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

**Lovi Fit: Caution fit for dry skin.**
Dry Skin Fit: Caution · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Concerning.

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

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

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

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry skin: flakiness, tightness, dehydration, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A poor match for dry skin; the serums alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate treatment for acne-prone skin due to benzoyl peroxide, but this ingredient can be drying and may worsen your dry or flaky skin concerns.
- The formula lacks significant humectant or emollient ingredients to counteract the drying effects, making it unsuitable for dry skin.

## Fit by skin type

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

## 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

- Apply this serum PM, starting 3×/week and working up to daily use as your skin adjusts.
- Place the serum after cleansing and toner, but right before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- Apply the serum on slightly damp skin to help lock in extra moisture.
- Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why does Lovi advise caution with Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel for dry skin?

Lovi advises caution because benzoyl peroxide can be drying and may worsen your dry or flaky skin. The formula lacks enough soothing and moisturizing ingredients to counteract these drying effects. Treatment for this skin needs ingredients that provide significant hydration, barrier support, and soothing benefits like propolis, niacinamide, ceramides, and peptides.
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 gel a poor fit for dry skin?

Benzoyl peroxide makes this gel a poor fit for dry skin because it can be drying and may worsen flaky skin. This product needs soothing ingredients that provide hydration and support the skin barrier, such as propolis, niacinamide, ceramides, or peptides, without any risk of irritation.
Sources: [The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/)

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

Benzoyl peroxide is usually a poor fit for dry skin because it tends to cause bothersome dryness, peeling, and irritation. When treating dry skin with acne, a product of this type needs soothing ingredients like ceramides and gentle, hydrating cleansers to protect the skin barrier.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37276158/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21637901/)

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

Docusate sodium is a stool softener used for medical purposes and does not provide any skincare benefits for dry skin. To help dry skin, you should look for products containing hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or rich moisturizers that make your skin soft and smooth.

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

This gel is a poor match for dry skin because benzoyl peroxide can dry you out and worsen flaky patches. To use a treatment like this safely on dry skin, it needs gentle acne-fighting ingredients combined with rich moisturizing ingredients that keep your skin soft and smooth.

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

Using this gel with retinol is likely to cause too much dryness and irritation for your skin. When using both, apply the retinol on different nights or consult a professional, as combining strong acne treatments typically requires products packed with soothing and moisturizing ingredients to keep the skin comfortable.

### How often should I use this gel?

This product is a poor match for dry skin because benzoyl peroxide can dry it out further, and the formula lacks enough moisturizing ingredients to counteract this. A treatment of this type used on dry skin needs added soothing and hydrating ingredients like glycerin or ceramides to keep skin soft.
Sources: [The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/)

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

This gel is unlikely to clog pores, but it can cause dryness, peeling, and an initial purging phase that may worsen your dry skin. A treatment for this skin needs soothing, moisture-attracting, and skin-softening ingredients to balance out the strong benzoyl peroxide.
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 dry skin

- [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €18.25 at Amazon
- [Paula's Choice RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/paula-s-choice/resist-super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €57.00 at Amazon
- [ma:nyo Bifida Biome Complex Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/ma-nyo/bifida-biome-complex-ampoule/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €29.58 at Amazon

## Routine for dry skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €7.50 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/cosrx/propolis-synergy-toner/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €18.55 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/elizabeth-arden/advanced-ceramide-lift-and-firm-night-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €76.29 at Amazon
- SPF: [Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/purito/daily-soft-touch-sunscreen/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €12.98 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €16.10 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €7.50 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €86.15 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/elizabeth-arden/advanced-ceramide-lift-and-firm-night-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €76.29 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €16.10 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €7.50 at Amazon
- Nourishing Mask: [Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/anua/heartleaf-77-soothing-sheet-mask/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €19.90 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €86.15 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/elizabeth-arden/advanced-ceramide-lift-and-firm-night-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €76.29 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in France 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/dry-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/dry-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/dry-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/dry-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/dry-skin (this page)
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/dry-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/dry-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/dry-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/dry-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/dry-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/dry-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/dry-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/dry-skin