Desquam-X Wash

Generic name:benzoyl peroxide
Dosage form: topical solution
Drug class:Topical acne agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 22, 2021.

Disclaimer: This drug has not been found by FDA to be safe and effective, and this labeling has not been approved by FDA. For further information about unapproved drugs, click here.

Desquam-X Wash Description

DESQUAM-X5 (5% benzoyl peroxide) and DESQUAM-X10 (10% benzoyl peroxide) brand topical therapeutic anti-acne cleansers contains benzoyl peroxide (5% and 10% respectively) in a lathering water base of sodium octoxynol- 3 sulfonate, dioctyl sodium sulfo-succinate, magnesium aluminum silicate, methylcellulose and EDTA.

Molecular structure

Desquam-X Wash - Clinical Pharmacology

The effectiveness of benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne vulgaris is primarily attributable to its antibacterial activity, especially with respect to Propionibacterium acnes, the predominant organism in sebaceous follicles and comedones.1,2 The antibacterial activity of this compound is presumably due to the release of active or free-radical oxygen capable of oxidizing bacterial proteins.3 In acne patients treated topically with benzoyl peroxide, resolution of the acne usually coincides with reduction in the levels of P. acnes and free fatty acids (FFA). Mild desquamation is another observed action of topically applied benzoyl peroxide and may also play a role in the drug’s effectiveness in acne.3 Studies also indicate that topical benzoyl peroxide may exert a se-bostatic effect with a resultant reduction of skin surface lipids.4,5

Benzoyl peroxide has been shown to be absorbed by the skin, where it is...