Adapalene Gel 0.1% — Reddit Reviews
by Differin
Updated August 27, 2026
OTC adapalene retinoid speeds cell turnover for acne and texture; harsh purge phase.
What the community says
This 0.1% adapalene gel is a widely accessible retinoid treatment mainly targeting acne and clogged pores. Suited for acne-prone and combination skin types willing to endure an initial 6-12 week purging phase. It’s harsh at first and can cause redness, dryness, and irritation, so introduce gradually and prioritize moisturizing.
What this means for you
What people love
Watch out for
- Initial purge period lasts 6-12 weeks with potential worsening of acne
- Can cause significant dryness, redness, peeling, and barrier damage
- May irritate sensitive skin and exacerbate conditions like eczema or rosacea
Product details
Use caution
Skin Type
Values
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
Where to buy
Real Reddit threads — 1,381 mentions across 29 threads
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% on Reddit, in one place — 29 threads from r/30PlusSkinCare, r/tretinoin and 4 more, summarized.
“If you want to try something that's strong, basic, cheap and easily available it's a decent place to start.”
Mentioned
“If Walmart, Target, CVS or Differin wants to pay me, I'm open to it!”
Mentioned
“My first exposure to retinoids was adapalene (differin),”
Mentioned
“My first exposure to retinoids was adapalene (differin), and then I started using apostrophe for a compounded tretinoin formula.”
Mentioned
“Previous to that I dropped all actives(except niacinamide,skin loves it)”
Mentioned
“Night is the same minus the serums and w differin”
Positive
“Drop your skincare routine <3”
Positive
“Whatever routine you have going on for your skin, keep at it”
Positive
“Some other OTC options include differin”
Mentioned
“which is rated more for acne but uses the same mechanism for cell turnover so it's also effective in this use case”
Mentioned
“OTC differin is the only retinoid available over-the-counter (in the US) which can also be used for hyperpigmentation.”
Mentioned
“Me using differin every other night”
Positive
“thank god for cerave cream and skinceuticals cream”
Positive
“i dove right in and my skin is A1 now lol”
Positive
“Not one but the Differin and the Murmure Bisou oil”
Positive
“the cvs differin to prevent”
Positive
“CVS Differin + Dr Song - Epiduo equivalent but without the need of a prescription”
Positive
