Adaplene Microspheres Plus Clindamycin Phosphate Gel
Adaplene Microspheres Plus Clindamycin Phosphate Gel
Product Description
A powerful dual-action prescription gel combining Adapalene 0.1% microspheres with Clindamycin Phosphate 1% to treat moderate-to-severe acne. This clinically proven formula targets acne at multiple levelsโunclogging pores, killing acne-causing bacteria, and reducing inflammation for clearer, healthier skin.
โจ Texture & Feel
Dual-Action Formula
Combines a retinoid (adapalene) with an antibiotic (clindamycin) to target multiple causes of acne simultaneously.
Microsphere Technology
Adapalene is delivered in microspheres for controlled release, reducing irritation while maintaining efficacy.
Antibacterial Action
Clindamycin kills Cutibacterium acnes (formerly P. acnes) bacteria that cause inflammatory acne.
Anti-Inflammatory
Reduces redness, swelling, and inflammation associated with acne breakouts for faster healing.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Contains adapalene, a retinoid. While topical absorption is low, retinoids are generally avoided during pregnancy due to potential risks. Consult your doctor.
Avoid applying to chest area. While systemic absorption is minimal, consult your healthcare provider before use.
This formula is fungal acne safe. Adapalene may actually help inhibit Malassezia yeast growth by reducing sebum production.
Formulated without pore-clogging ingredients. The gel base is oil-free and won't contribute to blackheads or whiteheads.
Adapalene increases photosensitivity. Always use SPF 30+ sunscreen during the day and limit sun exposure.
Safety and effectiveness not established for children under 12 years of age. Consult a dermatologist for pediatric use.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐งฌ Adapalene (Microspheres) 0.1% Proven
A third-generation synthetic retinoid that normalizes skin cell turnover, prevents clogged pores, and reduces inflammation. Delivered in microsphere technology for sustained release and reduced irritation.
- Mechanism: Binds to retinoic acid receptors (RARs), modulating keratinocyte differentiation and preventing comedone formation
- Clinical Evidence: Phase III trials show 50-67% reduction in total lesion count at 12 weeks
- Benefits: Unclogs pores, promotes cell turnover, reduces fine lines, fades post-acne marks
๐ Clindamycin Phosphate 1% Proven
A lincosamide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis, effectively killing acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation.
- Mechanism: Binds to 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting protein synthesis in C. acnes bacteria
- Synergy: Adapalene increases follicular penetration of clindamycin by 40-60%
- Anti-inflammatory: Also reduces inflammatory markers independent of antibacterial action
๐ง Propylene Glycol Supporting
A humectant that helps deliver active ingredients into the skin while providing hydration to counteract potential dryness from the retinoid.
- Function: Enhances penetration of actives, maintains skin hydration
- Safety: Well-tolerated at concentrations used in topical formulations
10 ingredients
Adapalene (As Microspheres), Clindamycin Phosphate, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Poloxamer 407, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Purified Water
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply in the evening only. Wait 20-30 minutes after washing face before application. Always use sunscreen in the morning.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse Your Face
Wash with a gentle, soap-free cleanser. Pat dry completely and wait 20-30 minutes to ensure skin is fully dry.
Apply a Pea-Sized Amount
Squeeze a pea-sized amount onto your fingertip. This is enough for the entire face.
Spread Evenly
Dot onto forehead, cheeks, chin, and nose. Gently spread in a thin, even layer over the entire affected area. Avoid eyes, lips, and nostrils.
Follow with Moisturizer
Wait 5-10 minutes, then apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer to prevent dryness and irritation.
Morning Sunscreen
Apply SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning. Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have moderate to severe acne (inflammatory papules, pustules, cysts)
- Blackheads and whiteheads are a major concern
- You want to prevent new breakouts, not just treat existing ones
- You're looking for an all-in-one acne treatment
- Other OTC products haven't worked for you
- You want to reduce post-acne dark marks
- You have oily or combination skin
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding
- You have extremely sensitive or eczema-prone skin
- You have sunburned or irritated skin
- You're allergic to clindamycin or lincosamide antibiotics
- You have a history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- You cannot commit to daily sunscreen use
- You're under 12 years of age
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Ideal match. Adapalene reduces sebum production while clindamycin controls bacteria. Gel texture won't add shine.
Works well on T-zone without over-drying cheeks. Apply moisturizer to drier areas as needed.
Specifically designed for acne-prone skin. Non-comedogenic formula treats and prevents breakouts effectively.
Effective for treating acne. May cause temporary dryness initiallyโpair with a good moisturizer.
May cause additional dryness. Start every other night and always follow with rich moisturizer. Consider buffer method.
Microsphere technology reduces irritation, but patch test first. Start with every other night application.
๐ Results Timeline
Adjustment Period
Mild dryness, peeling, and slight redness are normal as your skin adjusts. Some may notice temporary worsening (purging) as the product brings underlying acne to the surface.
80% experience initial drynessPurging Phase
This is often the most challenging period. Acne may appear worse before getting better. Existing microcomedones are pushed to the surface faster. Stay consistentโthis is the treatment working.
60% experience purgingVisible Improvement
Skin begins to clear noticeably. Inflammatory lesions start to reduce. Skin texture improves. New breakouts become less frequent and less severe.
70% see improvementSignificant Results
Clinical trials show 66.85% reduction in total lesions at 12 weeks. Skin is clearer, smoother, and more even-toned. Post-acne marks begin to fade.
85% achieve significant clearanceโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Clinically proven dual-action formula with 67% lesion reduction
- Microsphere technology reduces irritation vs. regular adapalene
- Treats multiple types of acne (comedonal & inflammatory)
- Prevents new breakouts, not just treats existing ones
- Also helps fade post-acne dark marks over time
- Non-comedogenic and fungal acne safe formula
- Affordable compared to Western market equivalents
- Once-daily application for convenience
โ Criticized
- Causes initial purging that can last 4-6 weeks
- Dryness, peeling, and redness common initially
- Not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Requires consistent sunscreen use (photosensitivity)
- Takes 8-12 weeks to see significant results
- Antibiotic component limited to 12 weeks max use
- May irritate very sensitive or eczema-prone skin
- Requires prescription in most countries
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Identical formulation (Adapalene 0.1% + Clindamycin 1%) from the same manufacturer. Different brand name, same product.
Same active ingredients with nano-emulsion technology instead of microspheres. Similar efficacy with potentially better penetration.
Contains only Adapalene 0.1% without clindamycin. Available OTC in many countries. Good for comedonal acne but less effective on inflammatory acne.
Contains only Clindamycin 1% without adapalene. Better for purely inflammatory acne. Should not be used as monotherapy long-term.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Deriva CMS Gel (This Product)
$5-8Epiduo Gel (Adapalene + BP)
$200-300Duac Gel (Clindamycin + BP)
$150-250Differin Gel (Adapalene only)
$13-30๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store at room temperature (10ยฐC-25ยฐC) in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze.
Aluminum tube with screw cap. Keeps product protected from light and air contamination.
Yes, 15g and 20g tubes are TSA-compliant (under 100ml). Keep upright to prevent leakage.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
No, Deriva CMS Gel is NOT recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It contains adapalene, a retinoid. While topical absorption is minimal, retinoids are contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential teratogenic effects observed with oral retinoids. If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your dermatologist for safer alternatives like azelaic acid or topical erythromycin.
Yes! Deriva CMS Gel is fungal acne safe. The formula contains no fatty acids, oils, esters, or polysorbates that feed Malassezia yeast. In fact, adapalene may actually help with fungal acne by reducing sebum production (which Malassezia feeds on) and promoting faster skin cell turnover. The gel is also free from fermented ingredients.
Use caution when combining with other actives. Deriva CMS already contains adapalene (a retinoid), so avoid using additional retinol or retinoids. Vitamin C can be used in the morning if your skin tolerates it. AHAs/BHAs may increase irritationโif using, apply on alternate nights or wait until your skin has adjusted (usually 4-6 weeks). Never combine with benzoyl peroxide at the same time as it may deactivate some ingredients.
Deriva CMS Gel works best for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. It's specifically designed for moderate to severe acne including inflammatory pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and cystic acne. Those with very dry or sensitive skin may experience more irritation and should start slowly (every other night) with heavy moisturizer. Not recommended for those with eczema or severely compromised skin barrier.
Expect a timeline of 8-12 weeks for significant results. Week 1-2: skin adjusts with possible dryness. Week 2-6: purging phase where acne may temporarily worsen. Week 4-8: visible improvement begins. Week 8-12: significant clearance with 67% reduction in lesions based on clinical trials. Don't give up during the purging phaseโit means the product is working!
Apply Deriva CMS Gel in the evening only, after cleansing. The order is: 1) Gentle cleanser, 2) Wait 20-30 minutes for skin to dry completely, 3) Apply Deriva CMS Gel (pea-sized amount), 4) Wait 5-10 minutes, 5) Apply moisturizer. In the morning, always apply SPF 30+ sunscreen as adapalene increases sun sensitivity. Skip this product on nights you use other strong actives.
No, Deriva CMS Gel is non-comedogenic with a comedogenic rating of 0/5. The gel base is oil-free and specifically formulated to not clog pores. In fact, adapalene actively works to unclog pores by increasing cell turnover and preventing the buildup of dead skin cells and sebum that cause comedones (blackheads and whiteheads).
Deriva CMS Gel has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. Store it at room temperature (10-25ยฐC) away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the cap tightly closed after each use. If the gel changes color, consistency, or develops an unusual smell, discard it even if it's within the 12-month period. A 15g tube typically lasts 6-8 weeks with daily facial use.
Verdict: Deriva CMS Gel is a clinically proven, dermatologist-recommended treatment for moderate to severe acne. Its dual-action formula combining adapalene microspheres with clindamycin phosphate offers superior efficacy (67% lesion reduction) compared to using either ingredient alone. While the initial purging phase and adjustment period can be challenging, consistent use delivers significant long-term results. The affordable price point makes it accessible compared to Western market equivalents like Epiduo. Best suited for oily and acne-prone skin types who can commit to daily sunscreen use. Not recommended for pregnancy, breastfeeding, or those with very sensitive skin. For stubborn acne that hasn't responded to OTC treatments, this prescription-strength gel is an excellent choice under dermatologist supervision.
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 skinโs 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 ยซpromisesยป 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):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 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
|
|
| 0 |
Clindamycin Phosphate
|
Ache-fighting
|