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
December 29, 2010
Cons:
leaves my skin a little dry, but if you consistently use a skin lotion (i use aveeno) this problem can be easily solved
this is my miracle cream, I LOVE IT
May 10, 2010
Pros:
Does get rid of acne - prevents the formation of clogged pores (ones that turn into blackheads, whiteheads, and pustules) and under the skin bumps (ones that turn into cysts). Took me only 1-2 months to see good results.
Cons:
Makes skin very sensitive to sun and other irritants, especially if used everyday or with another harsh medication such as benzoyl peroxide. Flaky skin and burning but these subsided within a month or two.
So Differin Gel 0.1% was my life saver for nearly 2 years with regard to acne. The results for me showed up within a month. I decided to stop using it recently since I became prone to sunburn this year. However, a few weeks after stopping, I developed about 5 cysts, as well as several pustules, around my face in places where I noticed some clogged pores. Verdict: I am 95% sure that Differin Gel 0.1% was the reason why I did not have much acne for a while. I had already eliminated stress, harsh chemicals, and poor hygiene from my regimen. I will try this again, but using it every other night, with clindamycin lotion every night. I might exfoliate with jojoba oil as well for the flaky skin. For your reference, I am using Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser, with Cerave lotion and Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar (in the shower).
May 16, 2016
good
I've struggled with acne for over 10 years and this has been one of the best prescription products I have tried. I have literally tried everything. Differin has not only helped my acne but I noticed it helps the acne scars fade.
March 4, 2012
Pros:
Cleared up my moderate acne completely
Faded acne scars
Cons:
I had a really bad side effects in the first week. I had dry patches that turned into open wounds. I actually recently couldn't get to the doctors to get a prescription and stopped using Differin for 3 weeks. My acne came back and when I finally got time to get to the doctors and got Differin again I had the same bad side effects.
I love the product it is the only thing that managed to clearly stubborn acne. I have had clear skin for a year now and have finally got my life back, I can walk out the door without any makeup on and feel confident. For me that is the best feeling, I just don't have to worry about acne any more!!! I am so glad I sticked with it when I got the really bad side effects.
August 13, 2011
Pros:
Clear, beautiful skin
Lightens pigmentation scars
Gave me a better self esteem
Worked the first week
Cons:
Burns for 10-20 minutes after applied
Flaky areas
I feel as if I'm one of those really lucky few who saw results the first weeks and completely skipped the initial breakout. I am 15 years old and have had acne pretty bad since I was 11, it brought me to tears to see myself finally with clear skin! Acne does so much to a teen girls self esteem its overwhelming with a world full of beautiful girls. I would never lie by saying the product worked wonders for me and is improving my entire lifestyle. Before I started using it, I was really scared about all the bad reviews, but I've been through so much I figured it was worth a try. Night one, I applied it and the next morning woke up to results, not big ones, but noticeable. Every night this continued and with every day there were better results. I only got 2 new pimples over the course of using Differin and it was because I picked at 2 of my little bumps:P I know, not smart. I completely understand that this product doesn't work for everyone, but what else can you expect when everyone has their own different skin with it's own special needs. If your considering trying Differin, I say go for it since it certainly helped me out. I'm sorry for anyone it doesn't work for but just give it some time and I'm sure improvements will come. Differin beat up my acne and I will forever love it!
November 8, 2010
Pros:
-Prevents/clears most of my breakouts
-Has been the only medication that has actually helped me manage my acne
-Only have to use once per day
Cons:
-Very costly without insurance ($280 for 45 grams)
-Drying
-Burns/stings sometimes, even after 4 years of use
I've been using Differin 0.1% gel for about 4 years now, and although it has not completely cleared my acne, it has worked the best out of all the other products I've tried. I still get breakouts from time to time, and my skin is definitely not perfect, but it is certainly better than what it was. My major complaint is the dryness. My skin is somewhat sensitive, though, so others may not have the same issue.
February 20, 2010
Pros:
Does help some, especially with white heads and black heads
Cons:
Didn't clear my skin
After reading reviews I was afraid that it would completely dry out my skin. It caused a little irritation for the first few weeks, but not when I use it it doesn't dry out my skin at all. I felt like it was working on and off, but after months I went to a dermatologist for something new. She told me that this is better for white heads and black heads, but doesn't work as well for the big red ones. Something that I noticed but didn't think much about. If you just have black heads and white heads I would recommend it, but I you have anything more than that it isn't worth it.
March 27, 2013
Pros:
Clears;
whiteheads,blackheads,pimples and pustules
Cons:
Leaves face red
Not so good for hyperpigmentation
Use this cream.
I have tried everything literally everything, I've always suffered from acne through puberty especially from whiteheads which then become angry pustules and papules, I've been on this cream for 12 weeks and I kid you not I look in the mirror and haven't seen my face and complexion this bump free for about 3 and a half years , people who succeed on this cream won't post on here , only the negatives because the people who it works out for forget about having to write reviews !!
April 7, 2011
Pros:
-Great on sensitive skin
-Odorless
-Significantly decreases the size of pimples/decreases redness
Cons:
None really
As a longtime sufferer of acne, I feel like I have tried every product on the market, including an unsuccessful chemical peel treatment. I have very sensitive skin and tend to scar easily every time I break out. I highly recommend Differin for breakouts-it does not irritate my overly sensitive skin, and greatly reduces the size/redness of my pimples in a short amount of time-safe to say overnight as well! I use this consistently whenever I have breakouts and it never lets me down.
March 14, 2011
Pros:
Goes on smooth
Works well at first
Reduce the amount of oil on skin
Cons:
After a while does not do anything
I got differn from a family member and it was recommended by a friend so I tried it. I worked pretty nicely for the first 3 months, but I feel like my skin is just immune to it now. Now it doesn't really prevent or get rid of my acne or maybe I just can't tell. I feel like I can do without this product because I'm still breaking out weekly. But I do think It's worth a try if your acne is less serve.
Pros:
goes on clear, seems to work overnight (my acne seems to disappear when i wake up), it takes a little longer on bigger pimples but clears all the smaller bumps right away, no smell