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
February 23, 2009
Cons:
This is a product that provides real results after quite some time. As, there are some acne products that you see results with after a week. However, this product is definitely one that does not work that quickly at all to provide results.
If you are someone who has moderate to severe acne, then you are better off not using this product. As, I have mild to moderate acne and this product took quite a while for me to see changes in my acne with this product. So, overall, if you have mild or sometimes moderate acne you can give this product a try. But, definitely be prepared to have to wait things out to any noticeable results from this product. This isn't a product that I plan revisiting. As, I honestly don't find it to be aggressive enough towards providing consistent acne control.
November 11, 2008
Pros:
This stuff works good. I have been using it for 3 years--can you believe it?!?! I remember though, when I started, those first few months were rough! Actually, maybe even like 6 months or more BUT it works.
Cons:
It's a tough adjustment period! I was very sensitive to light (even just indoor light--not just sunlight). Your skin will go from dry to oily.
It works! Stick with it!
September 28, 2008
I just started DIfferin two weeks ago. And, I am rather afraid...my face had a bit of tiny bumps on/around my chin (but it's not always that calm...my face changes often)but since I've been on Differin, I've been getting worse acne around my chin and nose...and now on my forehead...little ones...and now the little ones clump so close together, they'll make random big ones. Very frustrating...I'm hoping it will get better, everyone seems to be saying wait through it, so I'm going to try to have patience, but I am not liking the idea of it getting even worse than it is now.
Not good.
Will give more results when time passes.
Thanks again to everyone with their input!
August 28, 2008
Pros:
Really does work very well on blackheads and acne. No odor. Only use once per day. Non-irritating if you use as directed.
Cons:
Expensive. Takes several months to work. Acne can flare up at first. Can be irritating as your face adjusts if you overuse it.
I've struggled with acne for 15 years. Differin really DOES work if you give it time. It makes blackheads and acne disappear, and it smooths your skin. Since it takes several months to work, and since it can cause an initial flare-up of acne, you will become tempted to give up. Don't! If you push through this adjustment period, the results will be awesome. I've used Differin twice. The first time I used it a few years ago, I used more than directed because I wanted it to work quickly. This was stupid and the instructions warn you not to do this. My face was so raw and peeling that my eyes teared if I touched my skin. I quit using it after a week or two. This time around I have used it as directed, using a pea sized amount once per day, and the results have been fantastic with very minimal irritation.
July 23, 2008
Pros:
Made my skin smoother, but still acne everywhere.
Cons:
If you're exposed to the sun a lot don't use it because I got a horrible reaction that didn't go away until I stopped using it for about 2 weeks.
I used Differin with Duac and they were going fine until the 5th day I started using it I walked around downtown and the next morning my face was dry, compleatly dry and hurt and burned and everything was horrible. If I tried to use the Differin I would cry. So I stopped for a while and now I'm back on both Differin and Duac but taking minocycline also. It hasn't made any improvement at all, but it doesn't hurt. I don't reccomend this to anyone with sensitive skin.
June 29, 2008
Pros:
my face cleared up a lot.
my skin looked better and better each day.
Cons:
too pricey, made my face peel, flake and burn. I had to stop using it because of that. I havent used it since, but i wish i could.
my acne cleared up, but my face stung and was covered in disgusting flaky bits of skin.
really good if you dont have sensitive skin. if you do have sensitive skin like me, be prepared to buy a face exfoliator, a really good moisturizer, moisturizing soap, and ice.
May 21, 2008
Pros:
It purged the acne that was deep within the skin and once that was over, my face cleared up considerably. (in conjunction with climdamycin)
Cons:
The first week my skin was super dry, flaky, and no matter how much lotion i put on my face it wouldn't go away! My lips were dry too!
The first week and half it seemed that my skin was getting worse! I started breaking out in places that usually didn't! But after that the little bumps on my skin started going away, the flakiness went away, and my skin was smoother. [ i have mild acne btw] The first time I tried Diffin (couple of years ago with the .01 dosage) it did not work for me, because I had very bad acne. This time around because of the milder state it seemed to work. I would not recommend this to someone with aggressive acne.
April 30, 2008
Pros:
IT WORKS...IT REALLY DOES
Cons:
drys out skin, lots of peeling, and CRAZY expensive without insurance. I have insurance, but without it it would have costed me $203.00
I have had acne, seriously, for as long as I can remember. I've never seen my face without pimples. I recently went to a dermatologist for the first in my life after years of being prescribed medication that never worked from my doctor. I've been using differin for about 3 wks and it works for me. I use differin 0.3 only at night and never experienced the "inflamed" stage maybe because my acne always been so bad I didn't notice it I'm also using an Oscion Cleanser 3% (sort of like Triaz), clindamycin pledgets, and I'm also taking zinc supplements. My face is significantly clearing up. I've suffered with depression and was very antisocial, but in these last few weeks I've been gaining confidence.
April 21, 2008
Pros:
It dries out your skin.
Cons:
It doesn't really work instantly and i didn't see any improvement over long usage.
I don't thinkit helped at all, i did not see any improvements within 3 months!
I still have the average amount of acne i had BEFORE i started using Differin.
January 15, 2008
Pros:
Prevents Breakouts, kills those evil red invaders!! lol
I have Health Insurance, so the price is severely dropped from over 100 bucks a month to around $7.50
Cons:
Sunburn hurts....bad. I find that whenever I have a soccer tournament, I get sunburnt pretty badly. Makes skin alot more sensitive.
ok, I'm currently using Differin .3% and it's working fantasticly for me. I'm using it with: Nic730 (Nicomide Supplement) and Duac (All Prescribed) I havn't had a single breakout since I've been using these products together, and it's been about 5 months. If you are going into the sun, PLEASE WEAR SUNSCREEN OIL FREE!!!!!! This is what I've learned after these past months.
Pros:
Isn't smelly and can provide some help towards acne control with extended use. And, I didn't find this product to really be irritating to my skin at all.