# Galderma Benzac AC 5 for mature skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for mature skin.**
Normal Skin Fit: Low · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

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

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

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

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

Works for mature skin; other serums fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate treatment for acne-prone skin due to benzoyl peroxide, which effectively reduces acne lesions and blemishes, but it is moderately unsuitable for your normal skin type as the strong keratolytic action can cause dryness and irritation.
- While glycerin provides general hydration, the formula lacks specialized ingredients to address your main goal of targeting wrinkles and fine lines.
- The product is safe for your normal skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Why other serums fit mature skin better

- Topical application of retinol and retinoic acid both increased epidermal thickness and upregulated collagen genes and proteins in human skin, with retinol producing similar histological and molecular changes to retinoic acid alongside a significant reduction in facial wrinkles after 12 weeks. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26578346/))
- A topical serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract improved skin color, elasticity, radiance, smoothness, scaliness, and wrinkles compared to the untreated contralateral side in fifty female volunteers. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/))

## 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 this serum in your PM routine. Start by applying it 3 times a week, and work up to daily use if your skin likes it.
- Apply this serum after your toner and before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- You can apply the serum on dry skin for the best results against fine lines.
- Always do a patch test before your first use and avoid the sensitive eye area.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Benzac AC 5 work for mature skin?

This product works moderately for mature skin because it helps clear blemishes with benzoyl peroxide, but its strong action may cause dryness and irritation on normal skin while lacking ingredients to target fine lines and wrinkles. Mature skin needs a treatment that is exceptionally safe, smooths wrinkles and fine lines with high-quality ingredients, and provides potent antioxidants, hydrating components, and nourishing oils and peptides.
Sources: [The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/)

### Which ingredients make this cream a good fit for mature skin?

This cream works for mature skin because it contains glycerin for hydration, but it lacks the specialized anti-aging ingredients needed for fine lines and wrinkles. A treatment of this type for mature skin needs potent antioxidants, hydrating components, nourishing oils, and peptides to support skin health.

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

Benzoyl peroxide is unlikely to provide specific anti-aging benefits for mature skin and is primarily used to clear acne. Because it tends to dry the skin, mature skin needs a gentle, hydrating cleanser and a rich moisturizer containing ceramides to protect the skin barrier while treating breakouts.
Sources: [The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37276158/)

### What does Glycerin do for mature skin?

Glycerin helps keep mature skin feeling soft and smooth by drawing moisture into the outer layer and locking it in. This daily hydration boost supports the skin barrier, keeping dry areas comfortable and protected against irritation.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18510666/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

For mature skin, put this treatment in the evening routine before your moisturizer. This product of this type needs extra hydration and ingredients that target fine lines and wrinkles to truly fit aging skin.

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

It is best to use this treatment and retinol on separate nights or at different times of day to avoid excessive dryness and irritation on normal skin. Using strong blemish treatments alongside vitamin A ingredients may increase the likelihood of peeling, so pairing them with soothing hydrators helps keep skin calm and comfortable.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38102855/), [American Family Physician, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23062156/)

### How often should I use this cream?

Use this treatment in your evening routine as part of your weekly plan. A product of this type needs soothing hydrators and ingredients that target fine lines and wrinkles to properly care for mature skin.

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

This cream is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts, but it may cause initial purging and very high dryness on mature skin. To care for mature skin properly, a treatment of this type needs extra hydrating ingredients and wrinkle-smoothing support.
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 mature skin

- [Paula's Choice RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/resist-super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — $53.00 at Amazon
- [SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/skinceuticals/c-e-ferulic/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — $39.99 at Amazon
- [Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/drunk-elephant/a-passioni-retinol-cream/for/mature-skin) — High fit — $76.00 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — $28.08 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/full-fit-propolis-synergy-toner/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — $17.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Obagi Hydrate Luxe Moisture-Rich Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/obagi/hydrate-luxe/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — $85.00 at Amazon

## Where to buy

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

## 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/mature-skin (this page)
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/mature-skin
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