What the community says
Pros
- OTC retinoid with solid acne and anti-aging benefits
- Gentler than tretinoin, making it easier to tolerate for many
- Used in a moisturizing 'sandwich method' to minimize irritation and flaking
Cons
- Purging phase can last weeks, causing initial breakout worsening
- Can seriously dry out and irritate skin if introduced too quickly or layered with other actives
- May cause stinging or burn if skin barrier is compromised or when combined with harsh cleansers
Product details
Key Ingredients
Good for
Commonly Used With
Where to buy
Available on Amazon
From the threads
Source threads
r/SkincareAddictionMentioned
11.9k pts · 239 comments
“Now I'm using Adapalene and liking it a lot so far!”
“ugh yeah I used Tret a few years back, my skin never got past the 'purge'”
“I’m on tret too”
r/SkincareAddictionIn routine
10.5k pts · 434 comments
“try a product with adapalene in it. ... or Differin gel”
“Differin causes purging initially, while all the underlying issues come up”
“Cleanse with micellar water gently, don’t scrub anything.”
“try OTC Differin gel and a decent moisturizer?”
“Differin causes purging initially, while all the underlying issues come up”
“Differin gel”
“If your dermatology appointment is still a ways out you try a product with adapalene in it.”
“[Acnefree Adapalene Gel] or [Differin gel ] or [La Roche-Posay ] are the 3 products that I know of.”
“They all have the same formula except a different polymer mix.”
r/tretinoinMentioned
3.4k pts · 267 comments
“My first exposure to retinoids was adapalene (differin)”
“My first exposure to retinoids was adapalene (differin), and then I started using apostrophe for a compounded tretinoin formula.”
r/tretinoinMentioned
3.4k pts · 310 comments
“I stared seeing results after 3 months adaplene and 8 months tret so total of 11 months of strong retinoids”
r/AsianBeautyIn routine
3.1k pts · 129 comments
“Night is the same minus the serums and w differin and Clinique Take The Day off balm”
“I’m also usually a shade 21”
“Night is the same minus the serums and w differin and Clinique Take The Day off balm”
“AM: Vanicream facial cleanser”
“How do you look dewy and not oily? Asking for a friend”