Comparing the Efficacy of Topical 4% Benzoyl Peroxide Versus Topical 0.1% Adapalene for Treatment of Acne Vulgaris in Skin of Color Population: A South Asian Perspective.
controlled
EVIDENCE COMPARISON
DirectionalBenzoyl Peroxide
vs Salicylic Acid
for Surface Smoothness
Early or indirect evidence suggests benzoyl peroxide may improve skin texture smoothness 1.17 times more than salicylic acid, based on indirect comparison.
1.17x
Effect ratio
Benzoyl Peroxide
Favored
4
Studies
Indirect
Comparison
ExploratorySubjective endpointTexture
Limits: Indirect comparison · Includes subjective endpoint · Early-stage evidence tier
This is an indirect comparison — the two ingredients were not tested head-to-head in the same trial. The ratio is derived from separate studies against a common comparator.
How to read this claim
Kept public as exploratory because it indirect comparison; includes subjective endpoint; early-stage evidence tier.
Some study-specific context may affect how broadly this comparison generalizes.
Source Studies (4)
The efficacy, safety, and tolerability of adapalene versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of mild acne vulgaris: a randomized trial.
randomized, double-blind
The effectiveness of adapalene 0.1% with intense pulsed light versus benzoyl peroxide 5% with intense pulsed light in the treatment of acne vulgaris: A comparative study.
randomized
2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel vs. adapaline gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris treatment: A multicenter, randomized, evaluator-blind, parallel-controlled trial.
randomized