E-BPO for rosacea
The first-ever encapsulated BPO (E-BPO) for rosacea1–3
BPO’s potential for rosacea relief
EPSOLAY cream pairs traditional benzoyl peroxide (BPO) with groundbreaking technology to effectively treat rosacea with a delicate touch.1–3
The precise mechanism of action for BPO in the treatment of inflammatory rosacea lesions is unknown.1
BPO has both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that have been shown to reduce inflammatory lesions in papulopustular rosacea.1,2,4
Potential anti-inflammatory effects4,5
BPO reduces the activity of neutrophils that have been implicated in the inflammation of rosacea.
Potential antimicrobial effects1,4
BPO is converted into benzoic acid in the skin and releases free-radical oxygen, which kills bacteria.
No antibiotic resistance5
BPO is not an antibiotic and does not cause antibiotic resistance.
What is microencapsulation?
Microencapsulation technology features a shell structure made from layers of silicon dioxide.1
BPO, the active ingredient, is encapsulated at the core.1
When applied, the shells create a barrier between the skin and the BPO.6
The silica encapsulation controls the BPO release rate, allowing for gradual release over time.2,3
The benefits of E‑BPO for rosacea
The controlled release of BPO over time allows for efficacious yet tolerable relief of inflammatory rosacea lesions.2,3
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.
- Worret WI, Fluhr JW. Acne therapy with topical benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics and azelaic acid. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2006;4:293-300. doi: 10.1111/j.1610-0387.2006.05931.x
- Jalian HR, Takahashi S, Kim J. Overview of dermatological diseases. In: Taylor JB, Triggle DJ, eds. Comprehensive Medicinal Chemistry II. Elsevier Ltd; 2007. p. 935-955.
- Leyden JJ. Randomized, phase 2, dose-ranging study in the treatment of rosacea with encapsulated benzoyl peroxide gel. J Drugs Dermatol. 2014;13(6):685-688.
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.