Ingredient pairing

Can you mix Adapalene and Papain?

Q: Can you mix Adapalene and Papain?

These clash. Retinoids and exfoliants both speed up cell turnover, so together they tend to stack irritation and can wear down your barrier. Use them on alternate nights rather than the same evening.

ClashThese clash.

Adapalene Papain

Retinoids and exfoliants both speed up cell turnover, so together they tend to stack irritation and can wear down your barrier.

Do this: Use them on alternate nights rather than the same evening.

☀ Morning

Nothing here

☾ Evening

AdapalenePapain

Use on alternate nights, not the same evening.

AdapaleneWorth paying for

Acne10

Efficacy9

Anti-aging7

Skip if: pregnancy, breastfeeding, very sensitive

Not in pregnancy

PapainPromising, not proven

Efficacy6

Acne4

Anti-aging4

Skip if: very sensitive, rosacea, compromised barrier, papaya allergy

Ask your doctor in pregnancy

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General guidance, not medical advice. When in doubt, introduce one product at a time.