# Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel for oily skin

**Lovi Fit: High fit for oily skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Excellent.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/oily-skin

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

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

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A great choice for oily skin; a few serums fit it even better.

## Why this fit

- Offers excellent effectiveness for your oily skin and acne-prone skin due to the presence of Benzoyl Peroxide, which reduces acne lesions and blemishes by fighting acne-causing bacteria.
- Glycerin provides humectant action, ensuring your skin remains hydrated and comfortable.
- The product is safe for your oily skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the inclusion of soothing components.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/oily-skin): High (this page)
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/dry-skin): Caution
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/sensitive-skin): Caution
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/dark-spots): Low
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/mature-skin): Caution
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Caution
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): High

## Key ingredients

Benzoyl Peroxide 25mg G, Docusate Sodium, Carbomer 940, Glycerin, Silicon Dioxide

## 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/))
- Preoperative treatment with benzoyl peroxide significantly decreases the bacterial skin load of Cutibacterium acnes in patients undergoing elective shoulder surgery from skin incision until wound closure compared to preparation with soap. ([Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33545336/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- Pranoprofen-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers dispersed in Carbomer 940 and Sepigel 305 gels provided sustained drug release and demonstrated anti-inflammatory efficacy in animal models without causing skin irritation or altering biophysical properties in humans. ([Gels, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37367119/))
- 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/))
- Topical chloramphenicol-betamethasone combined with sodium hyaluronate/trehalose/carbomer gel compared to chloramphenicol-betamethasone alone reduced most subjective symptoms at 1 week but increased blurred vision at 4 weeks following strabismus surgery in 31 patients, with no significant differences in conjunctival inflammation between treatments. ([Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31298607/))
- Incorporating nanoemulsions into hydrogels with increasing Carbopol 934 proportions from 1% to 3% progressively decreased the percutaneous flux rates of terbinafine and citral, increased drug accumulation in the stratum corneum while decreasing it in the epidermis/dermis compared to nanoemulsions alone, and shifted delivery routes from skin appendages to intercellular paths. ([International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27877042/))
- Topical liquiritin carbomer gel treatment restored skin barrier function, increased barrier proteins and antioxidant enzymes, and decreased inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress in a mouse model of glucocorticoid-induced skin inflammation. ([Pharmaceutics, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39204346/))
- 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/))
- Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206073/))
- 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/))

## What reviewers say

Users find this gel highly effective for mild to moderate acne, especially for sensitive skin. It frequently clears breakouts and reduces inflammation, though it commonly causes dryness and peeling, necessitating diligent moisturizing. The data is based on a large amount of reviews and should be taken into account.

- Liked: Effective acne clearance (mostly mentioned)
- Disliked: Dryness and peeling (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Fast acting results (often mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle on sensitive skin (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Initial purging phase (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Redness and irritation (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Controls excess oil (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Bleaching fabrics (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this serum in your PM routine. Start by applying it 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toning, but right before your moisturizer for the best results.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin. Let it absorb ⏱ for a minute before applying the next product.
- Apply the serum on clean and dry skin since your skin is not sensitive and you want to target oily shine. This helps control excess oil throughout the night.
- Avoid the delicate eye area and do a patch test before using the serum for the very first time.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel a great fit for oily skin?

Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel is a great fit for oily skin because Benzoyl Peroxide fights acne-causing bacteria to reduce blemishes, while glycerin keeps your skin hydrated and comfortable. The product is also safe and unlikely to cause irritation.
Sources: [The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/), [Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33545336/)

### Which ingredients make this gel a good fit for oily skin?

Benzoyl Peroxide makes this gel a great fit for oily skin because it fights acne-causing bacteria to reduce blemishes, while glycerin helps keep your skin feeling hydrated and comfortable. These ingredients give the product high effectiveness and safety without harsh components.
Sources: [The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

Benzoyl peroxide helps clear up acne and reduces spots by targeting the bacteria that cause breakouts. While it is effective for oily skin, it may sometimes cause dryness or irritation.
Sources: [The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/)

### What does Docusate Sodium do for oily skin?

Docusate sodium is typically used as a stool softener in medical treatments and is not a standard ingredient for managing oily skin. Skincare for oily skin generally requires ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide to help control excess shine and keep pores clear.

### Where does this gel go in a skincare routine for oily skin?

This treatment gel goes in your evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing. Putting it in the evening keeps things simple and gives you extra safety around sun exposure.

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

You can use this gel in the same routine with retinol, but it is best to apply retinol at night and this treatment carefully to avoid irritation. Using both helps fight breakouts, though you may want to start slowly so your skin stays calm and comfortable.
Sources: [American Family Physician, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23062156/), [The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/)

### How often should I use this gel?

This gel is used in the evening as part of your routine. Benzoyl peroxide helps fight acne-causing bacteria to reduce blemishes, and glycerin keeps your skin hydrated and comfortable.
Sources: [The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/), [Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33545336/)

### Can this gel clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?

This gel is a great fit for oily skin and helps fight the bacteria that cause breakouts, but it may cause an initial purging phase as your skin adjusts. Reviewers also frequently mention dryness and peeling, while redness and irritation happen moderately.
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/)

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

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for oily skin

- [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €9.99 at Amazon
- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Niacinamide 15% Firming Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-niacinamide-15-firming-serum/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €35.29 at Amazon
- [SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/skinceuticals/c-e-ferulic/for/oily-skin) — High fit — €169.99 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €11.75 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €16.59 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [CeraVe CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/cerave/pm-facial-moisturizing-lotion/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €38.99 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Germany has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Benzoyl Peroxide 25 Mg G, Docusate Sodium, Disodium Edetate, Poloxamer 182, Carbomer 940, Propylene Glycol, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycerin, Silicon Dioxide, Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid
## 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-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/oily-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/oily-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/oily-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/oily-skin (this page)
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/oily-skin
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- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/oily-skin
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- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/oily-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/oily-skin
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- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/oily-skin