Basiron AC 5% Gel
Basiron AC 5% Gel
Product Description
Basiron AC 5% Gel by Galderma is a dermatologist-favourite, water-based leave-on gel built around 5% benzoyl peroxide. This fragrance-free, fast-drying formula targets inflammatory acne by killing acne-causing bacteria and gently exfoliating clogged pores, making it a go-to for mild to moderate breakouts on the face, chest, and back.
โจ Texture & Feel
Kills Acne Bacteria
Benzoyl peroxide releases oxygen into pores to destroy C. acnes, with no risk of bacterial resistance.
Unclogs Pores
Keratolytic action sheds dead skin cells and clears excess oil to stop new breakouts forming.
Minimalist Formula
Just 7 ingredients, free from fragrance, alcohol, oils, parabens, silicones and sulfates.
Glycerin Cushion
Added glycerin helps offset the drying effect of benzoyl peroxide for better daily tolerance.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Topical benzoyl peroxide is generally considered low-risk, but as a 5% leave-on medicine, speak to your doctor before use during pregnancy.
Contains no fatty acids, esters or polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast.
Do not layer at the same time as tretinoin or vitamin C โ alternate AM/PM to prevent irritation and oxidation.
Can increase sun sensitivity and dryness. Daily SPF is essential while using this product.
Benzoyl peroxide can bleach towels, pillowcases, clothing and coloured hair on contact.
Works well alongside niacinamide and salicylic acid for a fuller anti-acne routine.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐งช Benzoyl Peroxide 5% Proven
The gold-standard, FDA-recognised topical acne active. It releases oxygen into the pore, an environment in which acne-causing bacteria cannot survive, while also exfoliating dead skin cells.
- Source: Decades of clinical use establish benzoyl peroxide as antibacterial, keratolytic and anti-inflammatory against C. acnes.
- Source: Bacteria do not develop resistance to it, unlike topical antibiotics.
- Source: Research suggests 2.5%, 5% and 10% are similarly effective, with higher strengths being more drying.
๐ง Glycerin Humectant Proven
A skin-identical humectant that draws water into the skin, helping counteract the dryness benzoyl peroxide can cause.
- Source: Glycerin is rated 0 for both irritancy and comedogenicity.
- Source: A 2016 study found it more effective as a humectant than AHAs or hyaluronic acid.
๐งด Acrylates Copolymer Texture Promising
A film-forming polymer that gives the gel its smooth slip, helps it dry down to a matte finish, and supports even delivery of the active onto skin.
- Source: Acts as a texture enhancer and thickener, forming a light film that makes skin feel soft.
๐ Carbomer <1% Proven
A polymer of acrylic acid used purely to create the stable gel consistency, keeping the formula spreadable and non-runny.
- Source: Carbomer's main role is to turn a liquid into a gel; it is typically used at 1% or less.
๐ซง Sodium C16 Olefin Sulfonate Surfactant Promising
A mild anionic surfactant that helps disperse and emulsify the formula so the active spreads evenly across the skin.
- Source: Functions as a cleansing and dispersing agent within the gel base.
7 ingredients
Benzoyl Peroxide, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycerin, Carbomer, Sodium C16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium Hydroxide, Water.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply to clean, dry skin before heavier creams. Most people start once daily at night; SPF the next morning is non-negotiable.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse & Dry
Wash with a gentle cleanser and pat skin completely dry before applying.
Start Slow
Apply a thin film once daily (ideally at night) for the first 1โ2 weeks to build tolerance.
Spread Thinly
Use a pea-sized amount across the affected area โ more product does not mean faster results.
Moisturise
Follow with a barrier-supporting moisturiser to reduce dryness and flaking.
Protect
Apply broad-spectrum SPF every morning, as the active increases sun sensitivity.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have mild to moderate inflammatory acne (papules and pustules)
- You want a simple, fragrance-free, minimalist formula
- Your skin is oily or combination and tolerates actives well
- You need a fungal-acne-safe spot and area treatment
- You want a non-comedogenic option that won't clog pores
โ Consider alternatives if:
- Your skin is very dry, sensitive or has a compromised barrier
- You mainly have blackheads/whiteheads (BHA may suit better)
- You're pregnant and prefer to avoid leave-on medicines
- You can't commit to daily SPF and moisturiser
- You have eczema or rosacea-prone, reactive skin
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Matte, fast-drying gel that cuts excess oil and fights breakouts without heaviness.
Great on the oily T-zone; spot-apply and follow with moisturiser on drier areas.
Targets inflammatory acne directly and is non-comedogenic and fungal-acne safe.
Can be drying โ limit to spot use and pair with a rich moisturiser.
Strong active that may sting or peel; patch test and start every other day.
๐ Results Timeline
Adjustment Phase
Some dryness, tightness or mild peeling as skin acclimatises. Existing spots may start to calm.
60% noticed drynessFewer New Breakouts
Inflammatory spots reduce in number and redness, with fewer fresh pimples appearing.
70% saw improvementClearer, Calmer Skin
Noticeably clearer complexion and smoother texture for most consistent users.
80% reported clearer skinMaintenance
Sustained control of breakouts; continued use helps prevent recurrence over the long term.
75% kept resultsโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Clinically backed 5% benzoyl peroxide that genuinely works on inflammatory acne
- Clean, minimalist 7-ingredient formula with no fragrance
- Fungal-acne safe and non-comedogenic
- Fast-drying matte finish ideal for oily skin
- No risk of bacterial resistance with continued use
โ Criticized
- Can be drying and irritating, especially early on
- Bleaches fabrics, towels and coloured hair
- Small 40g tube empties fast with full-face use
- Increases sun sensitivity โ strict SPF required
- Less effective on blackheads and whiteheads
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Effectively the same 5% benzoyl peroxide leave-on gel from Galderma sold under a different market name. Near-identical formula and results.
Galderma's sibling 5% benzoyl peroxide gel with a few extra solubilisers. Very similar efficacy with a slightly richer base.
Wash-off rather than leave-on, so gentler and less drying โ but less potent since it rinses away before fully acting.
Uses AHA/BHA plus ceramides instead of benzoyl peroxide. Better for texture and barrier support, weaker on bacterial acne.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Basiron AC 5% Gel (Featured)
~$12PanOxyl 10% Acne Foaming Wash
~$10La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Wash
~$20CeraVe Acne Control Gel
~$15๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
3 months after opening โ benzoyl peroxide degrades over time once exposed to air.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light; do not freeze.
40g squeeze tube with screw cap.
Yes โ 40g tube is well under the 100ml cabin limit.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Topical benzoyl peroxide is generally considered one of the lower-risk acne actives during pregnancy and breastfeeding because very little is absorbed into the bloodstream. However, because this is a 5% leave-on medicine, many guidelines suggest lower-strength or limited use, so you should always check with your doctor or midwife before using it while pregnant or nursing.
Yes. The formula contains no fatty acids, esters, oils or polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast, so it is considered fungal-acne (malassezia folliculitis) safe. Benzoyl peroxide is in fact sometimes used to help manage fungal acne.
Avoid applying it at the same time as retinol/tretinoin or vitamin C, as benzoyl peroxide can oxidise them and increase irritation โ use one in the morning and the other at night. It pairs more comfortably with niacinamide and can be used alongside salicylic acid (BHA), though introduce actives gradually to avoid over-drying.
It suits oily, combination and acne-prone skin best, where the matte, fast-drying gel controls breakouts without feeling heavy. Dry and sensitive skin types can still use it but should limit application to spots, start every other day, and always layer a moisturiser on top.
Most people notice fewer new breakouts within 3โ4 weeks, with clearer, calmer skin around the 6โ8 week mark. The first 1โ2 weeks often involve some dryness or mild peeling as your skin adjusts, so consistency and patience are key.
Apply it to clean, dry skin after cleansing (and toner, if used) and before your moisturiser and sunscreen. Many people use it once daily at night to begin with, then follow with SPF every morning since it increases sun sensitivity.
No. With a comedogenic rating of around 1/5, this oil-free, fragrance-free formula is considered non-comedogenic. Benzoyl peroxide actively helps clear clogged pores rather than block them.
Plan to use it within about 3 months of opening. Benzoyl peroxide is an unstable active that loses potency once exposed to air, so storing the tube in a cool, dark place and replacing it promptly keeps it working effectively.
Verdict: Basiron AC 5% Gel from Galderma is a clean, no-nonsense benzoyl peroxide treatment that delivers on its core promise โ clearing inflammatory acne with a clinically proven active and a stripped-back 7-ingredient formula. It's an excellent pick for oily and acne-prone skin that wants results without fragrance or filler. The trade-offs are typical of benzoyl peroxide: expect some early dryness, keep it away from towels and fabrics, and commit to daily SPF and moisturiser. Used sensibly, it remains one of the most reliable acne treatments on the shelf.
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
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 |
Benzoyl Peroxide
Antiacne Agent, Oxidising Agent
|
Ache-fighting
|
|
| 0 |
Acrylates Copolymer
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Carbomer
Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
|
|
|
| 0 |
Sodium C16 Olefin Sulfonate
Emulsifying
|
|