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 27, 2006
Used it for about 2 months now with Doxycycline Tablets (1 per day).
The first week my face almost completely cleared up but after that it went back to my old self. I just kept using the tablets and cream and now 2months later the acne is starting to reside and im seeing more and more clear skin each day! Just gotta keep at it for a while =]
October 11, 2006
i used this for a few weeks and my face got really dry and super red, but it was like the differin had unearthed all the acne hiding deep down. after a week or so, my face went back to normal, except completely clear, and with no acne. watch out! don't go tanning... i took a 15 minute nap outside and got a bad sunburn
May 28, 2023
Ruined skin barrier
I used Differin 0.1% (sandwich method, pea-sized amount) and it ruined my skin barrier. My skin was extremely dry and painful and it did not help my acne.
November 22, 2021
Use it for 3 months to work
You must use this for 3-6 months to see results, and continue to improve over 1 year. You may need to also use a cleanser with benzoyl peroxide, at least for 1 of your 2 daily cleansings. I really like CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser with 4% BP. Adapalene by itself was pretty good but not 100% effective. Together these are working really well for me. I have had acne for 30 years. I used the Acne.org BP Regimen for 20 years, and it really saved me. But I recently discovered Adapalene 0.1%. For moisturizer, I still love Dan's regimen moisturizer that has jojoba and licorice extract, it is an excellent product.
Main reasons I switched from The Regimen to BP cleanser plus adapalene:
- BP bleaches fabrics, so by using as a cleanser in the shower, I can rinse it away and save my clothes.
- Less flaking compared to leave-on BP. I have almost zero flaking with this new combo, with less moisturzer.
- Retinoids like adapalene actually make you look younger: smoother skin texture, more even skin tone, smaller pores.
Good luck to you.
September 3, 2020
Be consistent!
This medication truly takes time to work. You have probably read that before, and it is true. I started getting large breakouts during the beginning of Covid around my chin and on my cheeks. I went to a dermatologist and the doctor advised I developed hormonal acne and prescribed me a topical called Clindamycin. I was told to apply it twice a day and was recommended to also use it in conjunction with Differin. After watching videos on how to apply Differin (protecting around the eyes and mouth with a thick ointment) I started my journey. Around month one I didn't notice much of a difference in acne, but I did notice my complexion was looking much more vibrant and healthy. Around month two is when the real purging started. It would get really bad, and then okay, and then really bad again. The medication works hard to pull up deep clogged pores to the surface of your skin, and that takes time and can look really inflamed. I started to get breakouts in areas where I didn't have any issues which was discouraging. I tried my best to think positive and remind myself that I am the same person with or without acne. I will admit I started this medication at a good time since everything was closed in my city, and there was no real need to be seen or wear foundation. Month 3 finally came and my skin is now looking clear of all active breakouts. My skin is so smooth! I do have post acne hyperpigmentation (mostly red dots on my cheeks), and I am now starting a new routine to help speed up that healing process (those marks will fade with time don't worry). I am going to continue to use Differin throughout the entire year because I know my skin is going to continue to improve with time as it is not perfect. My honest advice is to stay consistent! I haven't missed a single application in 3 months. And maybe see your dermatologist to see if you should be using something else along with Differin to help speed up the process. Also do not touch your face or pop any of your acne because it will make things 1000x worse in the end. <3
September 20, 2018
Week 8 using Differin-still purging
My skin has never been even close to as horrendous as it is currently, on week 8 of using Differin gel. Derm told me to push through a few more weeks, as it should start to improve any day now. But my current review of Differin is that it's the worst thing ever and has ruined my entire face and skin. Hopefully, that changes soon.
September 9, 2018
Life changing
Differin is the only product to finally clear my cystic acne.
I am 38 years old, and started my battle with the dreaded chin cysts in my early 20's.
I will share my story in hopes it helps you.
I am red head and fair skin that is not only sensitive and reactive but also partly oily and was prone to painful, ugly, embarrassing cysts. All of the other acne products caused redness and flaking. An old boyfriend once told me, Eew, it looks like your face is peeling off. That was horrifying. No amount of makeup would help and actually often made it look worse. As I have become older and became more established in my career it has been even more embarrassing to show up with acne.
So anyways fast forward to today, September 2018. I discovered Differin OTC in May 2017. I was afraid of the dreaded purge and other side effects of retinoids like flaking peeling and dryness. So I started VERY slowly. I mean i used a pea sized amount once every 3 or 4 days. And lots of gentle moisturizer. And NO OTHER ACNE PRODUCTS. I emphasize because i had literally no negative sode effects and I think it was because I was serious about being careful. About 3 or 4 months later I was able to use Differin every night. I can honestly tell you I have not had a single cyst since May 2017. And I did finally get one this month, but it helped me realize it's been over a year since I had to deal with a cyst, and that's not bad. So i did end up going to my Derm for a cortisone injection, and she recomend I move up to the stronger Rx Adapalene now. Apparently it might aslo be good for wrinkles so that's cool, too.
February 13, 2018
Didn't do anything... :(
I've used it daily at night for two months. I have inflammed, red pimples that are scattered near my temples and both of my cheeks, and I dab a small amount on the affected areas. After two months, I'd have scars from pimples I got 2-3 weeks ago. Some new ones always pops up, and I can never prevent them from coming up. I can't say that the Differin did anything to my skin though--it didn't speed up the healing process, nor make my acne bad. I'm still going to keep using it, to see what will happen in maybe 6 or so months.
November 11, 2017
I can tell it works but still purging
I had a pretty bad breakout in July that seemed to not get better so finally in September I decided to try OTC adapalene. I've been using it for 2 months now and my skin has significantly improved on my nose and around the nose/inner cheek areas but my jawline, chin and forehead are breaking out endlessly. Around week 5 my skin did clear up 90% but then my period started and all hell broke loose. I'm trying to stay patient and wait out at least 3 months. At this point I'm not sure how much of the breakout is due to the purge and how much is due to my hormones possibly being wacky. I've read so many reviews on this product and seems like most people's purge phase lasts 8 weeks which makes me feel discouraged. I'll keep pushing through for at least another month.
September 14, 2017
Scary
I've never had sever acne ( I am 20 year old male)..I do get pimples but not the huge ones ...I tried Adapalene (Differin) and after 4 days I got 4 huge breakouts(Big,Red,) ..The initial breakout is just too scary for me..I stopped it...I'd recommend to use azelaic acid gel or Cream for acne ...It's Far More Effective and It also Cures Pigmentation and scars (It blocks melanin) ...Just research about azelaic acid for acne..Far more Better than Benzoyl peroxide ..
reading this, im glad it helped u but im so disgusted by your "old boyfriend". how can he say that to you? ugh, people like him are so gross and you shouldnt feel hurt by shallow people.![(:]( "(:")
happy your skin is healed.