# Galderma Benzac AC 5 for sensitive skin

**Lovi Fit: Low fit for sensitive skin.**
Normal Skin Fit: Low · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/sensitive-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Australia.

Brand: [Galderma](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/brands/galderma)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with sensitive skin: redness, stinging, and reactions to new products. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A weak match for sensitive skin; the serums alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate exfoliation for acne, but the presence of Benzoyl Peroxide may worsen your redness and irritation due to its potential to cause dryness and inflammation, making it suboptimal for your normal, sensitive skin.
- While Benzoyl Peroxide is effective for acne lesions, its strong keratolytic action can be too harsh for normal skin, potentially causing irritation and dryness.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/oily-skin): High
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/dry-skin): Caution
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/sensitive-skin): Low (this page)
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Caution
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): High

## Key ingredients

Benzoyl Peroxide, Glycerin, Acrylates Copolymer, Silicon Dioxide, Propylene Glycol

## What the research says

- Topical benzoyl peroxide may improve acne more effectively than placebo or no treatment, while showing little to no difference compared with adapalene or clindamycin, but with an increased risk of treatment discontinuation due to adverse effects compared to placebo. ([The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/))
- Once-daily fixed-dose clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/benzoyl peroxide 3.1%/adapalene 0.15% gel achieved superior treatment success (52.5%) and greater reductions in inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions compared to vehicle (8.1%) and dyad component gels in participants with moderate-to-severe acne over 12 weeks. ([American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34674160/))
- Twice daily application of a multitargeted dermocosmetic cream provided comparable efficacy to benzoyl peroxide 5% gel in reducing inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and total lesions in 150 Caucasian subjects with mild-to-moderate acne over 56 days, while demonstrating superior skin tolerability. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/))
- Topical clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/adapalene 0.15%/benzoyl peroxide 3.1% gel achieved significantly greater treatment success and lesion reductions compared to vehicle in participants with moderate-to-severe acne. ([Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37656094/))
- Daily application of adapalene 0.3%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel reduced and prevented atrophic acne scar formation, achieving a total scar count change of -15.5% versus +14.4% for vehicle over 24 weeks in 67 subjects with moderate or severe facial acne. ([American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29549588/))
- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- A functional cosmetic cream containing bioactive materials from Streptomyces sp. T65 embedded in SBA-15 decreased skin roughness by 4.670% and increased skin brightness by 0.472% after 4 weeks of application, while demonstrating antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-aging, and whitening activities. ([Antioxidants, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32224894/))
- Film-forming formulations containing porous silica achieved skin permeation rates comparable to immediate release formulations while confirming prolonged drug availability and causing no skin irritation in healthy volunteers. ([European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28546105/))
- Topical treatment with silica mud and microalgae extracts from the Blue Lagoon improved skin barrier function by inducing epidermal gene expression and reducing transepidermal water loss in healthy humans, while preventing skin aging markers in vitro. ([Experimental Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18312388/))
- Treatment with a combination of propylene glycol, ethanol, water, and shampoo was found effective, easy to use, and cosmetically attractive with no observed side effects in patients with dandruff. ([Cutis, 1988](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2970946/))
- A moisturizer containing glycerol and propylene glycol reduced transepidermal water loss, decreased epidermal thickness, increased stratum corneum thickness, and reduced dermal inflammatory infiltrate compared to untreated disrupted skin in six healthy beagle dogs. ([Veterinary Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32628309/))

## What reviewers say

Users report this gel is highly effective at drying out active acne and reducing inflammation, often showing results within a few days. It is frequently noted to be drying and can cause peeling or irritation, making it best suited for oily or tolerant skin types rather than sensitive skin.

- Disliked: Causes dryness (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Clears acne fast (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Bleaches fabrics (often mentioned)
- Liked: Prevents breakouts (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Reduces redness (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Causes stinging (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Effective on body (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Initial purging (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your serum in the PM routine, starting 3 times a week before building up to daily use if your skin is happy.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toning, but before putting on your moisturizer for the best results.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and wait a minute ⏱ for it to soak in.
- Since your skin is sensitive and easily irritated, apply the serum on completely dry skin to help keep it calm.
- Always do a patch test before your first use and avoid getting the serum too close to your eyes .
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is Benzac AC 5 a weak match for sensitive skin?

This treatment is a weak match because its strong ingredients can cause dryness, redness, and inflammation on sensitive skin. A product of this type needs antioxidants, hydrating components, and skin-repairing ingredients like niacinamide to calm redness and irritation without causing adverse effects.
Sources: [The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/), [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34674160/)

### Which ingredients make this cream a poor fit for sensitive skin?

Benzoyl Peroxide makes this treatment a poor fit for your sensitive skin because its strong peeling action may cause dryness, redness, and inflammation. A treatment for this skin needs soothing antioxidants, hydrating components, and skin-repairing ingredients that calm redness while keeping the skin comfortable and healthy.
Sources: [The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/), [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34674160/)

### What does Benzoyl Peroxide do for sensitive skin?

Benzoyl peroxide may help improve acne, but it is unlikely to suit sensitive skin well because it often causes irritation and dryness. This type of skin needs gentle, soothing ingredients and calming cleansers that reduce redness without harsh side effects.
Sources: [The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/), [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18492176/)

### What does Glycerin do for sensitive skin?

Glycerin helps keep sensitive skin soft and deeply hydrated while supporting the skin barrier. It is unlikely to cause irritation and may protect against dryness and roughness.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18510666/), [Acta Dermato-venereologica, 1999](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10598752/)

### Where does this cream go in a skincare routine for sensitive skin?

This treatment goes in the evening routine after your toner and before your moisturizer. Because benzoyl peroxide may worsen redness and dryness on sensitive skin, this skin type needs soothing, hydrating ingredients and gentle moisturizers to keep skin calm and smooth.

### Can I use this cream with retinol, and in what order?

Using this treatment with retinol is a weak match for your sensitive skin because both ingredients may cause dryness, redness, and irritation. A product of this type for sensitive skin needs soothing agents like glycerin and gentle hydrators to keep the skin calm and soft.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38102855/), [The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/)

### How often should I use this cream?

This cream is a weak match for your sensitive skin because benzoyl peroxide may cause dryness, redness, and irritation. A product of this type for sensitive skin needs soothing and hydrating ingredients like glycerin and gentle hydrators to keep skin calm and comfortable.
Sources: [The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/)

### Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for sensitive skin?

This cream is unlikely to clog pores, but it can cause initial breakouts and dryness on sensitive skin. A product for this skin needs gentle ingredients that clear acne without causing redness or irritation.
Sources: [The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/)

### Is this cream fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for sensitive skin

- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vitamin-c-serum/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — A$50.60 at Amazon
- [Aestura A-Cica 365 Blemish Calming Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/aestura/a-cica-365-blemish-calming-serum/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — A$65.00 at Amazon
- [COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cosrx/the-vitamin-c-23-serum/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — A$27.50 at Amazon

## Routine for sensitive skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — A$73.61 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/clarins/soothing-toning-lotion/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — A$54.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer with Sun Protection: [Bioderma Bioderma Photoderm Mineral SPF 50+](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/bioderma/photoderm-mineral-fluide-spf50/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — A$24.49 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — A$27.35 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — A$73.61 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/clarins/soothing-toning-lotion/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — A$54.00 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Purito Centella Unscented Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/purito/centella-unscented-serum/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — A$32.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-probio-cica-enrich-cream/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — A$32.25 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — A$27.35 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — A$73.61 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Fancl Facial Washing Powder](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/fancl/facial-washing-powder/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — A$35.50 at Amazon
- Nourishing Mask: [MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/mediheal/vita-essential-mask/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — A$28.48 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Purito Centella Unscented Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/purito/centella-unscented-serum/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — A$32.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-probio-cica-enrich-cream/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — A$32.25 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.com.au: A$25.49 (https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B076VMBQKP?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 2 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Benzoyl Peroxide 50 Mg G, Docusate Sodium, Disodium Edetate, Poloxamer 182, Carbomer 940, Propylene Glycol, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycerin, Silicon Dioxide, Sodium Hydroxide, Water
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/sensitive-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/sensitive-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/sensitive-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/sensitive-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/sensitive-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/sensitive-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/sensitive-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/sensitive-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/sensitive-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/sensitive-skin (this page)
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/sensitive-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/sensitive-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/sensitive-skin