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
September 15, 2011
Cons:
Bad breakouts first 3 or 4 weeks only
Hi evybdy OMG its great i m using it for last 3 months for my cyctic and other acne problems first few weeks bad breakouts but i did nt leave to use and after that it ll b clearing ur acne faster n u ll completly clear after 3 months the people who left it for initial breakouts i request dont leave to use this it ll work wonderfuuul m so happy with results very amazing product
August 4, 2011
Pros:
Cheap with insurance.
Cons:
No change in acne.
Plain and simple, this did nothing for my skin as a teen and did nothing when I was once again put on it.
August 29, 2010
Pros:
-I used little sample tubes, and it did clear up some big zit
-a little less oily
- only apply at night time(opposed to 2 times a day for some topical gels)
Cons:
- takes a LONGGG time to work (3 months, and STILL no results!)
- huge zits that don't go away
- dried my skin out
I've been on it for 3 months, it DESTROYED my skin!
I've never had that many pimples, but I wanted to get rid of the one's I've had. and I knew acne was supposed to get worse before it got better... BUT it has been 3 months, and it completely destroyed my face! I have acne everywhere!
I NEVER got zits on my chin, but now I have them , and they won't go away! (showed up around my 2nd month of using it and still here...) I do NOT recommend this product! Seriously, not even worth ANY money.
November 29, 2009
Pros:
it will clear up most acne
Cons:
it dried out my skin to the point of pain and made me extremely sensitive to the sun.
it will clear up most acne, but it will dry up your face painfully. you will become very sensitive to the sun. it's much too harsh for sensitive skin.
November 17, 2009
Pros:
I haven't seen any yet
Cons:
Dries out skin, makes it red and makes my acne worse
I'm on Duac, and my Dermatologist decided to have me use the Duac in the morning and the Differin at night. I've been using it for about two weeks and frankly, I haven't seen any improvement in my skin my face has actually gotten worse. If the acne weren't enough, my face is incredibly red and I've got little dry patches all over my face.
November 9, 2009
Pros:
Helps clear pimples quickly and easily.
Loving this treatment.
Only been on it about 5 days and already have seen improvements. And also if you breakout more while on this treatment, don't worry,it's a normal step in the process of getting clea
Cons:
None.
This treatment is just great.
For mild acne this is amazing treatment.
I hear it's expensive but I got mine free :D
October 31, 2009
Pros:
Free from doctor. No side effects. Not overly drying. Has not worsened my acne, overall skin is clearing gradually. Have been some periods completely clear, right now I still have some spots though.
Cons:
Not as fast as I would like, I still have acne after 2 months, it seems to be the same, although I feel that if I hadn't have taken this my acne would have worsened.
My mind isn't made yet. I'll give it a couple more months, but I am pretty sure this isn't going to be the cream where I say <There. That's what cleared me>. You know?
October 7, 2009
Pros:
Used consistently, and in moderation, Differin gives you desired results.
Cons:
Sunlight sensitivity, initial increase in breakouts, redness/dryness/peeling
If you choose to use this product, you MUST commit to it. There is no way you will achieve results if you use the product once or twice a week. The product is very effective when used correctly. For myself, I would wash my face in the evening, apply the ointment before bed, then wake up in the morning to wash my face. Initially my skin became more red & irritated, a few more pimples popping up, but within the first 6 weeks it began to settle. There was 1 month's time in which I had a consistently severe series of breakouts all over the front of my chin. Through frustration, I aggressively applied more than suggested, making the appearance of my skin blatantly worse. If and when you do use this product, use it as consistently as possible to reap the ultimate benefits while keeping the "violent" stages to a minimum. When your skin appears worse, DO NOT apply more than only a small portion which provides a thin layer over affected areas. Use oil-free lotion/sunscreen to counter sideffects
September 28, 2009
Pros:
Skin has a smooth texture. All blackheads are gone. Cystic acne scars have substantially faded
Cons:
My skin flaked HORRIBLY. My oily skin became dry, but I remedied that with Oil of Olay moisturizer with SPF 15.
I'm using this in conjunction with Doxycycline 150mg (oral antibiotic) and there is a noticeable change in my skin every week. I take pictures every Friday to document any change. I'm African-American and this gel made my skin red and very tender. The redness and tenderness went away after about a week. Do not overapply the gel, a little goes a VERY long way. If you overapply this stuff, your face will feel like fire. Also, my insurance covers this prescription, hence the price I paid for it.
September 24, 2009
Pros:
Less acne in the first 2 days! This is defenitely better than anything I've tried. (Struggling with acne for 4 yrs.) Have been prescribed tretinion(RetinA), minocycline, doxycycline, enzyme chemical exfoliants, scrubs, salycylic, ect. This works!
Cons:
My severely oily skin is slightly dry. Using an oil-free moisturizer takes that away. Expensive w out prescription insurance.
I have spent thousands on derm and prescription dead ends. This product (differin gel) used with .5 benzyl peroxide (benzak) is the only treatment plan that is successful. Please try this if you're looking for a solution desperately! (as I was) My acne was SEVERE! Cysts, papules, pustules, redness, pain!! Be patient when first starting..... If it doesn't start working immediately like it did for me!!!!
Pros:
Does greeeeeat work to clear ur acne its wonderfuul amazing gel