# Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/adapalene-and-benzoyl-peroxide

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

Keep them apart

Use them at different times of day, applying [benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide) in the morning and [adapalene](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/adapalene) at night, because they cancel each other out. Benzoyl peroxide breaks down the adapalene, which makes it less effective and can cause extra dryness and irritation on the skin. You can switch to a gentler strength, or wait a few minutes and use a good moisturizer between them.

[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/sa/ingredients/adapalene)
- [All about benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide)

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

- [Differin Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/differin/gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/la-roche-posay/effaclar-adapalene-gel-0-1-acne-treatment/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit

### [Benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide) products

- [Proactiv Renewing Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/proactiv/renewing-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Average fit — [SAR 152.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B0012C7POY?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/clean-and-clear/persa-gel-10/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [SAR 82.17 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B00KZ22ED4?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Differin Daily Deep Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/differin/daily-deep-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Average fit — [SAR 96.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B09Y62PMWX?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/neutrogena/clear-pore-cleanser-mask/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [SAR 103.58 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B000NSIGE6?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Proactiv Repairing Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/proactiv/repairing-treatment/for/oily-skin) — High fit
- [Paula's Choice Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/paula-s-choice/clear-daily-skin-clearing-treatment/for/acne-prone-skin) — Average fit — [SAR 218.25 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B00L5O4Q32?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Galderma Benzac AC 5](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/galderma/benzac-ac-5/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cerave/acne-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — High fit
- [Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/galderma/benzac-ac-mild-strength-2-5-acne-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/panoxyl/acne-foaming-wash/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [SAR 89.90 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B092MXQRGD?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/panoxyl/acne-creamy-wash/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Average fit — [SAR 44.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B008TY9BOK?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

## Questions and answers

### Can you use adapalene and benzoyl peroxide together?

Keep [adapalene](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/adapalene) and [benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide) apart because benzoyl peroxide causes oxidation and deactivation of retinoids. You can find both ingredients together in finished products like Galderma Epiduo Gel.

### Which goes first, adapalene or benzoyl peroxide?

Keep adapalene and benzoyl peroxide apart because benzoyl peroxide can oxidize and deactivate retinoids, so use benzoyl peroxide in the morning and adapalene at night, or use products like Galderma Epiduo Gel.

### Are adapalene and benzoyl peroxide good for sensitive skin?

Keep adapalene and benzoyl peroxide apart because benzoyl peroxide can oxidize and deactivate retinoids. You can use benzoyl peroxide in the morning and adapalene in the evening to avoid irritation.

## Research on adapalene and benzoyl peroxide

- [Topical benzoyl peroxide for acne](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/) Benzoyl peroxide · The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020
- [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
- [Benzoyl peroxide treatment decreases Cutibacterium acnes in shoulder surgery, from skin incision until wound closure](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33545336/) Benzoyl peroxide · Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2021
- [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/) Benzoyl peroxide · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2022
- [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
- [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

## Other combinations

- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and aha blend glycolic and citric acids](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-aha-blend-glycolic-and-citric-acids)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-benzoyl-peroxide)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-salicylic-acid)
- Work well together: [Benzoyl peroxide and ceramide-building complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-ceramide-building-complex)
- Work well together: [Benzoyl peroxide and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-tri-ceramide-complex)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/adapalene-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and bio-placenta peptides](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/adapalene-and-bio-placenta-peptides)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/adapalene-and-collagen-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/adapalene-and-copper-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/adapalene-and-hexapeptide)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/adapalene-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/adapalene-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/adapalene-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/adapalene-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/adapalene-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Depends on the strength: [Adapalene and niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/adapalene-and-niacinamide)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and vitamin C](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-vitamin-c)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and aha blend glycolic and citric acids](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/adapalene-and-aha-blend-glycolic-and-citric-acids)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/adapalene-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and glycolic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/adapalene-and-glycolic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/adapalene-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/adapalene-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/adapalene-and-salicylic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and vitamin C](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/adapalene-and-vitamin-c)
- Work well together: [Benzoyl peroxide and niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-niacinamide)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and granactive retinoid](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-granactive-retinoid)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and pro-retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-pro-retinol)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and retinal](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-retinal)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and retinoid blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-retinoid-blend)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-retinol)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-tretinoin)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-copper-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Work well together: [Benzoyl peroxide and zinc](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-zinc)
- Work well together: [Benzoyl peroxide and zinc gluconate](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-zinc-gluconate)
- Work well together: [Benzoyl peroxide and zinc oxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-zinc-oxide)
- Work well together: [Benzoyl peroxide and zinc sulfate](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-zinc-sulfate)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and bio-placenta peptides](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-bio-placenta-peptides)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-collagen-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-hexapeptide)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and isopropyl alcohol](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-isopropyl-alcohol)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and sodium lauryl sulfate](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-sodium-lauryl-sulfate)

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