LION (JAPAN) PAIR Acne Cream W 14g Antibacterial Acne Face Cream

Lion Pair Acne Cream W is a Japanese OTC spot treatment containing ibuprofen piconol and isopropylmethylphenol — a combination targeting the redness and inflammation of acne breakouts. The 14g tube is the standard Japanese drugstore size and has been a Lion Corporation staple for over two decades.

At a glance

• Best for: targeted spot treatment of inflammatory acne (red, raised spots)
• Active ingredients: ibuprofen piconol (anti-inflammatory), isopropylmethylphenol (antibacterial)
• Format: 14g lightweight cream in a soft tube, lightly tinted
• Origin: Lion Corporation, Japan — imported direct
• Best paired with: a salicylic acid cleanser for daily use. Browse our Japanese skincare collection or pair with our wider acne range

Why we stock Pair Acne Cream W

Pair Acne Cream W is the spot treatment Japanese customers carry in their handbag — small tube, fast action, used as a "first aid" cream the moment a spot announces itself. We stock it because the ibuprofen piconol active is genuinely different from the benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid that dominate Western spot treatments — it targets the inflammation specifically, which makes it useful alongside (not instead of) a routine acid cleanser. All stock ships direct from Lion's Japanese distribution with PMDA-compliant labelling.

How to use

1. Cleanse and pat dry. Spot treatment works best on clean skin.
2. Apply a thin layer directly to the affected area — the cream is opaque and tints the spot slightly, which is fine for night use; for daytime, apply under makeup carefully.
3. Use 2–3 times daily until the spot resolves — typically 2–5 days for a normal inflammatory spot.
4. Wash hands after application.

Important: Pair Acne Cream W is for occasional spot treatment, not for use on large areas of the face daily. Persistent or severe acne should be evaluated by a dermatologist — long-term inflammatory acne usually needs a prescription protocol.

Active & key ingredients

• Active: ibuprofen piconol (anti-inflammatory NSAID derivative), isopropylmethylphenol (antimicrobial)
• Soothing: tocopherol acetate (vitamin E)
• Base: water-in-oil cream, lightly tinted
• Free from: fragrance, alcohol

Pair Acne Cream W vs benzoyl peroxide

Two different approaches to inflammatory acne. Benzoyl peroxide (most Western OTC spot treatments) works by killing the bacteria associated with acne — it's the heavyweight anti-acne active but tends to dry and irritate the skin. Pair Acne Cream W uses ibuprofen piconol to target the inflammation directly, with a milder antimicrobial component. Pair is gentler and more comfortable; benzoyl peroxide is more decisive on stubborn spots. Many customers use both — benzoyl peroxide for the worst breakouts, Pair Acne Cream W for the milder daily spots and as a follow-up. For chronic acne, see a dermatologist.

FAQ

Is this authentic Japanese Pair? Yes. Imported direct from Lion Corporation's Japanese distribution. Every tube ships in original Japanese-language packaging with PMDA quasi-drug markings.

Can I use it on my body (back/chest acne)? Yes — the formula is the same. For larger body areas, a salicylic acid body wash may be more practical as a first step.

Will it leave a white cast? The cream is lightly tinted (closer to a sheer beige) so it blends with most skin tones at the spot itself. It's not a colour-matched concealer.

Can I wear it under makeup? Yes — apply a thin layer, wait 5 minutes, then proceed with primer and foundation. Some users find it makes the surrounding makeup adhere differently — experiment before a big event.

Is it safe during pregnancy? Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before using any product containing NSAID derivatives like ibuprofen piconol.

How long does the 14g tube last? A 14g tube used occasionally (a few times a week, on individual spots) lasts months. Used heavily during a breakout, several weeks.

Manufacturer information

Manufactured by Lion Corporation, Japan. Registered as a Japanese quasi-drug (Iyakubugaihin). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always read the label. If symptoms persist or worsen, stop use and consult a dermatologist.