Banzak is an over-the-counter medicine for treating acne that you can buy in Israel, and it contains 5% benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most effective ingredients for acne treatment. It treats inflammatory acne (less for blackheads/whiteheads), because it kills the bacteria that causes acne. I usually use benzoyl peroxide in the form of soap (Phenoxyl) and it works great, but I wanted to try it as a spot treatment on large pimples as well.
The main disadvantage of benzoyl peroxide is that it is a very strong ingredient that can have side effects of dryness, irritation and peeling. Already in the soap that is washed off it is very effective, so in the cream that remains on the skin it is many times more. I would avoid using it on very large areas and rather focus on large and localized pimples (unless the doctor told you otherwise). From my experience as a spot treatment it works great, at the same time it is really very strong and I usually prefer the soap.
Another disadvantage of benzoyl peroxide is that it stains clothes, just like bleach. I was afraid of ruining the pillowcase for the pillow, so I found a solution to put a sticker on it and that way it doesn't transfer to the pillow. It can create a kind of greenhouse and cause more irritation so keep that in mind if your skin is sensitive.
Note that benzoyl peroxide does not get along with many other ingredients and can neutralize them, so if you use it in a cream (as in damage), do not put retinoids or lightening ingredients such as retinol, vitamin C, kojic acid or hydroconone in the same routine.
You can buy the ointment in pharmacies.
Fri Jun 20 2025 02:00:00 GMT+0200 (Central European Summer Time)