Epsolay

Generic name: benzoyl peroxide
Dosage form: topical cream

Medically reviewed by Judith Stewart, BPharm. Last updated on May 31, 2022.

What is Epsolay?

Epsolay is a prescription medicine used on the skin (topical) to treat adults with pimples and bumps caused by a condition called rosacea.

It is not known if this medicine is safe and effective in children.

Who should not use Epsolay?

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide or any of the other ingredients. See the end of this page for a complete list of ingredients.

Before using Epsolay

Before you start treatment, you should tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• have other skin problems, including eczema, cuts, or sunburn.
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Epsolay will harm your unborn baby.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Epsolay passes into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during treatment.

What other drugs will affect Epsolay?

Applying benzoyl peroxide while you are also using tretinoin topical medicine may cause severe skin irritation. Brands that contain tretinoin include Avita, Renova, Retin-A, Tretin-X, and others.

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. However, many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Related/similar drugs

doxycycline, metronidazole topical, ivermectin topical, minocycline topical, brimonidine topical, oxymetazoline topical

How should I use Epsolay?

• Use Epsolay exactly as your healthcare provider tells you.
• Apply Epsolay to your face one time each day on clean and dry skin.
• Before you use Epsolay for the first time, prime the pump by pressing down until the first drop of cream is released.
• Use the pump to dispense a pea-size amount of the cream onto your fingertip. Spread a thin layer over each area of your face (forehead, chin, nose, each cheek). Avoid contact with your eyes, lips and mouth.
• Wash your hands right away after application.

Important: Epsolay is for use on the skin only (topical). Do not use Epsolay in or on your mouth, eyes or vagina.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dosage for Rosacea

- Apply to the affected areas once daily.

- Use: treatment of inflammatory lesions of rosacea in adults. 

What should I avoid while using Epsolay?

• Avoid using Epsolay on skin areas with cuts, abrasions, eczema, or on sunburned skin.
• Limit your time in sunlight. Avoid sunlight or artificial sunlight such as sunlamps or tanning beds. Epsolay may make your skin more sensitive to the sun and the light from sunlamps and tanning beds. Use sun protection measures such as sunscreen and wear loose-fitting clothes that cover your skin while out in sunlight. Stop treatment if you get sunburn.
• Epsolay may bleach hair or colored fabric. Avoid contact with hair or colored fabric. 

Epsolay side effects

Epsolay may cause serious side effects, including:

• Allergic reactions. Stop treatment and get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms:
  • hives, rash or severe itching
  • swelling of your face, eyes, lips, tongue, or throat
  • trouble breathing or throat tightness
  • feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheaded
• Skin irritation. Epsolay may cause skin irritation such as redness, scaling, dryness, stinging, or burning. You may use a moisturizer if you develop skin irritation. Tell your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve, you may need to stop treatment.
• Sensitivity to sunlight. See What should I avoid while using Epsolay?

The most common side effects include pain, redness, itching, and swelling at application site.

These are not all the possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store Epsolay?

• Store Epsolay cream at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
• Keep the cream away from heat. Do not freeze Epsolay.
• Throw away (discard) unused Epsolay 30 days after first use.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.

General information about the safe and effective use of Epsolay.

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use this medicine for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give it to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information that is written for health professionals.

What are the ingredients in Epsolay?

Active ingredient: benzoyl peroxide
Inactive ingredients: anhydrous citric acid, cetrimonium chloride, cetyl alcohol, cyclomethicone, edetate disodium, glycerin, hydrochloric acid, lactic acid, macrogol stearate Type I, mono and di-glycerides, phenoxyethanol, polyquaternium-7, purified water, silicon dioxide and sodium hydroxide.

Frequently asked questions

• What are the most common skin conditions? (with photos)
• Can you buy antibiotics over the counter?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer