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
May 4, 2009
Cons:
Doesn't really work
I was perscribed this medication by my dermatologist and I was very hopeful. Of course, I was COMPLETELY let down and it did basically nothing for my skin...everything stayed the exact same :(
March 27, 2009
Pros:
The only pro about this product was the price. It was affordable and easy to use.
Cons:
I started using this gradually as recommended, 2x/wk. After about 3 applications, I broke out with a cluster of cystic acne. I had started using this product for several comedones and ended up with WAY WORSE acne!!
If you are not prepared for your acne to be two times as bad as when you start, then don't use this product. I wish that I had never put this on my face. Now I am using Prednisone and antibiotics to try to calm this mess down.
March 21, 2009
Pros:
Differin made my skin really dry at first. Especially around the mouth area. But I must say after about 4 months of use I do see an improvement. But if I miss one night I can guarantee a breakout within a few days. I'm afraid to stop using it.
Cons:
Takes awhile to kick in. Can be costly w/o insurance.
It's ok.... if you are diligent.
March 2, 2009
Pros:
Pretty Much stopped new ones from appearing and minimal side effects compared to the benzoyl peroxide which made my skin red and peeled real hard
Cons:
had a small amount of peeling in a small area around the side of the nose for around 2 days then it stopped
Works pretty well, easy to apply once a day.
February 8, 2009
Pros:
Creme Version in not greasy and shiny, absorbs quickly
Very SMALL amount of irritation as compared to Tazorac gel
Very short time span of initial breakout
Cons:
Slight dryness, facial redness
I have been on Differin for approximately three weeks, and my skin looks amazing. I was suffering from DAILY breakouts, non-stop. My derm. recommended I stop drinking skim milk (which I was drinking every single day with cereal). The instant I got on Differin, and stopped drinking skim milk, my skin was glowing. I didn't have ONE breakout. Then of course, my skin had to adjust to the Differin and I had very small amounts of little bumps due to the expected initial "breakout" after about a week of use. I'm now at 3 weeks of use and I am very pleased...
January 25, 2009
Pros:
I'm using the Differin cream and it is working so well. My skin almost looks smooth...with most of the little bumps gone. I used to get many tiny bumps on my forehead and some on my cheeks but my skin has really cleared up. Pores looks great too.
Cons:
Only con is that it can be drying so I put moisturizer on over it. I wait til the differin is dry and then I put the moisturizer on. Seems to be doing the trick.
I recommend Differin for anyone that has annoying and resistant bumps and acne. It really has done a great job for me. I've been using it now for about 2-3 weeks and I have had none of the initial breakouts that some people say they get. My skin looks much better and I really do recommend giving it a try. I have tried so many topicals and this has worked the best. Items like ProActive work the first couple of times but then stop working and I think the daily wash is too harsh. Benzoyl peroxide is horrible for skin.
January 21, 2009
Pros:
NONE YET
Cons:
MY FACE IS A WRECK AND I AM A MODEL!
I DON'T KNOW BUT I'M ON MINOCYCLINE EVERYDAY TOO! I CANT FIGURE WHAT IS CAUSING THIS I JUST LOST ALLOT OF WEIGHT AND NOW THIS! HELP! I DON'T KNOW WHETHER TO RECOMMENDED IT YET OR NOT BUT MY FACE IS LIKE A SHOT GUN BLAST!
January 20, 2009
Pros:
a little goes a long way, use 1x a day
Cons:
dryness, how it makes you face look worse than ever
I have been using it a few months and at first I liked it, then because of the dryness, i would stop and then start again. for about a month now I'm using and I hate how it is worse before it is better but it is helping, I use it every other day since it drys out my skin and was burning. I'm just not sure what to use with it?
January 4, 2009
Pros:
dries out the cyst like areas gradually and seems to prevent breakouts in its tracks
Cons:
increased sensitivity, dryness and flakiness. i only use it on my jawline but have noticed that my eyelids are really sensitive and all in all face more tingly. only use at night.
I think it works with time and but I am using the 0.1% so may ask for my next prescription to be higher. you must use a good moisturiser, gonna try the jojoba oil as suggested here on this site.
December 30, 2008
Pros:
None
Cons:
I've been using Differin for about 4 full months now and it has made my acne worse. Even though I expected it to make it worse for a little while, it shows no signs of improvement.
Not worth the time.
Pros:
Clears up SOME pimples