Differin vs Panoxyl: Which One Works Better for Acne?

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, that affects people of all ages. It starts during puberty for most, but many adults also struggle with recurring acne issues throughout their lives. 

The good news is that there are now excellent over-the-counter (OTC) acne treatments available that can help get breakouts under control effectively. Two such popular OTC acne treatment options are Differin and Panoxyl. The former uses adapalene as the primary ingredient, the latter uses benzoyl peroxide.

Let’s take a closer look at how they compare when it comes to key ingredients, treatment approach, and most importantly, effectiveness.

About Differin

Differin contains adapalene as the active ingredient. It’s a synthetic retinoid compound derived from vitamin A. Retinoids like adapalene work by regulating skin cell turnover and reducing inflammation deep in the follicles. It’s the place where acne starts. Differin comes in gel and cream formulations of 0.1% and 0.3% strengths.

Pros:

The main benefits of Differin are that it is effective for all kinds of acne, both inflammatory (pimples, cysts) and non-inflammatory (blackheads, whiteheads). It clears up existing breakouts as well as prevents new growth when you use it regularly. Adapalene also has anti-inflammatory properties that help calm irritated acne.

Cons:

On the downside, Differin can sometimes cause dryness, redness, peeling, and irritation. Especially during the initial phase, when your skin adjusts to it. Starting with a low frequency like 2-3 times a week and slowly building up tolerance helps minimize this.

About Panoxyl

Panoxyl’s active ingredient is benzoyl peroxide. It’s a topical antimicrobial agent which is generally used to treat acne vulgaris. It works by reducing levels of the bacteria that cause acne. Benzoyl peroxide also removes excess oil and dead cells from clogged pores.

Panoxyl is available in different wash formulations containing 4%, 7.5%, or 10% benzoyl peroxide. Higher strengths are more effective for severe acne. Creams and gels typically use lower 2.5-5% concentrations.

Pros:

Benzoyl peroxide can be very effective at rapidly shrinking inflammatory pimples and pustules. It is also more tolerated by the skin. However, some people may experience excessive dryness.

Cons:

The main downside of Panoxyl is that while it treats existing acne well, it is less effective than retinoids like Differin at preventing new breakouts from forming over the long term.

Head to Head Comparison Between Panoxyl and Differin

	Differin	Panoxyl
Active Ingredient	Adapalene (retinoid)	Benzoyl Peroxide
How it Works	Regulates skin cell turnover, reduces inflammation	Antimicrobial, unclogs pores, reduces acne-causing bacteria
Available Strengths	0.1% and 0.3% gels/creams	4%, 7.5%, 10% washes/gels
Speed of Action	Slower, takes ~12 weeks	Faster, reduces inflammatory lesions quickly
Acne Type Treated	All types – inflammatory and non-inflammatory	More effective for inflammatory acne initially
Prevent New Acne	Yes, with regular use	Limited preventative effect
Skin Type	Can use on sensitive skin types	May irritate very sensitive skin

Product Lineup

Differin:

• Differin Gel 0.1% and 0.3% (Adapalene) 
• Differin Daily Deep Cleanser 
• Differin Balancing Toner
• Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer 

Panoxyl:

• Panoxyl 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Foaming Wash
• Panoxyl 4% Creamy Acne Wash 
• Panoxyl 4% Acne Creamy Wash Travel Size
• Panoxyl 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Gel
• PanOxyl Bar 10% 

Side-by-Side Product Comparisons

Differin Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment vs Panoxyl 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Foaming Wash

Differin Gel 0.1%	Panoxyl 10% Foaming Wash
Active Ingredient: Adapalene 0.1%	Active Ingredient: Benzoyl Peroxide 10%
Once-daily gel formulation	Maximum OTC benzoyl peroxide strength
Clears & prevents acne	Rapid treatment for inflammatory acne
Oil-free, non-comedogenic	May dry out and irritate the skin

Differin Daily Deep Cleanser vs Panoxyl 4% Creamy Acne Wash

Differin Daily Deep	Panoxyl 4% Creamy Wash
Active: 5% Micronized Benzoyl Peroxide	Active: 4% Benzoyl Peroxide
Penetrates deep into pores	Gentle creamy daily wash formula
Prevents overdrying with moisturizers	Contains humectants & emollients
Free of oils, parabens, sulfates	Free of oils, parabens

Differin Balancing Toner vs Panoxyl 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Foaming Wash Cloths

Differin Balancing Toner	Panoxyl 10% BP Cloths
Alcohol-free toner	10% Benzoyl Peroxide cleansing cloths
Soothes & hydrates skin	Highest OTC BP concentration
Preps skin for treatments	Portable & convenient for travel
Contains aloe & bisabolol	Textured cloths for gentle exfoliation

Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer vs Panoxyl 4% Creamy Acne Wash Bar

Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer	Panoxyl 4% Acne Bar
Oil-free, mattifying moisturizer	4% Benzoyl Peroxide cleansing bar
Micro-clear technology	For face and body acne
Non-comedogenic, oil-absorbing	Creamy lathering formula
Use AM & PM after treatments	Use daily in the shower

Which One is More Efficient?

For Mild Acne: When it comes to mild acne, both adapalene and lower concentrations of benzoyl peroxide (2.5-5%) have similar effects in reducing acne lesions. However, for whiteheads and blackheads, Differin may have a slight advantage.

For Moderate & Severe Acne: For moderate to severe acne, higher benzoyl peroxide concentrations (5-10%) usually work faster, especially during the initial stages of treatment. However, Differin promotes better long-term clearance over 12+ weeks.

So, as you can see, Differin is more effective than Panoxyl at preventing the formation of new acne lesions when you use it continually. Therefore, even though Panoxyl may kick in faster, Differin provides more sustained clearance and prevention of new acne over time.

Side Effects

Both Differin and benzoyl peroxide products can cause excessive dryness, stinging and burning, scaling, and redness. However, adapalene formulations like Differin tend to be more gentle. So, it’s less irritating for the skin.

Dermatologists often recommend introducing Differin slowly by applying it every 2-3 days initially and using a fragrance-free, gentle moisturizer to lessen any excessive dryness or peeling.

Therefore, if you want to use benzoyl peroxide on your sensitive skin, go for a lower concentration at first. Then increase strength as required. Another strategy is to use both Differin and Panoxyl together, to clear different acne types. 

Cost & Access

A key advantage of Differin over prescription retinoids is that it is available over the counter. It is relatively affordable as well. To be fair though, Panoxyl is similarly priced as well and is widely available as well.

However, Differin requires consistent long-term usage that can get expensive over time. Check if your insurance covers prescription retinoids for potential savings.

When to Choose Differin and Panoxyl?

Choose Differin Under these Circumstances:

• You have mild to moderate acne
• You want an all-in-one treatment to clear existing acne and prevent new breakouts
• You have sensitive skin that cannot tolerate benzoyl peroxide well
• You prefer a light, non-drying formulation

Choose Panoxyl Under these Circumstances:

• You have moderate to severe inflammatory acne that needs rapid action
• You want an occasional spot treatment
• Your acne is triggered more by bacteria than hormones
• Cost is a significant factor

Final Words

Both Differin and Panoxyl can be effective treatments. But they work a bit differently. Differin provides an all-in-one long-term solution that clears and prevents acne with adapalene. Panoxyl works better on inflammatory acne with benzoyl peroxide.

And remember, your lifestyle factors like diet, stress management, hygiene, etc. also play a big role in acne management. Therefore, if OTC treatments aren’t providing sufficient control, see a dermatologist for prescription medications or procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Benzac and Differin the same?

No, Benzac and Differin are different products. Benzac contains benzoyl peroxide, while Differin contains the retinoid adapalene. They have different mechanisms of action for treating acne.

Do dermatologists recommend PanOxyl?

Yes, dermatologists commonly recommend PanOxyl and other benzoyl peroxide products as part of acne treatment plans, especially for inflammatory acne. The antibacterial and unclogging properties of benzoyl peroxide make PanOxyl effective.

What is stronger than Differin gel?

Prescription retinoids like tretinoin (Retin-A) and tazarotene are stronger than over-the-counter Differin adapalene gel 0.1%. Higher strengths like Differin 0.3% gel require a prescription.

How long does it take for Differin to work?

Differin can take 6-12 weeks of consistent use to see full results in clearing acne and preventing new breakouts. Patience is required as it takes time to regulate skin cell turnover.