Galderma R & D, Valbonne, France.
Adapalene and tretinoin are molecules used in the topical treatment of acne vulgaris. Commercial formulations (adapalene 0.1% gel and tretinoin 0.025% gel) were mixed with equal volumes of commercially available benzoyl peroxide formulation (10% lotion) and subsequently exposed to light over 24 h. With and without exposition to light, adapalene exhibits a remarkable stability whereas tretinoin is very sensitive to light and oxidation. The combination of benzoyl peroxide and light results in more than 50% degradation of tretinoin in about 2 h and 95% in 24 h.