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
October 14, 2007
Cons:
Have stopped using it and still have scars
It made me breakout really bad and was supposedly supposed to get better within 8-12 weeks, but I had reached 12 weeks and it just left my skin with red blotchy spots and some scars. Avoid this item at all costs. Try benzoyl peroxide or tea tree oil products, especially dessert essence. They have helped me a lot but I still have scars.
August 15, 2007
Pros:
Clears acne, Makes skin smoother, cheap on precription
Cons:
Makes skin slightly red and dry
I started using differin two month ago. My acne is mild to moderate but it really gets me down at times and i don't wanna go out anywhere. Its horrible. I was using dianette the contraceptive pill which worked so well it was great but began having extreme IBS and doctors adviced me to come off it. It did really help but of course my acne came back worse. When i started using differin gel my skin was slightly red for three weeks. The skin was also dry and tight. After a month my skin really improved and acne really cleared up at a slow pace. My chin started to become really red and sore it was really horrible and i didnt want to go out so i stop using the gel. I was to be blamed as was very impatient and started putting gel on more than once and i wasnt moisterizing. I have now started using again as chin went back to normal.I moisturize twice a day,only apply
thin layer at night and its working wonders and i have only been using it for a week. PATIENTS and MOISTURIZING is the key.
February 22, 2012
Pros:
Don't have any :(
Cons:
Burns, Peels and didnt fix anything. The area around my nose started to rip and peel very badly. I've been using this product for almost 4 months.
I wouldn't buy this product again.
August 9, 2011
Pros:
it will work on your skin but after a couple of weeks
Cons:
too expensive
I will use differin for ever
September 22, 2007
Pros:
Relatively cheap, no weird smells and it's not harsh to the skin.
Cons:
Will probably work if you use for 3 months straight. It's so gentle that it doesn't feel like it's working at all.
I saw some results after a 2-week period.
July 21, 2008
Pros:
It really does work! Trust me xD
My dermo gave me benzaderm to use it along with differin.
Cons:
Makes your face look HORRIBLE for the 1-3 months. Makes your skin peel moderately and sometimes skin will sting when applying moisturizers.
OK, people lets be real. When I first when to the dermatologist I was skeptical about this product didn't really think it would make much of a difference. Especially, the first 8 weeks into the treatment, Oh God, I wanted to cry. I looked so bad I had bumps ALL OVER my face =[ But when the 3rd month came around... My face became 90% clear!!!!!!! I couldn't believe it. Now for all of you just starting the treatment {JUST HANG IN THERE PLEASE} it takes time... It will all be over sooner than you know it. Think about the joy you'll feel when you wake up that morning and your face is clear! ::Smiles Brightly:: You'll feel like a new person ;D
October 19, 2007
Pros:
Clears acne within weeks, and helps it stay gone.
Cons:
Initial Breakout
Great product
December 4, 2011
Pros:
Clears skin!
Not over-drying
Inexpensive generic
Cons:
None!
Tried this when Tazorac became prohibitively expensive, very happy I did! Great for cystic acne and otherwise.
November 6, 2010
Pros:
-POSSIBLY helped clear my skin after 2.5 months, but only with the help of other products
Cons:
-gave me the worst acne of my life
-made my skin red and a little yellowish
-caused breakouts on my cheeks (I have never had a pimple on my cheek)
-made my acne painful
DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT USING THIS PRODUCT unless you are ready to endure awful, painful acne for the next 2 months! I warn you, it takes months to work and the acne in the meantime is unbearable. I am 22, in college, and did not want to leave the house the entire summer. My derm. prescribed other medications to go along with it, (another topical and Birth control) and that is only when my acne started to improve. I am convinced that the birth control solved my issue. Save yourself the aggravation and try something else!
November 24, 2009
Pros:
Been using it for 6 months, has cleared up my skin nicely with no side effects. I didn't have an initial breakout or any irritation but I had very mild acne.
Cons:
None related to the product itself. The cost is very prohibitive for me since I don't have health insurance, about $200 a tube.
Worth it! My skin is nice and clear now.
Pros:
None