Adapalene vs. Salicylic Acid: Which is Better for Skin?

Deep | 12 Mar 2025

When it comes to battling acne and refining skin texture, two heavyweights reign supreme: Adapalene and Salicylic Acid. But which one truly deserves the crown? Adapalene, the powerhouse retinoid, speeds up cell turnover and prevents those pesky clogged pores, while Salicylic Acid, a mighty beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), dives deep to exfoliate and clear pores. Intrigued? Let’s break down the benefits of each to help you pick the perfect match for your skin’s needs!

What is Adapalene?

Adapalene is a third-generation retinoid, a derivative of Vitamin A. It’s available over the counter (OTC) and by prescription for treating acne.

Key Benefits of Adapalene:

Prevents Acne Formation: Increases cell turnover to stop clogged pores.
Treats Existing Acne: Reduces inflammation and clears active breakouts.
Improves Skin Texture: Smooths rough patches and promotes even skin tone.
Fades Acne Scars: Minimizes post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation over time.
Targets All Acne Types: Effective for comedonal acne, papules, pustules, and cysts.

What is Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates deep into the pores to remove oil, dirt, and dead skin cells. It’s commonly used in acne and exfoliating products.

Key Benefits of Salicylic Acid:

Unclogs Pores: Dissolves debris and oil to prevent clogged pores.
Treats Blackheads and Whiteheads: Particularly effective for non-inflammatory acne.
Exfoliates the Skin: Improves texture by removing dead skin cells.
Controls Oil Production: Reduces sebum over time for less shine.
Soothing Inflammation: Calms redness and irritation caused by acne.

How They Compare

Feature	Adapalene	Salicylic Acid
Primary Function	Increases cell turnover and prevents acne.	Unclogs pores and exfoliates.
Acne Type	Best for inflammatory and comedonal acne.	Best for blackheads, whiteheads, and oily skin.
Exfoliation	Stimulates deeper exfoliation through cell turnover.	Exfoliates on the surface and inside pores.
Oil Control	Minimal; does not reduce sebum directly.	Reduces oil production over time.
Anti-Ageing Benefits	Significant; reduces fine lines and promotes collagen.	Minimal; focuses on acne and texture.
Irritation Potential	Moderate; may cause redness, dryness, or peeling.	Moderate; may cause dryness if overused.
Frequency of Use	Daily or as tolerated, usually at night.	Use 2–3 times a week initially; increase as tolerated.
Skin Type	Best for normal to oily skin prone to acne.	Suitable for all skin types, especially oily and combination.

Which Is Better for Your Skin?

The choice depends on your specific skin concerns:

Choose Adapalene If:

You have moderate to severe acne, including cysts and inflammatory acne.
Your goal is to prevent new acne from forming over time.
You’re looking for anti-ageing benefits like reduced fine lines and smoother skin.
You’re dealing with post-acne marks and want to improve skin tone.

Choose Salicylic Acid If:

You have mild acne, particularly blackheads and whiteheads.
Your skin is oily or combination, and you need help controlling shine.
You’re looking for a gentle exfoliant to improve texture and prevent clogged pores.
You want a quick treatment for visible acne without waiting for long-term results.

Can You Use Adapalene and Salicylic Acid Together?

Yes, you can use adapalene and salicylic acid together, but it requires caution as both can cause dryness and irritation.

How to Use Them Together:

Alternate Days: Use adapalene one night and salicylic acid the next to minimize irritation.
Spot Treatment vs. Full Face: Apply salicylic acid as a spot treatment on active breakouts and adapalene on the full face to prevent new acne.
Morning vs. Night: Use salicylic acid in the morning (with sunscreen) and adapalene at night.
Hydrate and Protect: Follow with a moisturizer to soothe the skin and always wear sunscreen during the day.

Who Should Use Both?

Acne-Prone Skin with Oily Areas: Salicylic acid targets blackheads and whiteheads, while adapalene prevents future breakouts.
Combination Skin with Texture Issues: Salicylic acid smooths rough areas, and adapalene addresses deeper acne concerns.
Persistent Acne: For long-term management, combining these two ingredients can offer comprehensive acne control.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overusing Both Ingredients:
Using adapalene and salicylic acid simultaneously without easing in can lead to excessive dryness and irritation.
Skipping Sunscreen:
Both ingredients make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so SPF is essential.
Neglecting Moisturizer:
Always follow with a hydrating product to maintain your skin’s moisture barrier.

Science Backing

Adapalene: Studies in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology highlight adapalene’s efficacy in treating acne, improving skin texture, and reducing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Salicylic Acid: Research in the Journal of Dermatological Science confirms salicylic acid’s ability to unclog pores, reduce oil, and treat blackheads and whiteheads.
Combination Use: Dermatologists often recommend combining adapalene and salicylic acid for comprehensive acne management, as noted in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.

Conclusion

Both adapalene and salicylic acid are highly effective for treating acne, but they cater to different concerns. Choose adapalene for long-term acne prevention, anti-ageing benefits, and inflammatory acne. Opt for salicylic acid for quick treatment of blackheads, whiteheads, and oily skin.

FAQs About Adapalene and Salicylic Acid

1. Should I Use Adapalene or Salicylic Acid First?

If layering, apply salicylic acid first to exfoliate, then wait 15–20 minutes before applying adapalene. However, it’s generally better to use them on alternate days.

2. Can I Use Them Every Day?

Adapalene: Start with every other night and increase as tolerated.
Salicylic Acid: Use 2–3 times a week initially and increase frequency if your skin tolerates it.