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
February 1, 2009
Cons:
It doesnt work!
Don't use it unless you have an inflamed pimple that you need to get rid of faster...
January 30, 2009
Pros:
Skin is smoother, less oily, certain acnes clear up quicker, and it settles into skin quickly before bed.
Cons:
The initial "it gets worse before it gets better" is no fun.
I'm sticking it out to see what happens b/cuz that's what the doc & pharmacist says. Broke out badly the 1st week, this is only my 2nd wk, but I will update after 6 wks, after my follow up visit with the dermatologist. My pores are looking a bit smaller too. CAUTION: Benzoyl peroxide CORRODES skin.
January 20, 2009
Pros:
Cream is not drying, skin is clearing up.
Cons:
Gets worse before it gets better. But be patient!
I've been using this for more than a month and it's really clearing up my skin, I am getting little to no zits. My skin is fair and sensitive so I was worried how it would work. The first two weeks I broke out horribly, but around the 4th week, things cleared up so much! It's important to use as directed, all you need is a pea-sized for your whole face, that tiny amount will be effective. Give it a try, but you have to try and stick out that purging phase!
January 19, 2009
Pros:
After over a year on Differin, I am almost completely clear of any major blemishes. In combination with a topical antibiotic and AHA, I am more happy with my skin that I have been in 13 years. It's not perfect, but Differin has changed my skin.
Cons:
Takes a long time to work, and breakouts don't completely go away. You MUST BE PATIENT.... it took four months for Differin to really work for me.
Differin worked for me.
January 16, 2009
Pros:
Started seeing results in about a week (NO JOKE!!!), makes skin very smooth, i think its great for oily skin types seeing as though it dries out my skin just enough so I'm not an oil slick, makes pores smaller too, works well with blackheads
Cons:
none
I am twenty one and I've had acne since I was 11, its persistent acne on my forehead, I've used the Retin A Duac combo and it worked I had clear beautiful skin, but after about a year it lost its effectiveness. Now with Differin Gel 0.1% its working but for how long, while it is a great product, I'm afraid it may lose its effectiveness. I use it in the morning with Neutragena bar soap and Cetaphil moisturizer with SPF 15 and at night I use it with Cetaphil facial wash for all skin types and moisturize with the Cetaphil moisturizer with SPF 15, i think I might get a higher SPF just to be on the safe side, I didn't have to pay anything because my aunts a nurse and she hooks me up, LOL
January 8, 2009
Pros:
Using the .3% for about a month and I am still getting new pimples but they do not stick around as long or seem as severe. This is strong stuff, it does take some getting used to (I have very sensitive skin.) And don't forget the SPF!
Cons:
Very dry skin (though that may also have something to do with the time of year) and some flaking at my chin and around my eyes. I've been taking care of this with good moisturizer and Aquaphor on the flaky parts at night over the Differin.
I was using this at night with Klaron during the day but it turns out I am allergic to sulfur. I only use the Differin at night (my derm suggested I use it every other night if the flaking gets bad or painful, I haven't really had to do that yet). The people who complain about increased acne a week (or even a month in) have not read the prescription information. It takes time for your skin to adjust to the medication. She told me to give this at least two or three months and that's what I'm going to do. I'll admit that it was rough for the first week or two but it worth it to stick it out. (side note, I've noticed that the flaking isn't as apparent when I don't wear a ton of creamy make-up. Try powder for a while instead.)
January 3, 2009
Pros:
Feels better than BP.
It works wonders
Little goes long ways.
Cons:
I dont have insurance so cost. 140 a month :(
This is an individual review and this stuff works for me.
I am asian, male, and live in the valley of CA. I started taking this a week ago and it worked wonders. I didn't feel any of it's "nasty side effects" because i think my skin is very resilient, which was nice. It actually felt really nice on my skin. It controls the cystic acne pretty well and helps heal resisting lesions very well, for me anywas. I am taking mynocycline too, but that takes at least 2 months to work.
I don't have insurance so this thing cost me 140 bucks a month. but i was paying 80 bucks for proactive every 3 month, so i guess it evens out.
I have to say though, persistent is key. My breakouts didn't get worse at first, it got better. Also i am on the Paleo Diet so that helps ALOT!! Sticking with it, no matter what therapy, will give you results in the end.
I'll get back to review this when my therapy is over.
December 31, 2008
Pros:
Seems to be working
Cons:
None yet
I think a lot of people didn't follow the directions on this product. You are supposed to use an extremely minimal amount and only on the affected areas once per day. Also you need to continue with that for a few months for it to work. It is not magic. I'm currently on day 3 and it's already working quite well. I am taking antibiotics while on the Differin for my skin.
December 28, 2008
Pros:
AMAZING FOR BLACKHEADS ON THE NOSE IN PARTICULAR
Cons:
MAKES NO DIFFERENCE TO NORMAL ACNE
Use only on the nose where your blackheads are in conjunction with Clearasil Deep Pore Treatment lotion - i spent 6 years using every available anti biotic and every available cream or gel, the ONLY one which made any difference was this lotion made by clearasil!!!!!
December 26, 2008
Pros:
Uhm... it comes in a gel??
Cons:
Doesn't work. Made me break out even more. Dried out my skin a lot. Can only get it by prescription. Annoying commercials (lol)
After using this product, I woke up the next morning very hopeful. And when I looked in the mirror, I was ready to throw a fit. I noticed all of these little whiteheads starting to grow and my acne was really inflammed. I know that the directions on it said that your pimples would appear to be worse at first, but then clear up right away, so I believed it and decided to use it for a few more weeks in hopes that it wasn't lying. Turns out it was. I had to stop immediately when things got way too bad, and after reading different reviews on this, I've noticed that a lot of other people have had this same problem too. There is no chance in hell that I would ever recommend this product.
Pros:
iv been using it for more than a year now and i dont see any touched results