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
July 9, 2009
Cons:
Applied it just like it said. Avoiding the eye area. Got my eye brows waxed, and my skin came off with the wax strip. My eye lids were peeled and scraped. My skin is sensitive now too.
It should have said "no waxing" but it didn't. It thins your skin I was told after by the pharmisist. It's a good product to use a few times a week. And it has helped with oiliness. But I am very careful now when using the product.
July 7, 2009
Pros:
I used this a few years ago, then didnt refill the bottle until just now (I'm lazy). Last night it cleared up little pimples that Ive had on my chin for months! It's so light and clean feeling. Works fast and effectively
Cons:
can be pricey but for me its worth it
its worked great for me every time I've used it. Ive tried lots of other acne products that are heavy on the skin and dont feel clean. I dont feel like im doing a disservice to my skin by using this product. It doesnt dry me out or cause any irritation. It isnt effective on all kinds of acne but for all those little annoying bumps that werent quite pimples but werent going away it worked wonders. Id definitely recommend that you give this a try.
June 25, 2009
Pros:
Didn't have any horrible outbreaks.
Cons:
Made my skin red, oily and clogged my pores.
While I didn't have any terrible outbreaks while using this, it made my skin look terrible. In fact, I was just as self-conscious about my skin while using this product as I was when I had significant outbreaks. Everyone's skin is different, so I'm sure this works for some people, but if you find your skin oily and red after using it, stop now. I kept at it for months before switching to another product--don't make that mistake.
June 11, 2009
Pros:
smaller pores, cleaner pores
Cons:
persistent and continuous new zits and nodulars
clears up blackhead and after 3 months usage, zits and nodulars keep coming out. maybe not my cup of tea..
June 6, 2009
Pros:
I just started using this product..so far so good!
Cons:
no cons as of yet.
I have been reading some of the other reviews. There are a few bad reviews where people have had painful skin or redness and peeling. My doctor advised me to gradually start using this product. For the first week I apply it for an hour befoer bed then wash it off. Second week 2 hours before bed then wash it off. Third week 3 hours befoer bed then wash off. Fourth week 4 hours befoer bed then wash off. By the 5th week your skin should be used to it enough to leave on while you sleep. I will let you know how it goes. Anyways if people are having bad reactiosn with it I think this method of slowly increasing the time it is on your skin is better than leaving it on your skin for the full time you sleep iniitially.
May 15, 2009
Pros:
It was Free as I live in the UK and it is paid for by our health service, clears up acne
Cons:
burning and soreness can occur
Good Product - and clear up the acne well (but you have to be patient)
May 4, 2009
Pros:
Clears much of mild-moderate acne conditions VERY QUICKLY. Seems good for oily producing skin because of its significantly drying effects.
Cons:
Anything more than a pea-size may be detrimental to your skin because it can cause burning and redness. May not work on cystic acne completely or extra-sensitive skin.
I have used it for a month and seen differences in as little as several days. My face is smoother and tighter. If used properly and kept away from more sensitive areas, where the skin is thinner (e.g. under & corner near eyes or creases of the nose), then it may have excellent results.
March 19, 2009
Pros:
cheap
last long
Cons:
drys skin out
skin started to peel
burning!!!!! pain!!!!!
no results
it burns like hell and it drys my skin out very bad
it even burns when I put on lotion
March 10, 2009
Pros:
The tube lasts long.
Cons:
The outbreaks are not cool.
Takes too long for a visible difference
I think my acne is worse with differin than without. But I am willing to stick it out for a number of months since it gets worse before it gets better. I certainly hope it gets better, coz I look like something our of a skin horror movie.
March 7, 2009
Pros:
Doesn't dry out your skin
smooths out the bumps
heals the acne
Cons:
Small amount of purging
I have mild to moderate acne with some light scarring and hyper pigmentation where old acne has healed. Differin has healed most of my acne in the three weeks I have been using it, applying it before bed to both face and back. My back is almost completely clear, though the purging there was much much worse than it was on my face. However, I will continue to use this religiously, as it has helped me so much!
Pros:
Seemed to dry up my skin. Didn't irritate my skin too bad the first few weeks. Easy to apply. Works well for back and chest area.