Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% — Reddit Reviews
Updated October 21, 2026
Studies found adapalene improves acne; Redditors love results, report serious irritation.
What the community says
A 0.1% adapalene gel for clogged pores and breakouts; studies found acne improvement comparable to benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Redditors report smoother skin, yet burning, purging, and barrier irritation make use a bad start for sensitive or dry skin.
What this means for you
What people love
- OTC retinoid; no prescription needed
- Community reports smoother skin and fewer breakouts
- Studies found improvement in pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads
Watch out for
- Burning and stinging can linger after overuse
- Purging can turn clogged bumps into full acne
- Pricey enough to frustrate repeat buyers
Product details
Skin type data limited
Where to buy
What the science says vs. what Reddit says
Acne
Some evidence
Adapalene: 4 studies tested it on its own. See all 24 studies
On Reddit: Cheek-and-forehead redness reportedly fades, with users also noting smoother skin and fewer breakouts. 6 mentions
What the studies found
- Most studies found adapalene helped clear acne
- It improved pimples, blackheads and whiteheads
- It worked about as well as salicylic acid for mild to moderate acne
- It worked about as well as benzoyl peroxide in studies of acne treatment
- Adapalene 0.1% gel improved acne more than calcipotriol
Studied at 0.1–0.3%this product: 0.1%
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Real Reddit threads — 15 mentions across 14 threads
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% on Reddit, in one place — 14 threads from r/SkincareAddiction and r/acne, summarized.
“PM: neutrogena cream-to-foam cleanser, la roche posay adapalene 0.1, paula’s choice azelaic acid 10% booster, & cerave in the tub”
Positive
“most of the products you mentioned seemed to help treat acne”
Positive
“now my skin is so much smoother, way fewer breakouts, and the redness has gone down a ton.”
Positive
“La Roche Posay Efficlar is adapalene 0.1%”
Mentioned
“start the la Roche posay 3 nights a week, pea sized mixed with moisturizer”
Mentioned
“The retinoid can help the skin to some degree”
Mentioned
“Pm: effaclar gentle foaming cleanser, effaclar adapalene gel”
Positive
“effaclar adapalene gel”
Positive
“Pm: ... effaclar adapalene gel ...”
Positive
“At night after the cleanser and before the moisturizer you could use La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1%.”
Positive
“You’ll need a prescription from the dermatologist, but it’s worth it.”
Positive
“Also, use sunscreen daily.”
Positive
“Used to use lrp effaclar adapalene gel at night”
Mentioned
“but stopped after a… traumatic… brow waxing incident 5 weeks ago”
Mentioned
“hoping to start again but scared of drying out skin more”
Mentioned
“At nighttime I’d apply: Anua 77 toner, laroche posay adapalene, the ordinary multipeptide, then ponds cream s.”
Cautionary
“my skin would burn like crazy.”
Cautionary
“You probably purging from the adaptalene and considering your skin was burning you probably also totally irritated your skin barrier.”
Cautionary
