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
March 11, 2010
Cons:
-Somewhat drying but not extremely
-It's not a miracle. It doesn't completely clear acne.
-Didn't help my PIH (post-acne marks)
This stuff is WAY better than Epiduo.
Along with Doryx, I'd say I was 70% clear.
The only moisturizer that did well with my oily skin with this was Formativ Oily/Combination Moisturizer by Ulta. Takes about a month to kick in. Don't get discouraged if your acne gets slightly worse in the first week or two weeks of use.
I liked this stuff, but I think I'll try Benzaclin.
December 5, 2009
Pros:
Cleared my skin of acne.
Cons:
Made my skin exceptionally dry and flaky.
I made it through my adolescence free of acne but that soon changed when I turned 22. My acne was still mild even on its worst days but something still had to be done. Against my mothers better judgment I refused to go to the dermatologist and ordered IQ Derma. Worst decision I've ever made. Prior to using IQ Derma my acne was localized on my forehead but after about a week of use the acne spread to my cheeks. I admitted defeat and went to the dermatologist and he prescribed Differin 0.3% to be used twice daily, Zoderm Hydrating Wash 5.75% Benzoyl Peroxide, and an antibiotic. I'm not taking the antibiotic for personal obligations but the Differin and Zoderm have been working beautifully. I was a bit hesitant using the Differin and Zoderm in combination because my skin is dry but a non-comedogenic moisturizer applied multiple times a day helps. To all those who feel like giving up and trying something new don't, good things happen immediately, great things happen over time.
November 25, 2009
Pros:
My scars and red/purple spots are reducing
Cons:
cant find any yet, though it is said to worsen acne for the first few weeks, not for me, my skin is not sensitive, did not get red or burn when i used Benzyol peroxide aswell
Use a pea sized amount, use more and it will itch more.
Dont go to commercial anti acne shops, go to a skin clinic or centre (government ones)
they are much cheaper, and they help alot more
i went to two commercial anti acne shops and they've worsen it for me
but thanks to a skin clinic i found a few month back, im getting much better
November 12, 2009
Pros:
made skin clearer for the first week
Cons:
dries out skin along the chin area and breaks you out by the second week.
I havent had much experience in this product but I feel like it could work. Sometimes it burns and I wouldnt sugest rubbing your face really hard because then it really burns. Just started using it a few weeks ago but I would suggest because feel like its gonna work.
October 24, 2009
Pros:
Smooth skin, reduces breakouts, gets rid of blackheads!!
Cons:
Dried out my skin INITIALLY
It works! I was prescribed Differin by my gyno to treat cystic acne on my chin. This is the regimen she prescribed for me... Differin at night and benzoyl peroxide in the morning followed by a moisturizer. She warned me that it would take 3 months to work and that I might experience dryness and peeling. I followed this regimen religiously...it has now been 2 months and here's my verdict so far.
My skin was very flaky initially and I would break out every day for a month but these pimples were nothing like those horrible, deep cysts I used to get before. They weren't deep at all and would fade very quickly. The moisturizer really helped quench my skin and the benzoyl peroxide helped dry the breakouts. During the second month my skin adjusted and is totally flake free. I also stopped breaking out. What's happening now is that all the remaining deep rooted cysts are coming to the surface but Im not getting any new cysts! Don't try this unless you're willing to stick it out to the end!
October 22, 2009
Pros:
Works for the first year for me
Cons:
Just stopped working after the first year. I used it for 1 and a half more years now I'm quitting
As everyone else said, this product must be used consistently and in the smallest amount. We're talking 3/4 of a pea size and don't rub into the side cracks of your nose because it'll inflame and make it flaky. For me it just stopped working. I use it consistently (every night) and I've been getting this acne patch on my forehead. Despite my good diet and exercise habits. Also be careful what you mix with. I used a glycolic acid anti-aging serum and I flaked so much that I could have filled half a teaspoon per day with my flakes. DISGUSTING. It's also very expensive if you do not have health insurance.
September 25, 2009
Pros:
Absolutely no pros
Cons:
Didn't make even the slightest difference on my skin.
I used this product for over 2 months with no avail. I did have painful cystic acne, the worst possible case of acne, and this product did absolutely nothing. If you do have large cystic acne you should seriously go straight to accutane. I used accutane and it's the only that that has worked, and I have tried so many products.
September 13, 2009
Pros:
Works, My severe acne is finally clearing up
Cons:
Very slow, Rather expensive compared to other treatments.
Ive been using differin for about 3 months now, and my swells of acne on my chin and cheeks are finally clearing up. I mix it with a dab of st ives night cream so my face doesent feel dry, after about 5 minutes it doesent feel like you have got anything on at all.
September 7, 2009
Pros:
Removed the acne I had before I used it
Cons:
Itching, drying, peeling, made me break out more than I ever had!
I was prescribed with differin since late June and I have been using it for more than 8 weeks. I was told that this product would clear up after 8-12 weeks. This is my 12th week and I'm just starting to see it clear up. My face is much softer now but the worst thing about this product is that IT had made me break out more than I ever had. I had moderate acne and it wasn't that bad but since I began using this product, so much more pimples shown up and caused so much redness and big bumps on my skin! I'm starting to see it calm down now but I've have seen it clear out parts of my skin. My forehead, temples, and chin have sort of cleared up, but I still have a lot my cheeks and a few on my jawline. My face is really gross now but I'm glad that I'm starting to see some goodness in this product. I guess I should be a little more patient with it but I can't stand how bad my face has gotten. Mainly this product is to make you face the ugly before the beautiful I'm just waiting.
August 13, 2009
Pros:
It works really, well, the gel consistency works and it's like you have nothing on your face (creams are really noticable) I didn't pay for it, my doctor rec. for me and i love it:)
Cons:
a little dryness, and that's about it.
it's really working for me so far, i've been using it for about 2 months and i see results. The product is supposed to be applied on at night before retiring as the instructions say so I have no problem going outside with it on because haha the sun's not out. and i've never had redness but that's because i applied a pea size amount (as the instructions said:) READ INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE APPLYING;)
Pros:
-Worked very well at clearing small, forehead blemishes.
-Worked pretty well to keep my face clear(ish)