Choosing the right acne medication for your specific symptoms is the most important first step in acne treatment. The table below compares the 5 most popular topical acne medications curated by Intimo Life, covering comedonal, inflammatory, and pigmented acne.
Brand
Active Ingredient
Strength
Best for
Irritation Level
See Results
Benzac AC
Benzoyl Peroxide
2.5% / 5%
Comedones + oil control
Moderate
2-4 weeks
Skinoren
Azelaic Acid
20%
Acne + dark spots + melasma
Low
4-8 weeks
Acnetin-A
Tretinoin (Gen 1 Retinoid)
0.025% / 0.05%
Severe comedonal acne
High
4-12 weeks
Differin Gel
Adapalene (Gen 3 Retinoid)
0.1%
Comedones (sensitive skin)
Low
4-12 weeks
Clinda-M
Clindamycin Phosphate
1%
Inflammatory + pustular acne
Low
1-2 weeks
All 5 medications are controlled drugs in Thailand, sold at licensed pharmacies with pharmacist consultation.
What Each Medication Is and How to Choose
1. Benzac AC (Benzoyl Peroxide) — Comedonal Acne + Oil Control
Benzac AC contains Benzoyl Peroxide at 2.5% or 5%. It works in three ways: kills Cutibacterium acnes bacteria, removes dead skin cells that clog pores, and reduces excess oil production.
2.5% vs 5%? Similar efficacy for mild-to-moderate acne, but 2.5% is significantly less irritating. Always start with 2.5%.
Best for: Whiteheads, blackheads, mild-moderate inflammatory acne, oily skin
How to use: Apply thinly over the affected area (not spot-only). Start with every other evening in week 1, gradually increase to daily.
Skinoren Cream contains Azelaic Acid 20%, a natural grain-derived acid with three-in-one action: clears comedones, reduces acne bacteria, and inhibits melanin — reducing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma.
Key advantage: Pregnancy Category B (consult doctor first) and does not photosensitize like retinoids.
What not to combine: Avoid on broken skin or near eyes/mouth/nostrils. Use cautiously with other irritating actives.
How to use: Apply thinly twice daily (morning and evening). Follow with moisturizer and SPF in the morning.
3. Acnetin-A (Tretinoin) — Gen 1 Retinoid, Strong Action
Acnetin-A Cream contains Tretinoin (Vitamin A acid), a first-generation retinoid. Speeds skin cell turnover, clears deep comedones, and reduces post-acne dark spots. Available in 0.025% and 0.05%.
⚠️ Important warnings:
Pregnancy or trying to conceive: DO NOT USE
Skin will be red, peeling, dry in weeks 2-4 (Retinization) — this is normal
Greatly increases sun sensitivity — daily SPF 30+ is mandatory
Do not combine with Differin (double retinoid)
How to use: Evenings only (Tretinoin degrades in sunlight). Week 1: every other day. Use pea-sized amount across full face.
4. Differin Gel (Adapalene) — Gen 3 Retinoid, Less Irritating
Differin Gel contains Adapalene 0.1%, a third-generation retinoid. Advantages over Tretinoin: 30-50% less irritating, photostable, and combinable with Benzac.
How to use Differin?
Cleanse and pat dry
Wait 20-30 minutes for skin to fully dry (reduces irritation)
Apply pea-sized amount across face (not spot treatment)
Once daily (evening recommended for beginners)
Follow with moisturizer
Best for: Comedonal acne on sensitive skin that can't tolerate Tretinoin, first-time retinoid users, acne + early anti-aging
Cautions: Pregnancy contraindicated, peeling/redness in weeks 1-2, daily SPF required.
Most topical acne medications need 4-12 weeks for full results — manage expectations to avoid quitting too early.
Common side effects
Redness, dryness, peeling in weeks 2-4 (normal for retinoids and Benzac)
Irritation, itching, burning — reduce application frequency or step down concentration
Increased sun sensitivity — daily SPF mandatory, no exceptions
When to consult a pharmacist or dermatologist
No improvement after 8-12 weeks
Severe inflammatory or cystic acne
Scarring beginning to form
Severe irritation lasting over 1 week
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the acne type — comedonal: Benzac or Differin Gel; inflammatory: Clinda-M; acne + dark spots: Skinoren. See the comparison table above.
Benzac (Benzoyl Peroxide) does three things: kills bacteria that cause acne, removes dead skin cells that clog pores, and reduces excess oil. Best for mild-to-moderate comedonal and inflammatory acne.
Similar efficacy — research shows 2.5% is comparable to 5% for mild-to-moderate acne, but 2.5% is significantly less irritating. Always start with 2.5%, step up to 5% only if needed.
Avoid using Skinoren on: broken or wounded skin; do not apply near eyes, mouth, nostrils. Use cautiously with retinoids (Tretinoin, Adapalene) or Benzac on the same spot — may increase irritation; space out application times.
How to use Differin Gel: (1) Cleanse and pat dry. (2) Wait 20-30 minutes for skin to fully dry to reduce irritation. (3) Apply pea-sized amount across face (not spot treatment). (4) Once daily (evening recommended). (5) Follow with moisturizer.
For acne, you need a combined oral contraceptive with anti-androgen activity such as Yasmin, Yaz (Drospirenone), or Diane-35 (Cyproterone Acetate). Read more: Does birth control treat acne? Which type is best?
Most acne spot treatments from convenience stores are cosmetics, not medications — they contain lower active ingredients than Benzac/Skinoren/Differin sold at pharmacies. Effects are limited and suitable only for very mild acne. For moderate-to-severe acne, choose medical-grade treatments with clear active ingredients.
If you have an allergic reaction: (1) Stop the medication immediately. (2) Rinse with clean water — no soap. (3) Apply a fragrance-free sensitive-skin moisturizer. (4) Consult a pharmacist for antihistamine. (5) Restart at the lowest concentration only after skin recovers (1-2 weeks).
Depends on the medication: Clinda-M 1-2 weeks, Benzac 2-4 weeks, Skinoren 4-8 weeks, Differin/Acnetin-A 4-12 weeks. The first 2-4 weeks on a retinoid may include a purging phase where hidden comedones surface — this is normal; do not stop the medication.
Benzac, Skinoren, Acnetin-A, Differin, and Clinda-M are all controlled medications — buy only from licensed pharmacies with a pharmacist. Intimo Life stocks all 5 authentic products with Thai FDA certification, nationwide shipping, and free LINE pharmacist consultation.
⚠️ Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified doctor or pharmacist. If you have any questions about your symptoms or medication, always consult a doctor or pharmacist first.
Benzac
Skinoren Cream
Acnetin-A
Differin Gel
Clinda-M
