What Is It?
Adapalene is a vitamin A derivative called a topical retinoid. It helps clear acne by promoting skin cell turnover and reducing inflammation in the skin.
Non-prescription adapalene is available only in 0.1% strength.
Adapalene is topically applied usually once a day before going to bed to all acne-affected areas of the skin, and not just on individual pimples themselves.
Efficacy
Strength of Evidence
Average 54% reduction in acne after 12 weeks
Side Effects
Low
Low side effects and adverse reactions
Acne.org's Real World Take
This topical retinoid medication provides partial relief at higher prescription dosages, but don’t look for complete clearing. Relatively affordable and comes with less side effects than tretinoin, the other affordable topical retinoid. As a bonus, it improves the look of skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles a bit too.