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:
takes a little while for it to start working.
BEST PRODUCT...it cleared up all my acne without the redness and peeling. this is sooo much better than proctiv!! just give it some time because it WILL work!
September 14, 2007
Pros:
Was easy to use. didn't get the burning flaky redness as I did with other products
Cons:
must use sunscreen on treated area
I love this product. i havent had cloged pores or any blemishes since my second week of using it.
August 20, 2007
Pros:
Clears skin with minimal irritation (compared to retin-a or benzol peroxide).
Cons:
Takes several months to achieve results, major breakouts the first few weeks of use which is frustrating.
Differin is very effective and cheap with a prescription. However, it takes several months to achieve clear skin. The first several weeks my skin was covered in pimples. This was very frustrating and I felt defeated. My derm told me it would take 8 weeks to see results, so I stuck with it. Now I have clear skin. The people who have given Differin poor marks, are generally people who gave up after a week or two. With Differin, you need to be patient. Another plus is that Differin is less irritating that benzol peroxide and retin-a, I didn't experience the extreme redness and irritation that I did with those products.
July 23, 2007
Pros:
I no longer have the deep, painful pimples. I no longer get breakouts on my forehead or around my jawline. I don't get big whiteheads. My skin feels tighter and stronger.
Cons:
Severe breakouts and extreme drying and flaking for up to 3 months when you FIRST start, especially if you have sensitive skin.
IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT AT FIRST, DON'T GIVE UP! The product changes your skin and builds a new outer layer over time. Doctors say it takes a few weeks but it really may take a few months. After 6 months, my skin was nearly acne-free, with the exception of a few monthly PMS-related breakouts. Ask your dermatologist for an oil-free moisturizer that has antibacterial properties, like Metro Lotion.
June 29, 2007
Pros:
after 1 month of use, i never had any new acne. it is really easy to use also, no side-effects for me.
Cons:
causes a bit of itching during application, but it doesnt bother me.
i'll definitely keep on using it, to maintain my clear skin(i used to be called poke-face), it works perfectly for me. but, in the case of my friend, it doesnt seem to be as effective. so i guess the effect varies.
March 21, 2007
Pros:
cleared up in about 3 months.
Cons:
very bad initial breakout. still some breakouts here & there.
for me, differin cleared up my skin in about 3 months. i still get some breakouts right before menstrating tho. Very drying but, can be solved by moisturizing skin regularly. works well, but i think for me i need some thing stonger to prevent breakouts.
March 16, 2007
Pros:
Clears up forming pimples while fully developed ones naturally go away. It really works well, and it didn't cause any redness.
Cons:
Makes some people peel alot, and takes a while to see results.
Its a great product.
Tips: Drink LOTS of water.
Be patient
Wash face with Cetaphel soap
Moisturize with Cetaphel mosturizer
Use SMALL AMOUNT of Differin ONCE A DAY
Tell yourself that the acne is going away!
February 14, 2007
Pros:
Clears up skin pretty well
Convenient, easy to use
Fairly inexpensive with insurance
Cons:
Caused dry, flaky skin
Takes three months for full effect
Still get occasional break outs
Didn't do much initially. Starting works around three months in and it worked great. Everyone complimented my skin, it was as nice as it had ever been. Unfortunately, it seems that the cold winter air makes the medicine almost ineffective or something. Since the air has been getting dryer, my acne has been getting worse. Using more of the ointment only dries out my skin more and causes it to flake. If the same thing as last year happens, it'll clear up in the spring. The cold months are still annoying, however.
December 18, 2006
Pros:
It helped for awhile. 2-3 months.
Cons:
made my skin feel tight. stopped working.
at first this stuff was really good! i noticed that it did clear up my skin. but then near the third month on it, i began breaking out badly again. yuch.
December 17, 2006
Pros:
None I can see
Cons:
Major acceleration of break outs on initial use
Following 2-3 weeks of extra acne - which the instructions do fore warn - Differin has had no benefit on my moderate acne.
Even after using it for a few months, I'll put it on at night and have a red face for the whole morning the next day.
Pros:
clears up every trace of acne.