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 5, 2008
Cons:
Swollen face, skin peeling and blochy, really stings, there wasnt a cream that i could find that would sooth the burning that the gel caused on my face i was in agony and it made me ill.
Do not use this! i have used it for one week and refuse to keep using it because im in pain. My face feels like its on fire and any creams i use makes it worse, i dont no what to use to sooth it - i stopped using it two days ago and my face is still peeling and stinging!.
January 9, 2008
Pros:
for me...low irritation, gel is a nice consistency. Dramatically improved skin.
Cons:
expensive, occasional trouble with peeling and burning but nothing major. takes a long time to work
I'm 27 and have used this for 6 months now. I saw some major improvement around 3-4 months, but I have seen a dramatic change in my skin over the last couple of weeks. It has really made my skin texture really nice, and my face is bright and vibrant looking. My pores are small. And I rarely break out anymore. I recommend this product but IT TAKES TIME. You have to be VERY patient with retinoids. Expect an increase in acne at first but eventual clearing. You will probably not see much change for the first 3 months.
August 21, 2007
Pros:
-If you use it with Benzaclin, it works really well!
Cons:
-Doesn't work well by itself.
Differin doesn't work well just by itself. You have to use another acne product to get results. My dermatologist prescribed me both Benzaclin & Differin. In the morning, I put on the Benzaclin and at night, I put on both the Benzaclin & Differin. Together, they work like a charm.
October 25, 2009
Pros:
Good product
Cons:
doesnt clear pimples fast
ive been on this product since September 5, 2009 and ive only had a couple of my pimples on my forehead and it is still taking a while to clear up i don't now how long it would actually take too see results. EXPENSIVE PRODUCT!!
May 20, 2009
Pros:
It did not smell or make my skin peel
Cons:
Pretty much everything else
It drew out all the pimples .. but it never made them disappear. My doctor was expecting all the pimples to come and the skin to eventually peel (thus, renewing the acne-affected skin), but this medicine just delivered all the blows and never redeemed itself. I eventually switched to this new medicine (Atralin - Tretinoin 0.05%) which eventually treated my acne.
December 26, 2008
Pros:
I used Differin 0.3% Gel for about 12 weeks now and IT CLEARS YOU UP! I had moderate acne with a million blackheads and it got rid of almost all of my pimples and some blackheads. It works
Cons:
Extremely drying at first, gets your skin sensative, is better at preventing acne then treating existing acne.
I would really recommend this product.
August 20, 2008
Cons:
i'd rather be using something more natural and safe
This is my second time using the differin 1%. The first time I was taking it with Clindymicin and the antibiotic made me sick so I had to stop. This time I went to a different dermatologist and he has me washing my very sensitive skin with cetephil cleanser, and using a hydrating cream in the morning. Then at night I repeat the process but apply the small amount of differin. Its working so much better. Anyone, especially people with sensitive skin should use this hydrating cream though. Its called MD Forte Replenish Hydrating Cream. Its used by alot of people on retinoids or people who have had laser treatments and its great for irritated skin, dry skin. My aestician said the biggest reason people get the dry, flaky skin from differin is that they aren't keeping their skin hydrated.
August 8, 2008
Pros:
It really cleared up my skin, my acne was severe and it started working immediately
Cons:
it costs a lot of money, and it makes your skin break out before it really works
this is a great product that i assume works for most people
May 9, 2008
Pros:
It works, could see results in two days.
Cons:
mild burning of skin especially when exercising and slight drying around chin area.
First thing that has worked for me after spending hundreds of dollars at beatitians on various treatments and products. I am a 36 year old mother of two girls and stay very fit and healthy and was feed up with having bad skin constanly.If you find yourself in this situation see your doctor you wont regret it.
February 28, 2008
Pros:
Doesn't smell bad!
Cons:
Doesn't work or hasn't yet!!
I have been using differin since 12/10/07 it is now 2/27/08. So almost 3 months and have yet to see any good results. I have tried literally everything and was hoping this was it. I know it's still early, and I should ride it out another month or so, but after this long I should have so kind of results...right? I have had a little drying out but am still breaking out consistently!!! MY Skin looks horrrible. I just want clear skin...that's it!
Pros:
NONE!