Adapalene And Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel
Adapalene And Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel
Product Description
Product overview
A prescription-strength dual-action acne treatment gel combining Adapalene 0.3% (a third-generation retinoid) and Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% to target acne at the source — unclogging pores, killing acne-causing bacteria, and reducing inflammation in a single once-daily application. Generic equivalent to Epiduo Forte.
Dual-Action Acne Fighter
Combines a retinoid (Adapalene) with an antimicrobial (Benzoyl Peroxide) to target both the root causes and symptoms of acne simultaneously.
Texture & feel
SENSORYDual-Action Acne Fighter
Combines a retinoid (Adapalene) with an antimicrobial (Benzoyl Peroxide) to target both the root causes and symptoms of acne simultaneously.
Higher-Strength Retinoid (0.3%)
Three times the adapalene concentration of standard Epiduo, providing stronger cell turnover and anti-inflammatory action for moderate to severe acne.
Antibacterial Without Resistance
Benzoyl peroxide kills P. acnes bacteria through oxidation, a mechanism that does not promote antibiotic resistance unlike clindamycin or erythromycin.
Affordable Generic Option
Padagis generic offers the same FDA-approved formulation as brand-name Epiduo Forte at a significantly lower price point, improving treatment accessibility.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains Adapalene, a retinoid. Retinoids are contraindicated during pregnancy due to risk of fetal malformations observed in animal studies. Consult your doctor before use if pregnant or planning pregnancy.
Insufficient data on whether adapalene passes into breast milk. Avoid applying to the chest area. Discuss with your healthcare provider before use while nursing.
Contains Polysorbate 80 and Sorbitan Oleate, which can feed Malassezia yeast. However, benzoyl peroxide itself has antifungal properties that may partially offset this concern.
Adapalene increases photosensitivity. Always apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily and avoid prolonged sun exposure, sunlamps, and tanning beds during treatment.
Redness, dryness, peeling, and stinging are common in the first 2–4 weeks. These side effects usually subside with continued use. Use a gentle moisturizer and reduce frequency if needed.
Unlike antibiotic acne treatments, benzoyl peroxide does not contribute to bacterial resistance, making it safe for long-term use without diminishing effectiveness.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSAdapalene 0.3%Proven
A third-generation synthetic retinoid (naphthoic acid derivative) that binds to specific retinoic acid nuclear receptors. Modulates cell differentiation, keratinization, and inflammatory processes to prevent microcomedone formation and clear existing acne.
- Mechanism: Normalizes skin cell turnover to prevent pore clogging and reduces inflammatory markers
- Clinical Data: 0.3% adapalene + 2.5% BP showed 47.2% of patients achieved clear/almost clear skin after 12 weeks in clinical trials
- Advantage: Better tolerated than tretinoin with comparable efficacy; more photostable than other retinoids
Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%Proven
A highly lipophilic oxidizing agent that releases active oxygen to kill Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) bacteria in sebaceous follicles. Also provides keratolytic and desquamative effects to unclog pores and reduce excess oil.
- Mechanism: Releases free radicals that oxidize bacterial cell proteins; also breaks down comedones through peeling action
- Clinical Data: 2.5% BP is equally effective as 5–10% concentrations for reducing acne lesions, with significantly fewer side effects
- Advantage: Bacteria cannot develop resistance to benzoyl peroxide, unlike topical antibiotics
Glycerin HumectantProven
A well-established humectant that draws moisture into the skin, helping to counterbalance the drying effects of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide. Supports the skin barrier during treatment.
- Function: Attracts and retains water in the skin, reducing transepidermal water loss
- Benefit: Helps offset the dryness and irritation caused by the active ingredients
Propylene Glycol Solvent/HumectantEstablished
A colorless, odorless liquid that serves as a solvent for the active ingredients and as a mild humectant. Also provides antimicrobial properties to extend product shelf life.
- Function: Enhances penetration and delivery of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide into the skin
- Note: Generally well tolerated, but may cause contact irritation in some individuals with very sensitive or compromised skin
12 ingredients
Active Ingredients: Adapalene 0.3%, Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%. Inactive Ingredients: Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Docusate Sodium, Edetate Disodium, Glycerin, Isohexadecane, Poloxamer 124, Polysorbate 80, Propylene Glycol, Purified Water, Sorbitan Oleate.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply once daily in the evening after cleansing. Do not use with other topical acne products at the same time. Always wear SPF 30+ during the day.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Gently
Wash the affected area with a mild, soapless cleanser. Pat skin dry with a soft towel — do not rub.
Apply a Pea-Sized Amount
Use one pea-sized amount for each area of the face (forehead, each cheek, chin). Apply a thin film to all affected areas — not just individual spots.
Avoid Sensitive Areas
Keep away from eyes, lips, nostrils, and mucous membranes. Do not apply to cuts, scrapes, sunburned skin, or eczema-affected areas.
Follow with Moisturizer
Wait 1–2 minutes for absorption, then apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer to help manage dryness and irritation, especially in the first few weeks.
Sunscreen Every Morning
Apply SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen the following morning. Adapalene increases sun sensitivity — daily sun protection is essential throughout treatment.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have moderate to severe acne vulgaris (inflammatory and comedonal)
- Standard-strength adapalene (0.1%) hasn't been effective enough
- You want a single product that combines retinoid + antibacterial action
- You're looking for a more affordable generic alternative to Epiduo Forte
- You need a long-term treatment that won't cause antibiotic resistance
- You have persistent blackheads, whiteheads, papules, and pustules
Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
- You have very sensitive skin, eczema, or seborrheic dermatitis on treated areas
- You cannot commit to daily sunscreen use
- You primarily have fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis)
- You have only mild or occasional breakouts (lower-strength options may suffice)
- You are under 12 years of age
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESBenzoyl peroxide reduces excess sebum while adapalene normalizes oil production. The gel formula absorbs cleanly without adding greasiness.
Expect significant dryness and peeling, especially in the first month. Layer a rich, non-comedogenic moisturizer on top and consider buffering (moisturizer first, then product).
Ideal for combination skin — controls oil in the T-zone while the gel base doesn't overly strip drier areas. Spot-moisturize dry patches as needed.
Adapalene is the gentlest prescription retinoid, but the 0.3% concentration + BP combo can be irritating. Start every other night and build tolerance gradually.
Specifically formulated for acne vulgaris. Tackles inflammatory and comedonal acne from multiple angles. FDA-approved for this exact purpose.
Results timeline
3–6 MONTHS+Adjustment & Possible Purging
Skin may become red, dry, and flaky. Some stinging or burning upon application. Existing closed comedones may come to the surface as active breakouts (purging). This is normal and expected.
~80% experience some irritationPeak Purging Phase
The worst phase for many users — breakouts may temporarily worsen as clogged pores are pushed out. Irritation side effects typically begin to subside by week 4. Stay consistent with treatment.
~60% notice purging peaks hereVisible Improvement Begins
Skin adjusts to the treatment. New breakouts become less frequent, existing lesions begin to heal, and overall skin texture starts to smooth out. Dryness becomes more manageable.
~50% see noticeable improvementSignificant Clearing
Clinical trials show 47% of patients achieved clear or almost clear skin by week 12. Inflammatory lesion count reduced by approximately 65%. Hyperpigmentation from old breakouts begins to fade.
~65% report positive resultsOptimal Results & Maintenance
Full benefits realized with continued use. Clinical data shows up to 80% reduction in lesion count by week 52. Skin texture improves, scarring fades, and breakout frequency drops dramatically.
~80% lesion reduction long-termRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Highly effective for moderate to severe acne — 65% of reviewers report positive outcomes
- Dual-action formula means fewer products needed in your routine
- No antibiotic resistance risk with long-term use
- FDA-approved with robust clinical trial data supporting efficacy
- Once-daily application is simple and improves adherence
- Generic Padagis version is significantly cheaper than brand-name Epiduo Forte
- Also improves skin texture, reduces scarring, and fades hyperpigmentation over time
Criticized
- Initial purging phase (weeks 2–8) can be severe and discouraging
- Dryness, redness, peeling, and stinging common in the first month
- Benzoyl peroxide bleaches colored fabrics, hair, and towels
- Requires prescription — cannot be purchased over the counter
- Increases sun sensitivity — daily sunscreen is mandatory
- Not safe for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Can be expensive without insurance coverage or discount coupons
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Contains only adapalene at one-third the concentration (0.1% vs 0.3%) and no benzoyl peroxide. Better for mild acne or as a starting point. Available over the counter without a prescription.
DIY combo approach: use PanOxyl wash for benzoyl peroxide cleansing and Differin gel separately. Lower adapalene strength and different delivery method, but far cheaper OTC alternative.
Another FDA-approved generic of Epiduo Forte with the identical active ingredient concentrations and formulation. Same efficacy, different manufacturer. Price varies by pharmacy.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEPadagis Adapalene/BP Gel
Epiduo Forte (Brand Name)
Differin Gel 0.1% (OTC)
Epiduo (Standard) Generic
Storage & shelf life
6 MONTHS6 months after opening
Store at room temperature 68°–77°F (20°–25°C). Keep inside container, away from heat and light. Do not freeze.
45g airless pump dispenser (prime pump 10 times before first use)
Yes — 45g is under the 100ml TSA carry-on limit. Keep away from heat during transit.
Frequently asked questions
FAQNo. This product contains Adapalene, a retinoid. All retinoids are contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential risk of fetal malformations shown in animal studies. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, do not use this product. For breastfeeding, there is insufficient data — adapalene may pass into breast milk. Avoid applying to the chest area and consult your healthcare provider before use while nursing.
Not entirely. The formula contains Polysorbate 80 and Sorbitan Oleate, both of which can feed Malassezia yeast and potentially worsen fungal acne. However, benzoyl peroxide itself has antifungal properties and adapalene promotes skin cell turnover, which may partially counteract this. If you suspect fungal acne, consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis before using this product.
No — you should not use other topical acne products, retinoids, AHAs (glycolic acid), BHAs (salicylic acid), or vitamin C serums at the same time as this product. Combining them can cause excessive irritation, dryness, and compromised skin barrier. If you want to incorporate these, consult your dermatologist about alternating days or adjusting your routine to avoid compounding irritation.
This product is best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types dealing with moderate to severe acne vulgaris. It works well for both inflammatory acne (papules, pustules) and comedonal acne (blackheads, whiteheads). Those with dry or very sensitive skin can still use it but should start slowly (every other day), buffer with moisturizer, and expect a longer adjustment period.
Most users begin to see improvement after 4–8 weeks of consistent daily use. Clinical trials show significant results at the 12-week mark, with 47% of patients achieving clear or almost clear skin. Some users experience a purging phase during weeks 2–6 where acne temporarily worsens — this is a normal sign the product is working. Full results may take 3–6 months of continued use.
Apply once daily in the evening after cleansing with a gentle, soapless cleanser and patting skin dry. Apply before your moisturizer. In the morning, follow your regular routine but always apply SPF 30+ sunscreen. Do not use other acne treatments (salicylic acid, glycolic acid, other retinoids) at the same time unless directed by your doctor.
No — this product has a comedogenic rating of 1/5, meaning it is very unlikely to clog pores. In fact, it's specifically designed to do the opposite: adapalene prevents microcomedone formation by normalizing cell turnover, and benzoyl peroxide unclogs existing pores through its keratolytic action. The oil-free gel base is also non-comedogenic.
The product should be discarded 6 months after first opening. Store at room temperature (68°–77°F / 20°–25°C), keep the pump closed when not in use, and protect from heat and light. Benzoyl peroxide can degrade when exposed to high temperatures or direct sunlight, reducing the product's effectiveness.
Verdict: Padagis Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel 0.3%/2.5% is a highly effective, FDA-approved prescription treatment for moderate to severe acne. As a generic equivalent to Epiduo Forte, it delivers the same dual-action formula — combining the strongest OTC-available retinoid with proven antibacterial benzoyl peroxide — at a fraction of the brand-name cost. The initial adjustment period can be challenging (purging, dryness, irritation), but 65% of users report significant positive outcomes with continued use. It's not suitable for pregnancy, fungal acne, or those unable to commit to daily sunscreen. For persistent acne that hasn't responded to milder treatments, this is one of the most effective topical options available.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 2 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Adapalene
|
Ache-fighting
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Texture
Pores
|
|
| 3 |
Benzoyl Peroxide
Antiacne Agent, Oxidising Agent
|
Ache-fighting
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Anticaking Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Opacifying, Suspending Agent - Nonsurfactant, Viscosity Increasing Agent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Anisate
Antimicrobial, Flavoring Agent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Disodium EDTA
Viscosity Controlling, Chelating Agent
|
|