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Epsolay
benzoyl peroxide · Epsolay is a prescription drug containing benzoyl peroxide, made by Mayne Pharma Commercial LLC.
- Type
- Prescription
- Drug class
- Not classified
- Route
- Topical
- Manufacturers
- 1
EPSOLAY is indicated for the treatment of inflammatory lesions of rosacea in adults.
Drug facts
- Generic name
- benzoyl peroxide
- Active ingredients
- Benzoyl Peroxide
- Dosage forms
- Cream
- Label holder
- Mayne Pharma Commercial LLC
- FDA application
- NDA214510
- Label updated
- 08/11/2025
Uses
EPSOLAY is indicated for the treatment of inflammatory lesions of rosacea in adults. EPSOLAY is indicated for the treatment of inflammatory lesions of rosacea in adults. (1)
Dosage and administration
Before initial use, prime the pump until the first drop of cream is released. Apply a pea-sized amount of EPSOLAY once daily in a thin layer to each area of the face (forehead, chin, nose, each cheek) on clean and dry skin. Avoid the eyes, lips and mouth. Wash hands after application. EPSOLAY may bleach hair or colored fabric. EPSOLAY is for topical use only. Not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. Discard unused EPSOLAY 60 days after first use. Apply to the affected areas once daily. (2) Wash hands after application. (2) Not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. (2)
Dosage forms and strengths
Cream, 5%. Each gram of EPSOLAY contains 50 mg of benzoyl peroxide in a white to off-white base. Cream, 5%. (3)
Contraindications
EPSOLAY is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions to benzoyl peroxide or any components of the formulation in EPSOLAY [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. A history of a serious hypersensitivity reactions to benzoyl peroxide or any component of the formulation in EPSOLAY. (4)
Warnings and precautions
Hypersensitivity: Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, have been reported with the use of benzoyl peroxide products. (5.1) Skin irritation/contact dermatitis: Erythema, scaling, dryness, stinging/burning, irritation and allergic contact dermatitis may occur with use of EPSOLAY and may necessitate discontinuation. (5.2) Photosensitivity: Avoid or minimize exposure to natural or artificial sunlight and use sun protection measures. (5.3)
5.1Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, and urticaria, have been reported with the use of benzoyl peroxide products. If a serious hypersensitivity reaction occurs, discontinue EPSOLAY immediately and initiate appropriate therapy. 5.2 Skin Irritation/Contact Dermatitis Erythema, scaling, dryness and stinging/burning may be experienced with use of EPSOLAY. Irritation and contact dermatitis may occur. Apply a moisturizer and discontinue EPSOLAY if symptoms do not improve. Avoid application of EPSOLAY to cuts, abrasions, eczematous or sunburned skin. 5.3 Photosensitivity Benzoyl peroxide may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Minimize or avoid exposure to natural or artificial sunlight (tanning beds or UVA/B treatment) while using EPSOLAY. Instruct the patient to implement sun protection measures (e.g., sunscreen and loose- fitting clothes) when sun exposure cannot be avoided. Discontinue EPSOLAY at the first evidence of sunburn.
Side effects (adverse reactions)
Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 1%) are application site reactions: pain, erythema, pruritis and edema. (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Mayne Pharma at 1-844-825-8500 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In two randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trials, adult subjects with rosacea applied EPSOLAY (N = 488) or vehicle (N = 234) once daily for 12 weeks. The majority of subjects were Caucasian (93%) and female (73%) with a mean age of 51 years. Table 1 presents the most common adverse reactions occurring in ≥ 1% of subjects treated with EPSOLAY and more frequently than in subjects treated with vehicle. Table 1: Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 1% of Subjects Treated with EPSOLAY and with Greater Frequency than Subjects Treated with Vehicle EPSOLAY N=488 Vehicle N=234 Application site pain 11 (2%) 2 (1%) Application site erythema 11 (2%) 2 (1%) Application site pruritus 6 (1%) 1 (<1%) Application site edema Application site edema includes: application site swelling and application site edema 4 (1%) 0 (0%) During the clinical trials, local tolerability evaluations were conducted at baseline and at each study visit by assessment of dryness, itching, scaling and stinging/burning. Table 2 presents the local tolerability assessments by severity grade at Week 12. Table 2: Facial Cutaneous Tolerability Assessment Sign/Symptom EPSOLAY N=455 Of the 488 subjects treated with EPSOLAY, 455 subjects had local tolerability assessments at Week 12. Severity at Week 12 Mild Moderate Severe Dryness 25% 7% 0% Itching 24% 6% 0% Scaling 13% 4% 0% Stinging/Burning 20% 3% 1% In a 40-week open-label extension safety study (for a total of up to 52 weeks of treatment) the frequency and severity of local tolerability signs and symptoms at Week 52 were comparable to those reported at Week 12.
Use in specific populations
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary
The systemic exposure of benzoyl peroxide is unknown. Based on the published literature, benzoyl peroxide is metabolized to benzoic acid (an endogenous substance), which is eliminated in the urine. Hence, maternal use is not expected to result in fetal exposure to the drug. Animal reproductive studies have not been conducted with EPSOLAY or benzoyl peroxide. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of benzoyl peroxide in human milk, its effects on the breastfed infant or its effects on milk production. The systemic exposure of benzoyl peroxide is unknown. Based on the published literature, benzoyl peroxide is metabolized to benzoic acid (an endogenous substance), which is eliminated in the urine. Any amount of benzoyl peroxide excreted into human milk by a nursing mother would be expected to be metabolized by tissue and stomach esterases. Therefore, breastfeeding is not expected to result in exposure of the infant to EPSOLAY. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for EPSOLAY and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from EPSOLAY or from the underlying maternal condition. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of EPSOLAY for the treatment of inflammatory lesions of rosacea have not been established in pediatric patients. 8.5 Geriatric Use Of the 733 subjects in the clinical trials of EPSOLAY, 127 (17%) subjects were 65 and over, while 37 (3%) subjects were 75 and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects.
Pregnancy
Risk Summary The systemic exposure of benzoyl peroxide is unknown. Based on the published literature, benzoyl peroxide is metabolized to benzoic acid (an endogenous substance), which is eliminated in the urine. Hence, maternal use is not expected to result in fetal exposure to the drug. Animal reproductive studies have not been conducted with EPSOLAY or benzoyl peroxide. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.
Use in children
Safety and effectiveness of EPSOLAY for the treatment of inflammatory lesions of rosacea have not been established in pediatric patients.
Use in older adults
Of the 733 subjects in the clinical trials of EPSOLAY, 127 (17%) subjects were 65 and over, while 37 (3%) subjects were 75 and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects.
Description
EPSOLAY (benzoyl peroxide) cream is for topical use. Each gram of EPSOLAY contains 50 mg of benzoyl peroxide. The chemical name for benzoyl peroxide is benzoyl benzenecarboperoxoate. It has the following structural formula: Molecular Formula: C 14 H 10 O 4 Molecular Weight: 242.23 The benzoyl peroxide in EPSOLAY is in a solid form that is incorporated into a microcapsule composed of silicon dioxide, cetrimonium chloride and polyquaternium-7. EPSOLAY contains 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 as inactive ingredients. Chemical Structure
How it works
Benzoyl peroxide is an oxidizing agent with bactericidal and keratolytic effects but the precise mechanism of action in the treatment of rosacea is unknown.
How supplied
How Supplied EPSOLAY is a white to off-white cream supplied in an airless pump as follows: 30 gram pump: NDC 51862-772-30 Storage and Handling Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) with excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Keep away from heat. Do not freeze. Discard unused cream 60 days after first use.
Storage and handling
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) with excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Keep away from heat. Do not freeze. Discard unused cream 60 days after first use.
Forms and strengths
From the FDA NDC Directory · 1 product codes
| Dosage form | Strength | Route | NDCs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cream | 30 mg/g | topical | 1 |
Side effect reports to FDA
FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), 6,696 reports that list benzoyl peroxide, data through 07/30/2026
Anyone can report a problem to FDA, and a report does not mean the drug caused the problem. Reports can be duplicated or incomplete, and counts depend on how widely a drug is used. Do not stop or change a medicine because of this list. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Most often reported reactions
- Drug ineffective1,893
- Dry skin1,504
- Acne1,476
- Erythema1,157
- Skin burning sensation971
- Skin irritation868
- Inappropriate schedule of product administration624
- Skin exfoliation562
- Pruritus503
- Overdose491
To report a side effect, use FDA MedWatch.
Manufacturers and labels
1 FDA label
- Mayne Pharma Commercial LLCShown hereNDA214510 · Label 08/11/2025 · NDC 51862-772Full label
Related recalls
FDA drug recalls that name this drug or its active ingredient
- Class IIDrugOngoing10/07/2026Benzoyl Peroxide Wash, USP, 5%, 5 FL OZ (148 mL), Distributed by: Rugby Laboratories, 17177 N. Laurel Park...SV Labs Toronto Corporation · 2 products · Microbial contamination of topical product.
- Class IIDrugOngoing04/22/2026FHF Farmhouse Fresh, Midnight Clearing, NIGHT LOTION, 2.5% BENZOYL PEROXIDE ACNE TREATMENT, OTC a) 0.5 fl....Owen Biosciences Inc. · 4 products · Chemical contamination: Presence of benzene
- Class IIDrugOngoing12/03/2025Doctor D. Schwab Controlling Cream, Benzoyl Peroxide 2.7%, 1 FL OZ/ 30 ML per tube, Doctor D. Schwab, A...CA BOTANA International, Inc. · CGMP Deviations
- Class IIDrugOngoing10/01/2025ARTISAN OF SKIN (Benzoyl Peroxide 10%), 7 oz (201 g), Artisan of Skin Beverly Hills, CA 90210Private Label Skin Care Inc. · 6 products · Chemical Contamination: This recall has been initiated due to...
- Class IIDrugOngoing05/21/2025La Roche-Posay Laboratoire Dermatologique Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment, 5.5% Benzoyl Peroxide...L'Oreal USA · 3 products · Chemical Contamination: This recall has been initiated due to...
Epsolay: common questions
- What is Epsolay used for?
- EPSOLAY is indicated for the treatment of inflammatory lesions of rosacea in adults.
- What are the side effects of Epsolay?
- Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 1%) are application site reactions: pain, erythema, pruritis and edema. (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Mayne Pharma at 1-844-825-8500 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1... See the full side effects section on this page, and ask your doctor or pharmacist about any side effect that bothers you.
- Is Epsolay a prescription drug?
- Yes. Epsolay is a prescription (Rx) drug.
- Are there other products with the same active ingredient as Epsolay?
- Yes. Other FDA-listed products with the same active ingredients include Acne Treatment, Benzoyl Peroxide, Rugby Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Medication, Acne Cleanser.
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, openFDA drug label (SPL) and NDC Directory · Last updated 08/11/2025 · Label text is shown as published by the manufacturer. Not medical advice