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 7, 2009
Cons:
Dosn't prevent new pimples, works better with other medications, initial breakout, doesnt dry up pimples completely, takes a long time see improvement
I've been on differin for 5yrs and when I first started using it I really saw no difference until I used it with benzaclin and adoxa pills. Since I stopped the benzaclin and just use differin, my skin has been breaking out more which means differin isn't as effective on its own.
August 7, 2009
Pros:
In combination with emu oil, cleared my forehead and nose. Somewhat cleared my cheeks.
Cons:
Dries out skin, slightly irritating if you don't use a moisturizer after!
You need to be consistent if you plan to use this. Also, applying moisturizer immediately after applying Differin is recommended! After consistent use (once a day for a year) my forehead acne is completely gone, and my nose has cleared too. However, my cheeks still have acne so I can't say that Differin has completely worked for me.
July 12, 2009
Pros:
reduces acne, scentless
Cons:
doesn't completely clear skin, very drying, makes skin extremely sensitive
overall, good results, but it won't give you perfect skin and you'll definitely experience dryness
July 11, 2009
Pros:
It works and doesnt dry out my skin. Like Ret-A peels me and burns.
Cons:
That you cant just go to the store and buy what you want. I mean i am so sick of the good stuff being something you have to deal with through a dem and pharmacy. That other stuff they sell at the store is a joke.
It works wonders for most people but sucks cause you cant get it without a dem and pharmacy and most insurance wont pay for it when you are in your thirties like I am.
June 29, 2009
Pros:
it cleared a bit my forehead in the 6th week
Cons:
irritation, pain. and poverty. it costs so much! being a teen, using my allowance to save up for derm appointments, acne surgeries and medication. its also a bummer to have falling self-esteem bcoz of acne. i sometimes dont want to go out of the h
i dnt knw if itl work 4 me but still w8ing 4 the good effect. hoping for the best.
June 25, 2009
Pros:
Eay to use
Cons:
First month red peeling skin qute un comfotable>
I have used differin for 4 months. I had deep blackheads and pimples didnt look too bad, but up close was noticable.Still have break outs but my doctor said it could take up to 6 months for my skin to get everything out.So will have to see.
June 5, 2009
Pros:
I don't have a lot of acne all over. I get the huge, under-the-skin painful cysts on my chin at least once a month. I have very sensitive skin so I started using the 1% cream 6 months ago and I haven't had even 1 of those pimples since.
Cons:
It's very expensive. My insurance won't cover it, and it runs about $200 a tube. A tube has lasted me 6 months.
I would recommend this for anyone with an acne problem. I'm very happy with it.
May 28, 2009
Pros:
cleared up acne well, easy to use.
Cons:
dry skin, gave me real facial redness that im trying to battle now
im off differin now, seeing if the redness subsides but tough to say
good product if your skin can handle it
for me was combined with 2% clindamcyin
May 13, 2009
Pros:
My derm perscibed this when i had these buumps all over my cheeks. i started using it and in about 2 MONTHs it went totally away.
Cons:
takes long to work totally. Got them back after i stoped using it. when i used it in other pplaces on my face i got acne there
A good product for mild acne but only on certain places. Takes a while but in the end works wonders!
March 31, 2009
Pros:
Smoother skin, less blackheads.
Cons:
During the beginning, when your skin is getting used to the gel, you may feel increased warmth when in sunlight. Slight drying.
I have been plagued by blackheads for a little over ten years. It's rare when I will actually get pimples. I have tried practically every over-the-counter medicine you can think of. Nothing worked. I have oily skin, so some items would dry my skin out, which would help moderately some of the time. With Differin, my skin was noticably more sensitive in the first week or so. I didn't have the monstrous breakout everyone keeps saying they got in the beginning. I have been using it for about a month now and I am so grateful for this prescription. My skin appears more clean, even-toned, and the blackheads have started to disappear. I know it won't work for all skin types, but I am definitely a believer. I used the name brand, so that's why I ended up paying so much; but next time I'll get generic and be able to save myself a grip of $$.
Pros:
Impoves existing acne, doesn't dry out my (oily) skin, odorless,