adapalene + benzoyl peroxide at a glance
Medicine class
Topical retinoid and antimicrobial acne treatment
Licensed use
Acne vulgaris with comedones, papules and pustules
Who it is licensed for
Adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over
Practical point
May bleach hair, clothing, towels and other coloured fabrics
What is adapalene + benzoyl peroxide used for?
Licensed use for the selected product:
Cutaneous treatment of acne vulgaris with blackheads or whiteheads, papules and pustules in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over.
How does adapalene + benzoyl peroxide work?
Adapalene helps normalise skin-cell development in follicles, reducing blocked pores and inflammation. Benzoyl peroxide kills Cutibacterium acnes and helps remove excess surface skin cells.
adapalene + benzoyl peroxide preparations and strengths
Gel
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 0.1% + 2.5%, 0.3% + 2.5%
How to take adapalene + benzoyl peroxide
For external use only. Follow the prescriber's instructions.
Wash affected skin gently and allow it to dry before application.
Spread a thin film over acne-affected areas, not only individual spots.
Avoid the eyes, lips, nostrils, mucous membranes, and broken, eczematous or sunburnt skin.
Wash hands after applying.
Cosmetics may be used after the gel has dried.
Avoid excessive sunlight and ultraviolet exposure. Keep the gel away from hair and coloured fabrics.
adapalene + benzoyl peroxide side effects
Common or expected effects
- Burning or stinging at the application site
- Skin irritation or redness
- Scaling or peeling
- Eczema or irritant contact dermatitis
Get urgent medical advice
- Breathing difficulty, throat tightness, faintness, hives, or swelling of the face, eyes, lips or tongue
- Severe application-site burning, particularly with blistering
adapalene + benzoyl peroxide in pregnancy
Do not use during pregnancy or while planning a pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using it and contact the prescriber. This precaution applies because adapalene is a topical retinoid, although absorption through intact skin is usually low.
adapalene + benzoyl peroxide while breastfeeding
Milk-transfer studies of the combination are unavailable and risk to a breastfed child cannot be excluded. If treatment continues, do not apply the gel to the chest and prevent the infant from touching treated skin.
adapalene + benzoyl peroxide interactions
Systemic interactions are considered unlikely because skin absorption is low, but combining topical products can increase irritation.
Other topical retinoids
Do not use concurrently because this duplicates retinoid action and may increase irritation.
Other benzoyl peroxide products
Do not use concurrently because duplicate exposure may increase local irritation.
Drying, exfoliating or irritant cosmetics and skin treatments
Concurrent use may cause additive dryness, peeling or irritation.
Common questions about adapalene + benzoyl peroxide
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can it be used during pregnancy?
No. It is contraindicated during pregnancy and when planning a pregnancy. Stop using it and contact the prescriber if pregnancy occurs.
Can it be used while breastfeeding?
Only after discussion with the prescriber. If treatment continues, do not apply it to the chest and prevent infant contact with treated skin.
Can it be used with other acne gels?
Do not combine it with other topical retinoids or benzoyl peroxide products unless specifically instructed. Drying or exfoliating products may worsen irritation.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.