Topical Adapalene Versus Adapalene Plus Benzoyl Peroxide in Acne Vulgaris

International Journal of Medical Science

© 2026 by SSRG - IJMS Journal

Volume 13 Issue 1

Year of Publication : 2026

Authors : Aiman Wazir, Abdur Rahim, Laila Mahmood

10.14445/23939117/IJMS-V13I1P101

How to Cite?

Aiman Wazir, Abdur Rahim, Laila Mahmood, "Topical Adapalene Versus Adapalene Plus Benzoyl Peroxide in Acne Vulgaris," SSRG International Journal of Medical Science, vol. 13,  no. 1, pp. 1-10, 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23939117/IJMS-V13I1P101

Abstract:

Acne Vulgaris is a common dermatological condition, having adverse effects on both physical and mental health. This study compares the efficacy of topical Adapalene (0.1% gel) given as Monotherapy versus its combination with 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide in patients with mild Acne. A randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Dermatology Unit of Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, involving 162 patients divided into two equal treatment arms. Group A patients
received Adapalene Monotherapy, while Group B patients received the combination of both drugs. Efficacy was gauged through the use of Global Acne scores and the Chi-square approach for determining statistical significance of the outcomes. The findings from this study indicated that the rate of improvement among those receiving the combination was significantly higher (72.8%) when compared with Monotherapy (51.9%), with a p-value of 0.006. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that combination therapy resulted in better outcomes for females, patients within the younger age group, and non-obese individuals. The synergistic anti-inflammatory and bactericidal action of the dual regimen is highlighted in the test results, which support the adoption of the dual regimen as one of the more successful treatment options for mild Acne. The implication of this study would be of significant importance for the region-specific evidence in dermatological practice in Pakistan, impacting clinical care procedures and improving the quality of life of such patients.

Keywords:

Acne Vulgaris, Adapalene, Benzoyl Peroxide, Combination Therapy, Dermatology, Randomized Controlled Trial, Skin Care.

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