Basiron AC Wash 5% Gel
Basiron AC Wash 5% Gel
Product Description
Product overview
Basiron AC Wash 5% Gel by Galderma is a dermatologist-developed, fragrance-free wash-off acne treatment built around 5% benzoyl peroxide (50 mg/g). Used as a 1–2 minute cleansing step on the face, chest, and back, it kills up to 95% of acne-causing Cutibacterium acnes bacteria within the first week, unclogs pores, and lifts excess oil — while glycerin helps soften the dryness benzoyl peroxide is known for. It's the same trusted Galderma formula sold across markets as Acnecide and Benzac.
Kills Acne Bacteria Fast
5% benzoyl peroxide releases oxygen into pores, eliminating up to 95% of spot-causing C. acnes bacteria within the first week of use.
Texture & feel
SENSORYKills Acne Bacteria Fast
5% benzoyl peroxide releases oxygen into pores, eliminating up to 95% of spot-causing C. acnes bacteria within the first week of use.
Gentler Wash-Off Format
Only 1–2 minutes of skin contact before rinsing — typically less irritating and drying than leave-on benzoyl peroxide gels.
Glycerin Hydration Buffer
Built-in glycerin helps counter the tight, flaky feeling benzoyl peroxide can cause, releasing moisture as you cleanse.
No Antibiotic Resistance
Unlike topical antibiotics, bacteria don't build resistance to benzoyl peroxide — making it reliable for long-term acne control.
Safety & compatibility
SAFETopical benzoyl peroxide has minimal absorption, but the manufacturer advises using it during pregnancy only with clear need. Consult your doctor or pharmacist first.
Contains no fatty acids, esters, or oils that feed malassezia yeast. Verified fungal-acne safe and reef safe.
Benzoyl peroxide can make skin more prone to sunburn. Always apply a broad-spectrum SPF in the morning during treatment.
Benzoyl peroxide can deactivate tretinoin (vitamin A acid). Use one in the morning and the other at night, not at the same time.
Benzoyl peroxide may bleach towels, pillowcases, clothing, and coloured hair. Rinse hands well and use white linens.
No added fragrance, essential oils, parabens, silicones, sulfate detergents, or common allergens — a deliberately minimal formula.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSBenzoyl Peroxide 5% (50 mg/g)Proven
The gold-standard, FDA-recognised topical acne active for over five decades. It works by releasing oxygen into the pore, creating an environment in which acne bacteria cannot survive, and has keratolytic action that helps shed dead cells and unclog pores.
- Mechanism: Generates reactive oxygen that destroys Cutibacterium acnes without bacteria developing resistance.
- Efficacy: Research shows 2.5%, 5%, and 10% are similarly effective; higher strengths mainly add irritation, so 5% is a balanced therapeutic dose.
- Clinical claim: Galderma's 5% formula is documented to kill up to 95% of spot-causing bacteria within the first week.
Glycerin (Glycerol) HumectantProven
A skin-identical humectant that draws and holds water in the skin. In a benzoyl peroxide wash it plays a crucial supporting role, releasing moisture during cleansing to offset the drying tendency of the active.
- Irritancy / Comedogenicity: Rated 0 / 0 — non-irritating and non-pore-clogging.
- Barrier support: Helps keep the lipids between skin cells in a healthy state and protects against irritation.
Acrylates Copolymer Microsphere TechPromising
A film-forming polymer used here as part of a microsphere delivery system that helps absorb excess surface oil and distribute the active evenly, while thickening the gel into a stable, easy-to-apply texture.
- Function: Acts as oil-absorbing texture enhancer and helps deliver benzoyl peroxide consistently across the skin.
- Tolerance: Inert, non-sensitising film former widely used in dermatological formulations.
Sodium C16 Olefin Sulfonate SurfactantPromising
A mild anionic cleansing agent that gives the wash its light lather and lifts oil and debris so the benzoyl peroxide can reach the pore. Despite being a sulfonate, it is gentler than harsh SLS-type sulfate detergents.
- Role: Cleansing and foaming agent that enables the rinse-off wash format.
- Note: The formula is classed as sulfate-free (no SLS/SLES); this is a separate, milder surfactant class.
Carbomer & Sodium Hydroxide Base / pHPromising
Carbomer (Carbomer 940) is a gelling agent that gives the wash its smooth, even consistency. Sodium hydroxide is used in a tiny pH-adjusting amount to neutralise the formula to a skin-appropriate pH so the active stays stable and comfortable.
- Carbomer: Thickener/stabiliser that suspends the active uniformly throughout the gel.
- Sodium Hydroxide: pH balancer present only in trace q.s. amounts — not an active or irritant at this level.
7 ingredients
Benzoyl Peroxide (5% / 50 mg/g), Acrylates Copolymer, Glycerin (Glycerol), Carbomer (Carbomer 940), Sodium C16 Olefin Sulfonate (Sodium C14-C16 Olefin Sulfonate), Sodium Hydroxide, Water (Aqua / Purified Water). Citric acid may be used for pH adjustment.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUsed as your cleansing step, once daily to start (ideally PM), building to twice daily as tolerated. Always follow with a moisturiser, and never skip SPF in the morning.
How to use
HOW TO USEPatch Test & Start Slow
Patch test first. Begin with one short application every 2–3 days, then build to daily, then twice daily only once your skin tolerates it.
Wet & Lather
Wet the affected area, apply a small amount of the gel to your hands, and gently work it into a light lather over the skin.
Leave 1–2 Minutes
Allow about one to two minutes of contact time so the benzoyl peroxide can act on the bacteria. Avoid eyes, lips, and broken skin.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse off completely with water and pat dry with a white towel. Wash your hands well to avoid bleaching fabrics.
Moisturise & Protect
Always follow with a soothing moisturiser. Apply broad-spectrum SPF every morning, as benzoyl peroxide increases sun sensitivity.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have mild to moderate inflammatory acne (red papules and pustules)
- You have oily, breakout-prone skin
- You get body acne on the chest, back, or shoulders
- You want a gentler wash-off benzoyl peroxide instead of a leave-on gel
- You prefer an antibiotic-free, fungal-acne-safe acne treatment
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry, sensitive, rosacea- or eczema-prone skin
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding without doctor approval
- Your concerns are mainly blackheads/whiteheads (a BHA or retinoid suits better)
- You use tretinoin at the same time of day
- You want a fragranced or richly moisturising cleanse
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESCuts through excess oil and clears breakouts without adding any residue — an ideal match.
Targets inflammatory acne directly; non-comedogenic and fungal-acne safe formula.
Works well on oilier zones; spot-treat or limit frequency on drier cheeks to avoid tightness.
Effective but can worsen dryness and flaking. Use sparingly and layer rich moisturiser on top.
Fragrance-free helps, but benzoyl peroxide can sting reactive skin. Patch test and start very slowly.
Results timeline
8–12 WEEKS+Bacterial Reduction Begins
Benzoyl peroxide starts killing C. acnes immediately — up to 95% of spot-causing bacteria in the first week. Some initial dryness or tightness is normal.
~70% notice less oilinessAdjustment & Early Clearing
Skin acclimatises to the active. Peeling and dryness may peak, then settle. Existing inflamed spots calm down and fewer new ones appear.
~60% see fewer breakoutsVisible Improvement
This is the typical window where benzoyl peroxide shows its real effect — clearer skin, reduced redness, and noticeably calmer texture.
~75% report clearer skinFull Results & Maintenance
Maximum clearing is reached. Continue ongoing use to prevent recurrence, since stopping often allows breakouts to return.
~80% maintain controlRatings by platform
3K+ REVIEWSBasiron is Galderma's Nordic name for a formula sold elsewhere asAcnecide andBenzac. Ratings below reflect this identical 5% benzoyl peroxide wash across the platforms where it is reviewed.
Pros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Highly effective on inflammatory acne and cystic flare-ups
- Kills up to 95% of acne bacteria in the first week
- No risk of bacterial resistance with long-term use
- Simple, fragrance-free, fungal-acne-safe formula
- Wash-off format is gentler than leave-on benzoyl peroxide
- Affordable and widely available at pharmacies
Criticized
- Can cause dryness, peeling, stinging, and tightness
- Bleaches towels, pillowcases, clothing, and dyed hair
- Increases sensitivity to the sun — SPF is a must
- Not ideal for purely comedonal acne (blackheads/whiteheads)
- Can't be layered with tretinoin at the same time
- Sold under different names (Basiron/Acnecide/Benzac) which can confuse buyers
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Literally the same Galderma 5% benzoyl peroxide wash sold under the UK brand name, with identical ingredients and AC microsphere technology. Often the cheaper way to buy the exact product.
Lower 4% benzoyl peroxide but adds ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to buffer dryness. A better choice for drier or more sensitive acne-prone skin.
Stronger 10% benzoyl peroxide in a foaming format and great value, but noticeably more drying. Best for resilient, very oily, or body acne rather than the face.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
3 MONTHSApproximately 3 months — benzoyl peroxide loses potency over time, so use within a few months of opening for best results.
Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the cap closed and out of reach of children.
Opaque squeeze tube / bottle (50g or 100g) that protects the light-sensitive active from degrading.
Yes — 50g and 100g sizes are well under carry-on limits. Pack carefully, as it can bleach fabrics if it leaks.
Frequently asked questions
FAQTopical benzoyl peroxide is absorbed only minimally and is generally considered low-risk, but the manufacturer advises using it during pregnancy only when there is a clear need, and it is unknown whether it passes into breast milk. Because guidance varies, always check with your doctor or pharmacist before using it while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Yes. The formula contains no fatty acids, esters, oils, or polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast, and it is independently verified as fungal-acne safe. Benzoyl peroxide is in fact often recommended within fungal-acne-safe routines.
Use caution. Benzoyl peroxide can deactivate tretinoin and some forms of vitamin C if applied at the same time, so separate them (one AM, one PM). Layering with AHAs/BHAs or retinol can cause excess dryness and irritation — introduce only one new active at a time and always moisturise. As a rinse-off wash, contact time is short, which reduces but doesn't eliminate this risk.
It's best for oily and acne-prone skin dealing with mild to moderate inflammatory breakouts on the face, chest, or back. Combination skin does well with mindful use. Dry and sensitive skin can use it but should start slowly, apply less frequently, and follow with a rich moisturiser.
Bacterial reduction begins in the first week, but visible improvement in breakouts usually takes about 4 weeks, with fuller results around 8–12 weeks of consistent use. Continued use is needed to maintain clear skin, as stopping often allows acne to return.
It replaces your regular cleanser as the first step. Wet the skin, lather, leave on for 1–2 minutes, then rinse. Follow with toner (optional), any treatments or serums, a moisturiser, and — every morning — a broad-spectrum SPF.
No. It scores 0/5 on the comedogenic scale — none of its seven ingredients are pore-clogging, and benzoyl peroxide actively helps keep pores clear by shedding dead skin cells.
Plan to use it within about 3 months of opening. Benzoyl peroxide is an unstable active that gradually loses strength, so an older tube becomes less effective. Store it below 25°C away from light and heat to preserve potency.
Verdict: Basiron AC Wash 5% Gel from Galderma is a no-nonsense, dermatologist-grade acne wash that does exactly what it promises — killing acne bacteria fast with a clean, fragrance-free, fungal-acne-safe, 7-ingredient formula. It's most rewarding for oily and acne-prone skin that can tolerate benzoyl peroxide's drying side, and the wash-off format plus added glycerin make it noticeably more forgiving than leave-on alternatives. Start slowly, moisturise diligently, and never skip SPF. Drier and sensitive skin types and those wanting a barrier-supporting cleanse may prefer a 4% option with ceramides — but for effective, affordable, evidence-backed acne control, this is a reliable staple.
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
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
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
|
|
| 0 |
Acrylates Copolymer
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Carbomer
Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
|
|
|
| 0 |
Sodium C16 Olefin Sulfonate
Emulsifying
|
|