Frequently Asked Questions
About Benzagel®
Where are Benzagel® products manufactured?
Benzagel® is a registered trademark of Columbia Laboratories Canada. Our products are manufactured in Canada, with our sales office located in Mississauga, Ontario.
How long has Benzagel® received the #1 Pharmacist Recommended designation for?
In 2021, Benzagel® was awarded the #1 Pharmacist Recommended designation for the 10th consecutive year. In 2021, we were also granted the official Recommended Seal of Approval designation for our Acne Gel 5% from the Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada. The Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada is a national, non-profit organization led by Canadian dermatologists to provide independent reputable information to Canadians while raising awareness and offering hope to those who suffer from acne.
When is the next Benzagel® product launching?
Benzagel® is always developing new and innovative formulations in support of our existing line of acne care products. Keep checking back with us on our website for the latest news and updates.
Application & General Information
What is the correct order to use Benzagel® products?
There are several steps included in a proper acne care routine: Cleanse – Treat – Moisturize.
Each of these steps is as unique as you. To ensure you put your best face forward, we recommend integrating multiple Benzagel® products into your routine. We also suggest using our Benzagel® 6-Step ACNE CARE CUSTOMER Routine.
Step 1: Remove Oil and Dirt with Benzagel® Cleansa-Wipes
Step 2: Cleanse Your Skin with Benzagel® Acne Wash
Step 3: Apply Benzagel® Acne Gel 5% to Problem Areas
Step 4: Use Benzagel® Spot On for Spot Treatments On-The-Go
Step 5: Moisturize your Skin after treatment with Benzagel® After Care Moisturizing Lotion
Step 6: Put Your Best Face Forward!
For a detailed, step-by-step guideline on how to use our products, please visit our blog.
How long do Benzagel® products last, and how do I determine the expiration date of a product?
The length of our product expiration dates varies throughout our line of products. The Acne Wash, Spot-On Gel and Acne Gel 5% all have expiry dates indicated on the product packaging.
- Benzagel® Acne Gel 5% has the longest expiration period: 36 months.
- The Acne Wash and Spot-On Gel have 24 months expiration.
- Cleansa-Wipes and the After Care Moisturizing Lotion are cosmetic products and need to be used within “60 days after opening”.
Can I use Benzagel® products when I’m pregnant?
We recommend speaking with your healthcare provider to determine whether the use of medicated or cosmetic products are recommended during your pregnancy.
What skin types are Benzagel® products suitable for?
Benzagel® products are suitable for all skin types. People with dry skin should be aware that the active ingredient (benzoyl peroxide) in all our medicated products may cause further dryness of the skin. The use of a moisturizer after treatment is highly recommended.
How are Benzagel® products different from other acne brands?
Benzagel® products are made with you, the customer in mind and we understand the frustrations and stress that acne can create in your life.
Benzagel® is different because it contains benzoyl peroxide, the most effective OTC acne-fighting ingredient in a highly effective formula that ensures skin penetration.
Our unique point of difference and product efficacy are further reinforced by the relationship with the Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada, combined with our 10th consecutive year as the #1 Pharmacist Recommended Brand in acne treatments category.
For more information, please visit www.AcneAction.ca, the acne information resource of the Acne and Rosacea Society of Canada.
Benzagel® is there for you and is recognized by the industry as a leading acne treatment.
How does Benzagel® conduct product safety testing?
Benzagel® falls under Canadian drug regulations, therefore it must follow the strict stability testing requirements of Health Canada. All products are tested at various time points throughout their shelf life to ensure that potency is preserved, and no contaminants develop in the formulas. If an anomaly develops with any of the active ingredients or preservatives, the product must be recalled from the market.
How do I contact customer service?
If you have any further questions or concerns, you can contact us here.
How can I find out more information about a Benzagel® product?
For more information on our line of acne products, please visit our Products page.
I am a retailer and would love to sell Benzagel® products. Who can I contact?
Please contact benzagel@crossmark.com regarding any retail distribution queries.
Product Availability
Where can I purchase Benzagel® products?
For our full list of in-store and online retailers where you can purchase Benzagel® products, please visit our Where to Buy page.
Why aren’t Benzagel® products available in my local store?
Sometimes, our retailers may run out of stock of certain products. We advise you to speak with your retailer and ask when they will have our products back in stock.
I am concerned that I may be having a reaction to one of your products. What do I do?
In accordance with Health Canada recommendations for Drug products, we always recommend keeping the outer package for complete directions of use, warnings, and a complete list of active and inactive ingredients.
Please refer to the products section of our website for a full list of ingredients and warnings specific to each product, and to check whether you may have an allergy to any of the ingredients listed there.
If you are concerned about possible reactions, we may also recommend speaking with your / a doctor, pharmacist or dermatologist.
Ingredients & Adverse Reactions
What are the ingredients in Benzagel® products?
Benzagel® is a serious acne medication, and most SKUs are classified as drugs in Canada.
Please refer to the products section of our website for a full list of ingredients and warnings specific to each product. Please check our allergy alert section to check whether you may be allergic to any of the ingredients listed there.
Similar to other drug products, adverse or allergic reactions may occur, some of which may become serious if untreated. Please keep the original product package, or check our website regularly for ingredients, warnings, or allergy / adverse reactions alert.
Benzagel® products only contain pharmaceutical or cosmetic grade ingredients. They do not contain gluten, soy, or ingredients from an animal source.
Benzagel® products are topical skin care products. Their ingredients are only absorbed within a few layers of lipidic cells under the skin and are never absorbed in the bloodstream.
Benzagel® Acne Wash, Benzagel® Acne Gel 5% and Benzagel® Spot-On do contain pharmaceutical grade alcohol.
I am vegan. What Benzagel® products can I use?
Benzagel® products only contain pharmaceutical or cosmetic grade ingredients. They do not contain gluten, soy, or ingredients from any animal sources, dairy, or eggs.
Are Benzagel® products tested on animals?
All Benzagel® products are cruelty-free and are never tested on animals.