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
November 25, 2007
Cons:
Takes a while to work, can dry skin a bit.
I got prescribed this along with tetracycline & the results so far have been quite good. My skin has definately improved since I've been on it. I think the people that say their acne got worse by using this may be applying it wrong. You don't put it on your full face, just the affected areas. And also it doesn't dry my face as I moisturise twice a day so I'd say definately moisturise if your going to use it. I use Neutrogena Visibly Clear oil free moisturiser which is working well. Overall a good product :)
October 31, 2007
Pros:
My insurance covered it.
Cons:
Doesn't work at all.
I agree with Star from Minnesota. I used this junk for 8 weeks, and it made things worse in the first few weeks. At the end of 9 weeks, my skin may have been back to where it was before I started (not good). I used it "by the book," waited to apply, used a pea-sized amount, etc. I tried this after 8 weeks of Retin A usage, which did nothing either. I give up.
October 28, 2007
Pros:
oh, just stupid magic trick at the beginning
Cons:
using differin was like suicide : INITIAL BREAKOUT
my friend intro it to me. so i tried it. and it worked! pimple gone in 3 days. [but i soon figured it out that it was one of the stupidest thing i've ever done to my LIFE.] ok, lemme tell my horror movie frm the start. i ran out of the gel. so i decided to get another one. there, the pharmacist intro me to skinoren. so i thought of giving it a try. it worked my PIH off. miracle. i finished the cream. decided to get another. and somehow i wanted to try differin again. so i stupidly bought one. i used it with confidence of course since it proved well at first. ALL OF A SUDDEN, i get a PUSS-full face. WHOLE face was yellowish whity bumpy idiotic pimples.almost killed me. i could cry!! i re-read all the reviews again, they said i may get the initial breakout at first and it will soon be perfect. i trusted those words. BUT suddenly my life was so awful with people everywhere looking at me and commenting about my face. TERRIBLE!!! use it if u dare.
September 26, 2007
Pros:
none really
Cons:
i used it once every night for about a year now and it hasnt done much for me.
get something elese
September 25, 2007
Pros:
No severe side effects.
Cons:
The effects are not very helpful. Acne has gotten worse.
Useless. Removes the top layer of skin and worsens the acne by spreading it. Results in tender, reddish skin. Not recommended.
September 15, 2007
Pros:
i liked what it did to my face, really cleared things up
Cons:
it didnt work on the pimples i had on my buttocks. i didnt ask if it would help when i went to the dermatologist but i decided to try it anyways. very red where i put it.
dont use on your under carriage intense burning and redness
August 28, 2007
Pros:
Very good on pimples you juz notice(those hard 1 without head)apply at nite nx morning almost gone..works well with my current mild acne...BEST gel ever
Cons:
develope some pimples before healing...
well if it heal whu care if it develop a few b4 healing all...Its currently clearing my face left a few pimples n small red scar..well scare heal in 6mths^^
August 5, 2007
Pros:
Flawless skin after a month useage.
Cons:
Serious burning sensation for a few hours aftering applying and washing off the medicine doesn't help. Eventually this lessens. Some flaking and redness the first month.
The best product for acne I have ever used. Despite the side effects, it is definately worth it.
July 21, 2007
Pros:
decreases inflammation, less oily skin
Cons:
but skin can get very dry, and photo-sensitive
Worth it, when used in conjuction with BP [5%][after the Adapalene is washed clean, of course] and Salicylic wash [2%]. It's better than when I was using Retin-A, because of the anti-inflammatory qualities. I store my tube in the fridge - very nice to get two cooling effect at one go.
July 20, 2007
Pros:
this product worked very well for me! after a week my skin was more healthy and very clear. just make sure you use a throughly clean face wash before applying! and make sure you continue doing this everyday to see results!
Cons:
it might dry out your skin a little, depending on your skin. and just like any other acne medication, it may not be right for your situation or your skin.
it cleared up my face very quick and its the only thing that really worked for me.
Pros:
Effectively clears acne.