Adapalene Gel 0.1% — Reddit Reviews
by Differin
Updated August 18, 2026
OTC retinoid for acne and clogged pores
What the community says
A potent retinoid gel commonly used to treat acne by preventing clogged pores. Users often experience an initial purge that can last 6-12 weeks before improvements appear. Not ideal for very sensitive or already irritated skin due to dryness and redness risks.
What this means for you
What people love
- OTC retinoid for acne and clogged pores
- Effective with moisturizers using sandwich method
- Gentler than tretinoin for sensitive skin
Watch out for
- Long purging phase often worsens skin up to 12 weeks
- Causes dryness, redness, and flaking especially if overused
- Can compromise skin barrier and irritate sensitive skin
Product details
Use caution
Skin Type
Values
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
Where to buy
Real Reddit threads — 1,326 mentions across 30 threads
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% on Reddit, in one place — 30 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”
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
“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
“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
Dupes & Alternatives
Paula's Choice
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Better for Texture / Pores
10 shared traits
661 mentions
