Topical Retinoid
Reviews
3.2
1910 Reviews
Topical Retinoid
Efficacy
54%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
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
Side Effects
Low
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.
Read All About Adapalene (Non-prescription)
Compare To Other Treatments
5
17.5%
4
30.4%
3
22.6%
2
17.1%
1
12.4%

Used Adapalene (Non-prescription)? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
July 3, 2007

Pros:

Makes your face smooth and acne free. It will zap a new pimple immediately.

Cons:

irritation and peeling. Also doesn't help with pigmentation.

I ve just started it and it seems to be doing well (so far) I tend to feel a bit burning after I wash my face but that may be from my cleanser. besides that it's effective for huge, painful pimples. Just have to stay consecutive with it.
June 12, 2007

Pros:

works mean

Cons:

none

hey guys i love this cream as i play professional sport i need a cream that is easy to use and effective. love it
May 24, 2007

Pros:

it did clear up some blemishes (no substantial improvement)

Cons:

awful irritation, reddening of the skin, wasn't really that effective in clearing up the spots taking into consideration the price

nah, don't bother. benzoyl peroxide is a better alternative
May 13, 2007

Pros:

Works great and gets rid of acne.

Cons:

None

After switching from Benzaclin this has been great. It works even better if you take 5 grams of B5 a day with Differin. I use Differin at night and Clindamycin in the morning.
April 2, 2007

Pros:

makes pimples smaller and eventually clears you up

Cons:

dryness,skin looks greasy, takes 2 months to see decent results

it is pretty good but i had a pretty bad break out in the first 3 or 4 weeks which scared the sh*t out of me and it took a little while to heal up..things are going pretty well now and i have been on for about 9 weeks
March 2, 2007

Pros:

Isnt too harsh for sensitive skin

Cons:

takes time to work

Ive used this for nearly 2 years but only as a direct spot treatment and when I feel a huge one coming up under the skin. Ive never used it all over my skin. I have both the gel and cream and have found the gel most effective- it dries very quickly and I use this in a morning on top of spots, under make up. Too much can be drying but nothing more than a tiny bit of flakiness. Its not a miracle cure but I do feel it helps dry out spots and prevents them becoming huge if you catch one early enough!
February 25, 2007

Pros:

Makes my skin ALOT less dry, i can actually talk and smile now, got rid of some really annoing acne on my chin in just the first week

Cons:

I am still undergoing the purging week so i wake up with either a little more acne or a little less

I used to have very very dry skin and i could barely open my mouth or my skin would break, when i wear differin my skin is perfectly normal and i can speak and smile, i already love this product and ive only had it for 6 days
January 7, 2007

Pros:

It has made my skin 85% better, and I've only been using it for one month
one tube lasts a long time

Cons:

Causes dryness (moisturizer fixed this)
price ($35 for one tube, but it's a matter of having the cash all at once, because one tube does last a long time)

I think it is worth it to give Differin a good try of several months. It has made slow but steady progress on my skin, and I didn't notice any change (bad or good) for 3 weeks. My doctor said it could take as long as 8 weeks to see a change. Now it is working and the pores on my nose are beginning to get smaller and when I do get pimples, they disappear much faster than they used to.
January 6, 2007
SILICOL SKIN. OVER THE COUNTER AROUND 10 QUID EXCELLENT FOR DRAWING OUT IMPURITYS AND DRYING OUT OIL WITHOUT DRYING SKIN CONTAIND NATURAL INGREDIENTS NO STEROID AND IS GREAT CANT GET ENOUGH.
November 17, 2006

Pros:

..

Cons:

....

IF you guys want a cream that actually works try BENZACLIN.. that worked really good for me when i was in middle school. but i stopped using it and when i tried to use it again it didnt work because of discontinued use... but its really good. and about differin.. i dont know.. im getting really scared with all the bad coments about it. im going to start using it today.. and i dont know if i should..

Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.