FAQs about EPSOLAY cream
EPSOLAY cream is a prescription-only medication, and it cannot be bought over the counter. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist to see if EPSOLAY cream might be right for you.
Once you have a prescription, you can also save on your EPSOLAY cream refills with a Mayne Pharma Patient Savings Card.
The cost of EPSOLAY depends on your insurance provider and pharmacy costs. Speak with your doctor or insurance provider for more information about the total cost of EPSOLAY cream.
EPSOLAY cream uses innovative microencapsulation technology to control the release of benzoyl peroxide (BPO) in a way that doesn’t overwhelm your skin. BPO is known to kill bacteria and helps to release dead skin cells. By killing bacteria, BPO may help reduce inflammation; however, the exact way EPSOLAY works is unknown.1
Patients saw visible improvements in their rosacea in as little as two weeks in a clinical study looking primarily at BPO efficacy for inflammatory rosacea lesions over 12 weeks.2
EPSOLAY cream has been proven safe and effective in a one-year clinical trial. You should speak with your doctor or dermatologist to understand how to best use EPSOLAY cream for your rosacea.1,3
You may notice the bumps and blemishes of your rosacea clearing up in as little as two weeks, but in clinical trials, most people’s skin kept improving over time. We recommend that you keep using EPSOLAY cream every day until your doctor or dermatologist says otherwise.1,2
EPSOLAY cream is generally well-tolerated. In clinical trials, the most common side effects (reported by at least 1% of people) at the application site were1:
- Pain
- Erythema (redness)
- Pruritus (itching)
- Edema (swelling)
Most people did not experience dryness, itching, scaling, or stinging/burning.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects, as they may have tips for managing those effects. That may include advice to use EPSOLAY cream less often or to stop using it altogether.
Again, you and your doctor can make that decision together. We suggest you read product labels and avoid products with the following ingredients4:
- Alcohol
- Witch hazel
- Menthol
- Peppermint
It may also be best to stick with mineral-based makeup and oil-free foundation or concealer.5
Yes, we recommend limiting unprotected exposure to sunlight while using EPSOLAY cream. Avoid using sunlamps, tanning beds, and other sources of ultraviolet light.
If you must be in sunlight or are especially sensitive to it, use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and wear a wide-brimmed hat to cover the treated areas.1
You can use EPSOLAY cream whenever you prefer — either in the morning or at night — but you should do it at the same time every day. You can also ask your doctor or dermatologist for their recommendation.
We recommend using it at night because it can stain fabrics and may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. If you do use it in the morning, make sure to protect your skin with sunscreen.1
Use a pea-sized amount of EPSOLAY cream for each area of your face — forehead, chin, nose, and cheeks. Massage a thin layer into your skin, avoiding your eyes, lips, and mouth.1
Do not double up on your application of EPSOLAY cream to make up for one you missed. Just continue the next day with the usual amount of product.1
To get the most out of your treatment, follow your doctor’s or dermatologist’s instructions for use.
EPSOLAY may stain or bleach fabric or hair.1 Wash your hands after you finish applying EPSOLAY cream.
Your bottle of EPSOLAY cream should be stored at room temperature (68–77ºF).1
Discard unused EPSOLAY cream 60 days after using it for the first time or by the expiration date printed on the bottle, whichever comes first.1
References:
- EPSOLAY (benzoyl peroxide) cream, 5% [prescribing information]. Raleigh (NC): Mayne Pharma; revised 2025 Feb.
- Bhatia N, Werschler WP, Baldwin H, Sugarman J, Green LJ, Levy-Hacham O, et al. Efficacy and safety of microencapsulated benzoyl peroxide cream, 5%, in rosacea: results from two phase III, randomized, vehicle-controlled trials. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2023;16(8):34-40.
- Werschler WP, Sugarman J, Bhatia N, Baldwin H, Stein Gold L, Green LJ, et al. Long-term efficacy and safety of microencapsulated benzoyl peroxide cream, 5%, in rosacea: results from an extension of two phase III, vehicle-controlled trials. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2023;16(8):27-33.
- National Rosacea Society. Skin care and cosmetics [Internet]. Chicago (IL): National Rosacea Society; [date unknown] [cited 2026 Jan 29]. Available from: https://www.rosacea.org/patients/skin-care-and-cosmetics
- Mikkelsen CS, Holmgren HR, Kjellman P, Heidenheim M, Kappinnen A, Bjerring P, et al. Rosacea: a clinical review. Dermatol Rep. 2016;8(1):6387.
Important Safety Information
Indications and usage: EPSOLAY® (benzoyl peroxide) cream, 5% is indicated for the treatment of inflammatory lesions of rosacea in adults.
Contraindications: A history of hypersensitivity reactions to benzoyl peroxide or any component of the formulation in EPSOLAY.
Warnings and precautions:
- Hypersensitivity: Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, have been reported with the use of benzoyl peroxide products.
- Skin irritation/contact dermatitis: Erythema, scaling, dryness, stinging/burning, irritation and allergic contact dermatitis may occur with the use of EPSOLAY and may necessitate discontinuation.
- Photosensitivity: Avoid or minimize exposure to natural or artificial sunlight and use sun protection measures.
Adverse reactions: Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥1%) are application site reactions: pain erythema, pruritus, and edema.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.