Acne.org Products
Topical Retinoid
Efficacy
54%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
Note: Prescription and over-the-counter adapalene share the same efficacy percentage due to non-specific research, but prescription strength likely performs better.
Topical Retinoid
Acne.org’s Real World Take
This topical retinoid medication provides partial relief at higher prescription dosages, but don’t look for complete clearing, especially at over-the-counter strength. 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.
Topical Retinoid
How to Get It
This is an over-the-counter treatment. Here are some places you can find it online.
Used Adapalene (Non-prescription)? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
September 2, 2008
Cons:
expensive...even with insurance
i don't have severe acne, but i've had random pimples around my chin, cheeks, and hairline since i was a teenager. i've used this product for a week and a half and the redness of the pimples seem to be getting worse, but from what i've read that's expected. any red areas that i did have prior to usage is now clearing up. don't start using everyday at first. your skin has to get used to it. and definitely avoid around the eye area too. i got too close to my eyes on accident and the area felt chapped for a day or so. i'm going to continue use of this product. in general it is getting better, so over time it should be all cleared up.
August 30, 2008
Pros:
easy to use, doesn't cause any irritation
Cons:
don't know if it really works?
I've been using the product for about 4 months and it seems to have made an improvement in my skin, but after 4 months it's not quite was i was expecting:( I've been using it in conjunction with a clindamycin lotion, but the results are not that great
August 25, 2008
Pros:
Cleared my adult onset acne with no dryness(used Differin CREAM not gel!)
Cons:
Kind of pricy but worth it in the long run
This has been life saving. My face started breaking out in my mid 30's and got worse each year. I use this 3-5 times per week at bedtime and my skin is CLEAR and SMOOTH. It is not drying but I think the gel might be. Go for the cream it DOES WORK!!!
August 17, 2008
Pros:
Makes my skin smooth.
Cons:
None yet.
I can't write a full reveiw for this product left, because i've only been using it for a couple days. The acne has gotten a little better in some parts, hasn't peeled yet, doesn' burn/sting or anything. Although it has gotten worse in others. I'll come back in about a month to write a report.
August 11, 2008
Pros:
Gets better fast!!!!!!!!!!!
Cons:
It starts to work and then it gets worse. I use it twice a day. Once in the morning and once at night. I might have to use it more offen or less offen!
I might have to start using it with another face wash or take menocyclene with it!!!
August 9, 2008
Pros:
It doesn't smell. Goes on easy. Don't need to use a lot.
Cons:
Exspensive!!! Caused dryness and flakes.
I've been suffering with oily skin and severe acne since freshman year of highschool(2000) and my first ever visit to a Dermatologist was in May of this year(2008). I finally went because the acne started to spread to my neck, chest, arms, forehead and back.
The first treatment she suggested I try was Differin 0.01%. Because its so exspensive she handed me a bag of free samples. I've been using it in combination with Neutrogena Acne cleasning gel (saclyic acid) and Neutrogena Astringent for about a week off and on because it really dries out my face. Hearing from other commentors that it gets worse before it gets better gives me hope because my face is not looking good at all. I have combinations of white and black heads and they are clustering up everywhere, not to mention the nickel sized cyst that just popped up on my cheek this morning. Talk about uninvited guest! I'm going to use it consistently like the others recommended. I'll be back to share my results in 4 weeks.
August 1, 2008
Pros:
Worked very well in conjunction with a daily regimen of Benzaclin.
Cons:
My skin became slightly more photosensitive during treatment, but no big deal. As with any other topical treatment I've tried, my skin eventually became acclimated to this product and it lost its effectiveness.
Worth a try!
July 29, 2008
Pros:
Reduces redness, seems to work
Cons:
- Expensive
- Causes peeling first week
- Runs out fast if you use it for a large area like the back or chest
A dermo put me on Differin (the cream version) at night and Benzaclin in the morning. I'm not sure which one is doing more, but my face and back acne look better. I didn't have amazing results the first few days like some people; instead, it's been a slow and steady improvement over the past two weeks. I've had only two new pimples on my face since I've started. The red spots on my cheeks have faded considerably... only to reveal dozens of icepick scars :( Without insurance, Differin is $145.00. Thank God my insurance works for this!
July 21, 2008
Pros:
None
Cons:
This product does not work it makes acne worse never better.
After spending $165 on this product with no results. I decided to try just one more drug store product. After looking through the acne products I spotted Acnomel. It has solved my acne problems and only 8 bucks. My regimen is wash with proactiv cleanser, then proactiv repairing lotion, then spot the major problem areas with Acnomel.Apply repairing lotion and acnomel with a makeup sponge never your hands. Also try not to wear makeup because acnomel is tinted and makeup clogs pores making my acne worse.>>>Clearer skin overnight yay!
July 10, 2008
Pros:
have been using it for 2 weeks. friend recommonded it to me...it works well for him. so thought i tried
Cons:
the instruction say it will get worse first b4 it gets better
have been on this for 2 weeks....and it does say it gets worse first. and i think im on that stage right now...cuz its breaking out like crazy with huge zits too. so hopefully it will subzise after the next few weeks! cuz im beginning to hate myself for this grrrr
Pros:
smooths skin, clears acne, doesn't burn