- Value: 20/20
- Functionality: 20/20
- Ease of Use: 19/20
- Aesthetics: 18/20
- Effectiveness: 19/20
- TOTAL: 96/100
Acne and I have been friends since I was a teen. Back then, I dealt with a terrible case of hormonal breakouts and Accutane gave me some peace of mine for a while. As I got older, I started dealing with more irritating (and sometimes painful) cystic acne on my body, specifically near my inner thighs.
For a time, I thought I could keep things under control by using everything from black soap to bentonite clay to reduce my acne. When that didn't work, I finally decided enough was enough and scheduled a dermatologist appointment to get to the bottom of my breakouts. The first thing my new derm suggested was sprucing up my shower routine with the PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash, which I was initially skeptical of—after all, I'd tried so many products already. Was this drugstore wash genuinely going to help me? There was only one way to find out.
My Shower Routine
I always start by wetting the area first before squeezing a dime-sized amount of wash into my palms. I like to rub it in layer over my skin. The wash has a thick consistency, but it spreads evenly with some water.
Now, I believe the real secret to the wash's success is letting the product sit on your skin. The bottle (and my derm) suggest leaving it on the affected area for two minutes before rinsing it off. I make sure to do this every time and it's honestly made a huge difference in the results. (Sometimes I even leave it on a little longer to let it really work its magic.)
The Secret Weapon
It's formulated with 10 percent benzoyl peroxide, which has antimicrobial properties that's helpful for treating acne. As board-certified dermatologist Dr. Suneel Chilukuri told us previously, the ingredient has the "ability to safely kill acne-causing bacteria, reduce inflammation and clear existing breakouts while preventing new pimples from forming."
The ingredient is also notorious for being super drying for some. However, I didn't find it drying nor was it irritating, which was a major plus. And because the wash contains anti-inflammatory properties, it also helps reduce redness and swelling. After using the wash daily for a few months, my previously broken out inner thighs cleared up significantly.
I do have to knock off a few points for the scent, which isn't the best, but isn't too overpowering either. It's not really a dealbreaker (especially considering how well it works for clearing up acne), so do what you will with that information.
The Reviewers Have Spoken
Still not convinced? Take a look at the reviews online. It's currently the number one best-selling acne cleansing wash on Amazon, with over 35,000 five-star reviews. As one reviewer says, "As someone who has struggled with severe back acne for years, I have tried many different products to find relief. I was pleasantly surprised by the effectiveness of this product. After using this product for a few weeks, I noticed a significant improvement in my back acne. The acne started to clear up, and the inflammation and redness subsided. "
Why You Need to Buy It
Aside from my inner thighs, I use this wash anytime acne appears on my chest and back. (It also works for the face, too.) I've been using it for over three years and it continues to help clear up any existing acne and prevent new breakouts. I finally have my body acne under control—and with a budget-friendly price tag of $10, I can stock up on the wash without breaking the bank.
OK, now who has recommendations for a good fruit basket I can gift my derm?