# Adapalene and salicylic acid

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/adapalene-and-salicylic-acid

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

Keep them apart

Use [adapalene](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/adapalene) and [salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid) on alternate nights, applying salicylic acid one night and adapalene the next, because combining them causes irritation. Using both at once causes redness, peeling, and dryness because they work too intensely together. You can fix this by using a gentler strength or leaving more nights between the two products.

[Retinoids: a journey from the molecular structures and mechanisms of action to clinical uses in dermatology and adverse effects](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28318351/) [Why Topical Retinoids Are Mainstay of Therapy for Acne](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28585191/)

- [All about adapalene](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/adapalene)
- [All about salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid)

### [Adapalene](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/adapalene) products

- [Differin Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/differin/gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [$36.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H5WQQL7?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Galderma Epiduo Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/galderma/epiduo-gel/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [$34.97 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GSSCQ6J2?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-adapalene-gel-0-1-acne-treatment/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [$39.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SQFQFXX?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

### [Salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid) products

- [Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/skin-perfecting-2-bha-liquid-exfoliant/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [$37.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00949CTQQ?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Medicube Zero Pore Pad](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/medicube/zero-pore-pad/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [$18.90 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09V7Z4TJG?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/renewing-sa-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [$12.37 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U1YCRD8?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/dermalogica/daily-microfoliant/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [$69.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071ZBJPH7?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-ordinary/salicylic-acid-2-solution/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [$6.70 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C3PCJ6SD?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Mario Badescu Drying Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/mario-badescu/drying-lotion/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [$18.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017SWIU4?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-medicated-gel-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [$18.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LO1DNXU?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-ordinary/aha-30-bha-2-peeling-solution/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [$9.50 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071D4D5DT?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/10-azelaic-acid-booster/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [$42.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V4PNAI4?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/sa-lotion-for-rough-and-bumpy-skin/for/oily-skin) — Average fit — [$47.19 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GHC9HJJB?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/bha-blackhead-power-liquid/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [$18.94 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OZEJ8R8?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/hero-cosmetics/mighty-patch/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [$20.12 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B4KQVK6?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

## Questions and answers

### Can you use adapalene and salicylic acid together?

You should keep [adapalene](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/adapalene) and [salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid) apart and avoid combining them in the same routine. Layering both ingredients may cause irritation or peeling because they both enhance cell turnover. Instead, alternate them by day, such as using salicylic acid in the morning or every other night and applying adapalene on alternate nights.

### Which goes first, adapalene or salicylic acid?

Keep adapalene and salicylic acid apart by using them in separate routines, such as applying salicylic acid in the morning or every other night and adapalene on alternate nights. Layering both in the same routine enhances cell turnover, which may cause irritation or peeling.

### Are adapalene and salicylic acid good for sensitive skin?

Keep adapalene and salicylic acid apart because combining them in the same routine may cause irritation or peeling. You can alternate them by day instead, such as using salicylic acid in the morning and adapalene on alternate nights.

## Research on adapalene and salicylic acid

- [Prevention and Reduction of Atrophic Acne Scars with Adapalene 0.3%/Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel in Subjects with Moderate or Severe Facial Acne: Results of a 6-Month Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled Trial Using Intra-Individual Comparison](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29549588/) Adapalene · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018
- [Efficacy and Safety of a Fixed-Dose Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2%, Benzoyl Peroxide 3.1%, and Adapalene 0.15% Gel for Moderate-to-Severe Acne: A Randomized Phase II Study of the First Triple-Combination Drug](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34674160/) Adapalene · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2022
- [A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled Study of the Efficacy of Moisturizer Containing Licochalcone A, Decanediol, L-Carnitine, and Salicylic Acid for Prevention of Acne Relapse in Asian Population](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/) Salicylic acid · BioMed Research International, 2020
- [A topical gel of tea tree oil nanoemulsion containing adapalene versus adapalene marketed gel in patients with acne vulgaris: a randomized clinical trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34251536/) Adapalene · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2022
- [Efficacy of a multitargeted, salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic cream compared to benzoyl peroxide 5% in Acne vulgaris: Results from a randomized study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
- [Clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/adapalene 0.15%/benzoyl peroxide 3.1% gel for moderate-to-severe acne: Efficacy and safety results from two randomized phase 3 trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37656094/) Adapalene · Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2023
- [A Salicylic Acid-Based Dermocosmetic is Effective as an Adjunct to Benzoyl Peroxide for Mild to Moderate Acne and as Monotherapy in Maintenance Post Benzoyl Peroxide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023
- [Clinical evaluation of the efficacy of a facial serum containing dioic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, LHA, citric acid, and HEPES in treating post-inflammatory hyperchromia and controlling oily skin in patients with acne vulgaris](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33617668/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
- [Clinical tolerance and efficacy of capryloyl salicylic acid peel compared to a glycolic acid peel in subjects with fine lines/wrinkles and hyperpigmented skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19146601/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2008
- [Comparison of clindamycin 1% and benzoyl peroxide 5% gel to a novel composition containing salicylic acid, capryloyl salicylic acid, HEPES, glycolic acid, citric acid, and dioic acid in the treatment of acne vulgaris](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23545907/) Salicylic acid · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2013

## Other combinations

- Work well together: [Salicylic acid and glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-glycerin)
- Work well together: [Panthenol and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/panthenol-and-salicylic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Vitamin C and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/vitamin-c-and-salicylic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-salicylic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/retinol-and-salicylic-acid)
- Depends on the strength: [Niacinamide and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/niacinamide-and-salicylic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/adapalene-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and bio-placenta peptides](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/adapalene-and-bio-placenta-peptides)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/adapalene-and-collagen-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/adapalene-and-copper-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/adapalene-and-hexapeptide)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/adapalene-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/adapalene-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/adapalene-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/adapalene-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/adapalene-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Work well together: [Salicylic acid and lauric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-lauric-acid)
- Work well together: [Salicylic acid and linoleic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-linoleic-acid)
- Depends on the strength: [Adapalene and niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/adapalene-and-niacinamide)
- Depends on the strength: [Salicylic acid and zinc](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-zinc)
- Work well together: [Salicylic acid and zinc gluconate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-zinc-gluconate)
- Work well together: [Salicylic acid and zinc oxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-zinc-oxide)
- Work well together: [Salicylic acid and zinc sulfate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-zinc-sulfate)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-hyaluronic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and aha blend glycolic and citric acids](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/adapalene-and-aha-blend-glycolic-and-citric-acids)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/adapalene-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and glycolic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/adapalene-and-glycolic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/adapalene-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/adapalene-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and bio-placenta peptides](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-bio-placenta-peptides)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-collagen-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-copper-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-hexapeptide)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Work well together: [Salicylic acid and allantoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-allantoin)
- Work well together: [Salicylic acid and bisabolol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-bisabolol)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-tri-ceramide-complex)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and granactive retinoid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-granactive-retinoid)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and pro-retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-pro-retinol)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and retinal](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-retinal)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and retinoid blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-retinoid-blend)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-tretinoin)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and vitamin C](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/adapalene-and-vitamin-c)
- Work well together: [Salicylic acid and gluconolactone](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-gluconolactone)
- Work well together: [Salicylic acid and lactobionic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-lactobionic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [AHA blend glycolic and citric acids and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/aha-blend-glycolic-and-citric-acids-and-salicylic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-salicylic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-salicylic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/adapalene-and-benzoyl-peroxide)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and titanium dioxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-titanium-dioxide)
- Work well together: [Green tea and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/green-tea-and-salicylic-acid)
- Work well together: [Salicylic acid and resveratrol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-resveratrol)
- Work well together: [Salicylic acid and vitamin E](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-vitamin-e)

## About the Lovi Fit

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

Lovi checks every pairing 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 pairing advice: 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/ingredients/adapalene-and-salicylic-acid (this page)
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/adapalene-and-salicylic-acid
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/ingredients/adapalene-and-salicylic-acid
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/adapalene-and-salicylic-acid
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/adapalene-and-salicylic-acid
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/adapalene-and-salicylic-acid
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/adapalene-and-salicylic-acid
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/adapalene-and-salicylic-acid
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/adapalene-and-salicylic-acid
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/adapalene-and-salicylic-acid
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/adapalene-and-salicylic-acid
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/adapalene-and-salicylic-acid
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/adapalene-and-salicylic-acid