acne fighting in one of the simplest, cleanest formulas on the market — just 10 ingredients with the gold-standard 10% Benzoyl Peroxide active. It works fast on stubborn inflammatory pimples (visible reduction within 24 hours), it's fungal-acne safe, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and incredibly affordable at RM 9.50–RM 19.90. The trade-off is real: 10% BPO can be drying, may bleach fabrics, and increases sun sensitivity. If you have sensitive or dry skin, choose OXY 5 instead. But if you have oily, acne-prone skin and need a proven workhorse spot treatment that performs as well as or better than international competitors at a fraction of the price, OXY 10 is one of the smartest buys in your local pharmacy. Recommended for moderate to severe inflammatory acne.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 |
Benzoyl Peroxide
Antiacne Agent, Oxidising Agent
|
Ache-fighting
|
|
| 4 |
Methylparaben
Fragrance, Preservative
|
|
|
| 7 |
Propylparaben
Perfuming, Fragrance, Preservative
|
|