Deriva CMS Gel
✓ Medically reviewed by Morgan Ellis — Pharmacy Researcher · 8 years experience · Last reviewed: May 2026
⚡ Quick Answer — What is Deriva CMS Gel?
Deriva CMS Gel is a topical fixed-dose combination gel from Glenmark containing adapalene 0.1% + clindamycin 1% + moisturizing base — a 3-in-1 moisturising fixed-dose combination that addresses the inflammatory + comedonal sides of acne in a single bedtime application, with a hydrating base that significantly reduces the irritation of plain adapalene. Apply a thin film once nightly to clean dry skin. Build tolerance over 2–4 weeks. Pair with daily SPF 30+. Visible improvement at 4–8 weeks; peak effect at 12 weeks. Not for pregnancy or severe nodulocystic acne (use oral isotretinoin instead).
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What Is Deriva CMS Gel?
Deriva CMS Gel is a topical combination gel from Glenmark containing adapalene 0.1% + clindamycin 1% + moisturizing base. 3-in-1 moisturising fixed-dose combination that addresses the inflammatory + comedonal sides of acne in a single bedtime application, with a hydrating base that significantly reduces the irritation of plain adapalene. The fixed-dose format means you get all the active ingredients in a single bedtime application instead of layering 2–3 separate products — significantly improving real-world adherence and reducing the chance of irritation from over-application.
How Does Deriva CMS Gel Work?
Deriva CMS Gel targets multiple acne drivers simultaneously:
- Adapalene — third-generation topical retinoid; comedolytic and anti-inflammatory.
- Clindamycin phosphate — lincosamide antibiotic that targets C. acnes ribosomes and reduces inflammatory papules.
- CMS moisturising base — ceramide and glycerine-rich vehicle that buffers retinoid + antibiotic dryness, making the combination tolerable for daily long-term use.
The combination outperforms any single ingredient as monotherapy in head-to-head trials, with comparable irritation.
Uses and Indications
- Moderate inflammatory acne — mixed comedonal + papular acne
- Patients who failed clindamycin monotherapy — adding adapalene improves outcomes and reduces resistance
- Patients with sensitive skin who could not tolerate plain adapalene or tretinoin
- Moderate truncal acne (chest, back, shoulders)
Deriva CMS Gel is not for severe nodulocystic acne (oral isotretinoin), rosacea, or eczematous skin. Severe acne with scarring should be referred for oral isotretinoin.
Deriva CMS Gel Dosage and How to Apply
Deriva CMS Gel comes in 15 g tubes containing adapalene 0.1% + clindamycin 1% + ceramide moisturizing base.
How to Apply Deriva CMS Gel Properly
- Wash gently with a mild non-foaming cleanser, then pat dry. Wait 20–30 minutes for skin to fully dry.
- Apply a pea-sized amount to the entire affected area — typically the entire face. More gel does not work faster.
- Spread thinly across forehead, both cheeks, nose, and chin. Avoid eyelids, lips, mouth corners, and the inside of the nose.
- Once nightly on a build-up schedule: 2–3 nights/week for the first 2 weeks, then every other night, then nightly.
- Optional sandwich method for sensitive skin: moisturiser → wait 5 min → Deriva CMS Gel → wait 5 min → moisturiser.
- Daily SPF 30+ in the morning is mandatory. Both the retinoid (adapalene) and the gel base increase UV sensitivity.
- Wash hands after application.
- Be patient. Real visible improvement at week 4–8; peak at week 12.
Side Effects of Deriva CMS Gel
Common (worst in weeks 1–4, settles after):
- Skin dryness, peeling, mild scaling
- Burning or stinging on application
- Mild redness
- Increased sun sensitivity
- Initial acne flare or “purge” in weeks 2–6
Less common:
- Contact dermatitis
- Eczematous reaction
- Temporary hyperpigmentation on Fitzpatrick III–VI skin
Warnings and Precautions
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: FDA Pregnancy Category C (adapalene); clindamycin topical is Category B. The combined product is not recommended in pregnancy because of the adapalene component — switch to plain topical clindamycin gel + azelaic acid in pregnancy.
- Sun exposure: increased UV sensitivity. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is mandatory. Avoid tanning beds.
- Eczema, severe rosacea, broken skin: wait until skin has fully healed.
- Waxing, threading, laser hair removal, chemical peels: stop Deriva CMS Gel for 7–10 days before any of these procedures.
- Other topical actives: avoid stacking with high-percentage AHA/BHA serums, alcohol toners, or other retinoids.
- Antibiotic resistance: the clindamycin component drives C. acnes resistance with prolonged monotherapy. Limit course to 12–16 weeks unless paired with benzoyl peroxide separately.
- Children under 12: use only under specialist supervision.
Contraindications — Who Should NOT Use Deriva CMS Gel
- Known hypersensitivity to adapalene, clindamycin or lincosamides, or any component of the gel base
- Pregnancy or planning pregnancy (because of the adapalene component)
- Active eczema, severe rosacea, broken or weeping dermatitis on the area to be treated
- Concurrent oral isotretinoin therapy
- History of antibiotic-associated colitis or inflammatory bowel disease
- Children under 12
Drug and Skincare Interactions
| Combine with | Effect | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Salicylic acid wash | Compatible — complementary mechanisms | Use SA wash morning; Deriva CMS Gel at night. |
| High-percentage AHA/BHA serums | Severe stacked irritation | Avoid daily stacking. |
| Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) | Compatible | Vitamin C in morning, Deriva CMS Gel at night. |
| Niacinamide | Excellent companion — reduces inflammation, supports barrier | Niacinamide morning, Deriva CMS Gel at night. |
| Oral isotretinoin | Redundant retinoid effect — not additive | Stop Deriva CMS Gel during oral isotretinoin course. |
| Topical erythromycin | Cross-resistance with clindamycin | Do not combine. |
Storage Instructions
- Store at room temperature, 15–25°C. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
- Keep the tube tightly closed.
- Discard 6 months after first opening.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Related Alternatives on MedsBase
Other topical and oral acne treatments stocked on MedsBase:
- Epiduo Gel (adapalene + benzoyl peroxide)
- Clincitop Gel (clindamycin 1%)
- Saslic Foaming Face Wash (salicylic acid 2%)
- Retino-A Cream (tretinoin 0.025% / 0.05%)
- Retino-A Micro Gel (tretinoin microspheres 0.04% / 0.1%)
- Tretiheal Cream (tretinoin 0.025% / 0.05% / 0.1%)
- Tazret Forte Cream (tazarotene 0.1%)
- Isotroin (oral isotretinoin 5/10/20/30 mg)
Helpful reading: Tretinoin cream vs gel · Isotretinoin vs tretinoin · Everything you want to know about acne.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the moisturising base in Deriva CMS Gel useful?
The CMS (ceramide-glycerine) moisturising base buffers the irritation that adapalene + clindamycin would otherwise produce in a plain gel vehicle. It significantly improves day-to-day tolerability and is the main reason this combination works for patients who could not tolerate plain adapalene.
When will I see results?
Visible reduction in inflammatory papules at 4–6 weeks. Comedone reduction at 8–12 weeks. Peak effect at 12 weeks. The first 2–6 weeks may include a temporary acne purge — do not stop. Real improvement comes after week 4.
Is the initial acne flare normal?
Yes — about 30–50% of patients have a temporary worsening in weeks 2–6 as adapalene surfaces existing microcomedones. Drop frequency to every other night until the flare settles, then resume nightly. Stopping for the flare is the most common reason Deriva CMS Gel “does not work”.
Is Deriva CMS Gel safe in pregnancy?
FDA Pregnancy Category C (adapalene); clindamycin topical is Category B. The combined product is not recommended in pregnancy because of the adapalene component — switch to plain topical clindamycin gel + azelaic acid in pregnancy.
Can I use Deriva CMS Gel indefinitely?
The clindamycin component drives C. acnes resistance with prolonged use. Limit Deriva CMS Gel to 12–16 weeks unless you are also using benzoyl peroxide separately (BPO blocks resistance development). After 12–16 weeks, switch to plain adapalene + BPO maintenance.
Do I really need sunscreen with Deriva CMS Gel?
Yes — non-negotiable. The retinoid component thins the upper skin layer and reduces UV-protective melanin caps. Without daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+, expect sunburn, hyperpigmentation, and premature ageing — the opposite of what you wanted from acne therapy.
Can I wax, get laser hair removal, or have a chemical peel while on Deriva CMS Gel?
No — pause for at least 7–10 days before any waxing, threading, laser, dermabrasion, microneedling, or chemical peel. Resume after the skin has fully recovered (another 5–7 days).
Deriva CMS Gel vs oral isotretinoin — which is right for me?
Deriva CMS Gel is for mild to moderate acne. Oral isotretinoin (Isotroin) is for severe nodulocystic acne, scarring acne, or acne that has failed 6+ months of optimised topical therapy. Deriva CMS Gel will not clear severe cystic acne — do not waste 12 weeks finding out.
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| Strength | 15 g |
|---|---|
| Quantity | 1 Tube/s, 2 Tube/s, 3 Tube/s, 6 Tube/s |
Q & A
Deriva CMS Gel
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