Differin
(adapalene)
Treats acne.
Our bottom line
Differin (adapalene) is commonly used for treating acne, but, it can cause skin irritation.
- Drug class: Dermatologic
- Rx status: Prescription or OTC
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (adapalene)
Upsides
- Differin (adapalene) is a good option for the treatment of acne.
- It is available as a cheaper, generic medication.
- It only has to be applied to the skin once a day at bedtime.
- The 0.1% gel formulation is available over the counter, without a prescription.
- Differin (adapalene) is generally well tolerated, with few side effects.
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What to expect from Differin, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- Your skin may look worse before it starts looking better.
- Differin (adapalene) can take up to 8 to 12 week to start working.
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What to expect from Differin, on one page
Download Fact SheetDifferin (adapalene) is similar to retinoid medications use for acne. It works by controlling the overgrowth of skin cells and reducing inflammation.
- Drug class: Dermatologic
- Rx status: Prescription or OTC
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (adapalene)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Cream
- Gel
- Lotion
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Get free coupon
$92.00 - Get free coupon
$92.00
What to expect when you take Differin (adapalene) for Acne
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Skin redness
- Skin scaling
- Skin dryness
- Persistent itching
- Persistent burning and stinging
Side effect rates for Differin (adapalene)
- Skin dryness42%42%
- Skin redness38%38%
- Skin scaling35%35%
- Persistent burning and stinging24%24%
- Persistent itching21%21%
- Skin redness10%10%
- Skin dryness9%9%
- Skin scaling6%6%
- Persistent itching4%4%
- Persistent burning and stinging4%4%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Differin.
People taking Differin felt side effect more
People taking Differin felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Differin (adapalene)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Soaps and cleansers with skin-drying effects
- › Products with high concentraions of alcohol, astringents, spices, or limes.
Differin (adapalene) can cause local skin reactions including redness, scaling, dryness, and stinging/burning. These symptoms will likely occur during the first 2 weeks of treatment, and usually lessen with continued use of Differin (adapalene). Talk to your doctor if these symptoms become intolerable. You will likely need to use a moisturizer, reduce the frequency of applying Differin (adapalene), or discontinue using it. It shouldn't be applied to cuts, abrasions, or sunburned skin. Avoid using Differin (adapalene) at the same time as other potentially irritating topical products, such as soaps and cleansers that have a strong skin-drying effect and products with high concentrations of alcohol, astringents, spices, or limes.