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
April 30, 2009
Cons:
Burns at first, larger zits take longer to heal
I originally bought this in May. At first, it did not work for me, but I gave it a few weeks and now it works really good. I'd highly recommend washing your face before applying it because it's not as affective if put on while your face is somewhat oily.
April 19, 2009
Pros:
First couple of days, thought it was starting to work. It does bring everything under the skin to the surface.
Cons:
Dries my skin, burns, can't wax (bad experience!), I too have noticed more SCARRING. It was for my face but I started to notice pimples forming on my neck?!
I really didn't like this product. The cons over weighed the pros.
Now I feel like nothing will help. :(
March 29, 2009
Pros:
loss of redness
Cons:
uncontrolable breakouts!!!!!
I've been using the product for about 6 months ( 16 years old, and the acne just started showing up ) and I put it on every night. I get nervous at night, because I never know if I'm going to wake up and be a little more clear, or wake up with more zits.
It's worked with getting rid of redness but I still get tons of breakouts (white heads, and P ance). Everytime I ask the dermatologist for something else he tells me that's the best and most powerful thing they have.
March 26, 2009
Pros:
Works after about a month and keeps skin clear and even toned. I was amazed since nothing else had EVER worked for me.
Cons:
It made my skin worse before it got better, but my doctor told me that would happen. Have to put it on when face is dry at night, or it will get irritated and itchy.
Get it. It really works, but you have to be patient. Do it when you will be comfortable with the wait. I did it during summer so i would be nice and clear for the new school year. :D
March 21, 2009
Pros:
Easy to use and only once a day
Cons:
Dried out skin, redness, itchiness.
It worked for the first 3 weeks but then the acne got worse thatn it was before I started Differin
Does not work, it makes it worse
March 20, 2009
Pros:
cleared up some of my acne
Cons:
it made my skin very red and dry. then i would wake up in the morning and my skin would be oozing, peeling, and swollen. It also discolored my 80% of my face.
i would definitely not recommend this to anyone. my skin, despite having no acne, looks horrible. right now, my skin is oozing and itching.
March 19, 2009
Pros:
It clears up acne for me in about a week if I use it twice a day. It really does work; however, I have to stop using it due to cons below (pain, too dry etc).
Cons:
Intensely dry up my skin so much that I cannot even move my face after a shower. It also leaves my face super shiny like glossy plastic. Makes my skin red too. Relatively painful. Doesn't prevent more acne from developing though.
It's good! I would recommend it to treat acne temporarily....
March 16, 2009
Pros:
*I have oily, ethnic hyperpigment combination skin*
provides a glowing, fleshy and rosy tone
reduces inflammation of active spots, and helps the appearance of dark residual spots. I've noticed that it evens out the oiliness in my skin
Cons:
adjusting to what amount works for you.. my derm provided free samples, and i used one tiny tube per night.
people who have dryer and more sensitive skin may consider differin for only spot control
keeps my face under control. i can tell the difference without one night's use. i notice my face is even in tones, oiliness, and it might be individual results, but it causes appropriate rosiness. (I appreciate not having to use blush. other people may disagree)
February 9, 2009
Pros:
My pimples do seem to disappear quicker, as long as I dont pick at them and cause them to scab over. Pimples are smaller.
Cons:
Haven't really seen any improvement, if anything it is getting worse. I dont have as big pimples as I did before but there seem to be a lot more. Made my skin really dry and peeling.
I hear that it can take up to 6 months to get completely clear so I will probably stick it out until the Summer then try something new if it still isn't working by then.
February 8, 2009
Pros:
got rid of acne, odorless, easy to use,
Took about two weeks to clear up face, even over night you will see a difference in pores and redness. A little goes a long way. didnt get rid of those pesky black heads though. Covered through insurance.
Pros:
Clears small zits overnight.