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
August 13, 2008
Cons:
Can cause peeling and burning if too much product is used. Can be expensive. Results not immediate.
I've used Differin for about six months. Overall this is a great product. It is not however for individuals looking for a quick fix. The product will cause your acne to get worse after you start to use it. This is how the product works. You have to get existing blemishes out first. Trust me, it is well worth it in the end. Also, much of the dryness can be avoided by using only a pea sized amount. Dryness is normal in the first few weeks and can be reduced by applying the cream every other night for the first several weeks. Also, after working in a pharmacy for the past five years, I'm amazed at how many people use Differin in the morning. Retinoids like Differin begin to break down when exposed to UV light. It should only be applied at night. After trying dozens of products over the years, I can honestly say Differin works better than any other topical product I have used. It is extremely expensive but worth every penny.
January 5, 2007
Pros:
little improvement...
Cons:
price, works really slow...
I've been using it for few moths for my bacne, seems it's time to change medication - I'm not satisfied with the results.
July 20, 2017
Great Product If Used Wisely
this product is fantastic if you use it properly.
you have to be careful with how much and how often you apply it. my skin care routine:
-cleanse with neutrogena hydro boost gel cleanser (very gentle, effectively cleans the skin, and leaves it feeling hydrated due to the hyaluronic acid)
*have hated every neutrogena product until this line.
-go in with cerave daily moisturizer after cleansing.
*product is fantastic b/c it has ceramides that promote healthy skin barrier function. *** I cleanse and moisturize twice a day*** Every other night, i moisturize and apply a PEA sized amount of differen to my face and gently rub it in. using every other night minimizes irritation that could exacerbate acne. i have seen results. they are not dramatic, as i am taking this slow but i did notice that it stopped a cystic pimple from forming (which is amazing).
August 27, 2016
Good product
I've used it for about a year and a half now, my skin has never looked better. i never get any visible peeling which annoys me because I feel like I could see its effectiveness if I did peel, but my skin looks good.
March 2, 2016
Increased oiliness and increased breakouts
I was on this gel for 5 months and my skin only deteriorated. You could fry an egg on my face with all the oil at the end of the day. My acne spread all over my face and refused to go away. My dermatologist put me on this gel after completing a 6 month period of accutane, and this gel undid everything that accutane had done for my skin.
September 14, 2014
just be patient ^_^
It really works from me, i'm using it for about 2 months (april and may) and stop and my blackheads on my nose came back. Then I decided to use it again I have been it from now for almost 1 week and my face starts to clear it again. I do have oily face and no need to use a moisturizer except for applying non comedogenic sunscreen like cetaphil in morning. For my facial wash, I've been in a trust of benzac daily foaming wash which is supposed to be in acne oily facial skin and its true ^_^ then after washing I apply soothing toner with aloe vera and chamomile extract you should do this every morning afterwards apply sunscreen. In evening just wash your face with your facial wash then apply a thin coat of differin gel.. and thats it ^_^
April 28, 2013
Pros:
Fades red marks
Worrks dude
Cons:
expensive but who cares
This stuff works. Plain and simple. It's not too irritating at all. Just use a moisturizer. It is slowly but surely fading red marks. In like 2-3 months it should fade them pretty decently. I also have had no initial breakout after a month so far.
July 22, 2012
Pros:
Odorless, fast acting, not drying, effective
Cons:
You have to ease yourself into this product, applying too much too frequently can break you out
I am using the .1% prescription, which has worked wonderfully to clear up my acne on my face, chest, and back. The key to success with this product is STARTING SLOW. My dermatologist told me to begin by applying a small amount every other day for the first two weeks, and gradually increase my application as time went on. I followed her advice, and I only experienced a minor breakout when I first starting using Differin--a painful (but singular) nodule on my cheek. It's been about 6 weeks since I started, and my skin has been responding wonderfully! My hyperpigmentation is fading fast, and I haven't had a new set of pimples in about 3 weeks. In addition to differin, I am applying Duac (5%) to my face, chest, and back as well once a day. I alternate between the two of them every other day.
May 28, 2012
Pros:
Easy to apply
Soaks into skin fast
Great for pustular acne
Works fairly fast
Cons:
Intial breakout
Initial redness
Dries out skin
I was on Accutane for 6 months 40 mg/day. Accutane worked really well, but after 3 months my acne started to come back. Thankfully it only came back in a moderate form, because before I had severe acne. I've now been using Adapelene twice a day (once in the morning and once at night) because I didn't want to go back on Accutane. I've been using it now for 2 weeks and I've already noticed that I'm getting less and less breakouts and my initial acne/redness is starting to fade. Acne does suck, but I think this is my solution to control and hopefully get rid of it.
February 18, 2012
Pros:
- lightweight
- doesn't dry out skin
- takes away excess oil
Cons:
- takes a while for it to work
- makes my skin itchy
So I've been looking at the reviews and I've noticed that people have been paying outrageous prices for it! So the price honestly depends on your country. Anyways, my doctor recommended I used this at night and then use Clindoxyl in the morning. Because of this regimen my skin is now clear! I've been using Differin for over a year now and I'm very happy with my results. I normally don't get pimples but when I do it takes a while for my pimples to go away. I would honestly recommend this product to anyone!
Pros:
Really does work.