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
July 2, 2007
Cons:
never was fully clear--always some pimples, and huge ones too!
this is okay. I still recommend this bc it really does get rid of newly, fresh forming pimples. doesnt really work on old pimples (u know those huge ones that linger and linger...).
May 26, 2007
Pros:
NONE
Cons:
Dry, Itchy, Pimples and made Acne worse
I have only ever had the occasional spot and when I turned 32 I got three on my chin. Admittedly I pricked then and used a scrub wich made it worse (big mistake). I was given a steroid cream coz my dermo thought I had ezcema but turned out it was acne. By using Differin it gave me more pimples!
May 25, 2007
Pros:
Will clear your face in the long run
Cons:
Takes a while before it actually starts working. You might get discloration of the skin. Can't get without a prescription.
Differin takes a while to work, stuff will get worse for a while, it makes the pimples a little bigger and it makes them come out faster and cnstantly, but that's the way it works. Not gonna lie, they get big and they hurt. It took about two or three months for me before I started seeing a difference. The thing is not to stop using it, even once your face clears up, let your dermatologist decide when to stop using it.
May 5, 2007
Pros:
It has not dried up my skin.
Cons:
I have broken out more somewhat, especially along my face-- along my jawline, its painful. And my face is somewhat more red than usual.
I have used this product for 2 weeks, after having cleared my acne for about 3 years, I had begun to breakout immensely and suddenly on my cheeks, jawline, and chin a lot more -- I went to a well known dermatologist who prescribed me an antibiotic to internally fight my acne and also DIFFERIN. I haven't seen any results really yet, and I'm curious to know if I will see clear skin ever. I am 22 years old-- so suffering with this kind of acne is a bit tough -- so any help would be great. Thanks!
March 17, 2007
Pros:
it did help clear some of the pimples.
Cons:
IT TOOK FOREVER TO WORK... I used it for 2 months before anything really happend.
Also, it is very drying. Be careful if using it with other products that are drying.
its ok..but deffinatly not an acne life saver or a wuick help
February 7, 2007
Pros:
I only have to use it once a day at night, doesn't dry out my skin
Cons:
A little pricey
Along with the antibotic Bactrim and Cleocin Pledget pads, my skin is starting to look so much better. I went to the dermatologist about 6 weeks ago and these were the first medicines that were given to me. My skin got worse for about 2 or 3 weeks, but then it started to clear up. I suffered from severe acne on my cheeks and I am now left with just scars. My doctor is going to give me my first chemical peel treatment to help get rid of the scarring faster.
February 5, 2007
Pros:
Works great
Cons:
Takes along time to work... 4 month's or better
My dermatologist put me on a full course treatment (oral) minocycline and differin during the day and tretinoin at night... if you are someone like me with occasional breakouts and dont mind spending 300$/month this will work for you
February 4, 2007
Pros:
No residue, no scent, easy to apply once a day when retiring at night, works
Cons:
dry skin, made my face sensitive(half and half as a con/pro), tightness when first applying
I have oily skin, and sweat a lot on my face, and sometimes my skin gets dry on my cheeks down, while my forehead and nose are oily, so my face is a combination of all sorts. I've been using Differin gel for a few weeks now, and I'm seeing results. My skin is smooth, it's not rough, and bumps are gone. My nose up has cleared beautifully(from the first week). You just have to be patient for at least the first two weeks, since that's when it really starts to kick in. I recommend using Cetaphil Daily Cleanser to wash every day since it's mild and non-comedogenic, and it works well with Differin. I'm just waiting for the red inflammation to clear up, although I know it's going to take some time. It's the only thing I need to get rid of. Also, I've been taking an oral pill, twice a day called Tetracycline with Differin. Insurance covered most of it. I only paid 5 dollars for Differin and 30 for the Tetracycline, so it was affordable.
January 20, 2007
hey i love his use it just damn use it
October 29, 2006
Pros:
made my skin a little worse than before (not a very big difference), but eventually cleared up with time.
Cons:
you have to use it all over your face, not just the problem areas.
I used it on the problem areas and ended up getting pimples where i NEVER EVER had problems before. the derm said it's b/c if you only use it on the problem areas, it's basically "pushing the pimples to areas that were clear before". It was horrible to have that happen, and what's worse - my skin scars SO easily, even when i don't pop anything so i now have 3 scars due to that. otherwise works very well. i only use it once at night and i like it. i still have a few little pimples monthly, but not nearly as bad as what i had before using the medicine.
Pros:
doesn't let the pimple leave a mark! constant application on a newly forming pimple will zap it away quick!