Can you use Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant with Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%?
Yes, with timing
Use them at different times of day or on different nights.
Based on 1 active-ingredient pairing, listed below.
How to use them
- Night A: Adapalene. Night B: Salicylic Acid. Or use Salicylic Acid in the morning and Adapalene at night if your skin tolerates it.
- Start slowly (2-3 nights a week each) and moisturize.
- Daily sunscreen is essential with both.
Every active pairing checked
| Actives | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Salicylic Acid + Adapalene | Yes, with timing | Yes, with timing. Use Adapalene and Salicylic Acid on alternating nights rather than together. |
What's in each product
Key actives
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Actives read from the published ingredient list (as transcribed on INCIDecoder). Formulas change; check your bottle.
Key actives
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%
Actives read from the published ingredient list (as transcribed on INCIDecoder). Formulas change; check your bottle.
Sources
- A review of adapalene in the treatment of acne vulgaris. J Adolesc Health. 2008;43(5).
- Martin B, et al. Chemical stability of adapalene and tretinoin when combined with benzoyl peroxide in presence and in absence of visible light and ultraviolet radiation. Br J Dermatol. 1998;139 Suppl 52:8-11.
- Kornhauser A, Coelho SG, Hearing VJ. Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2010;3:135-142.
- Zaenglein AL, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74(5):945-973.
DM
Reviewed by the Does It Mix editorial team
Last reviewed . Product verdicts combine our ingredient-pair verdicts for each product's key actives. We are not affiliated with these brands. Methodology.