Stiefel announces OTC switch for acne washes

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — GlaxoSmithKline company Stiefel has made its popular acne wash formulations available for over-the-counter use.

Stiefel will market two products that are indicated for the treatment of acne over the counter under the PanOxyl brand: PanOxyl acne creamy wash will be available in 4% BPO and 8% BPO.

A marketing campaign directed toward pharmacists and dermatologists will communicate details of the new PanOxyl 4% and 8% BPO acne creamy washes. The products will be available for shipment in May.

"Stiefel's creamy wash formulations have been physician favorites for several years," stated Shayne Sundholm, VP of U.S. nonprescription dermatology at Stiefel. "And we are excited to be able to offer them to a larger number of consumers through the retail market."

PanOxyl 4% and 8% acne creamy washes feature a patented delivery system that includes dimethyl isosorbide, which solubilizes BPO and reduces particulate-based skin irritation and inflammation commonly experienced with conventional BPO formulations, the company stated.