Adapalene Gel 0.1% — Reddit Reviews
by Differin
Updated August 19, 2026
OTC adapalene 0.1% retinoid speeds up cell turnover to clear acne; purges first.
What the community says
A topical retinoid available over the counter that increases skin cell turnover to clear and prevent acne, commonly used in acne-prone and sensitive skin. Users often follow the 'sandwich method' to mitigate irritation. However, it can cause an intense purging phase and dryness for several weeks before improvement appears.
What this means for you
What people love
- OTC retinoid cleared acne and clogged pores
- Sandwich method reduces irritation
- Generally better tolerated than tretinoin
Watch out for
- Purging can last 6–12 weeks with worsening breakouts
- Causes dryness, redness, and flaking early on
- May damage skin barrier if overused or layered with actives
Product details
Skin Type
Values
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
Where to buy
Real Reddit threads — 1,342 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”
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
“OTC differin is the only retinoid available over-the-counter (in the US) which can also be used for hyperpigmentation.”
Mentioned
“If they are keloid scars, a combo of a retinoid (probably differin) and silicone scar cream might help.”
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
“not currently not able to keep up my Botox/filler schedule or use all my regular products (ex: Vitamin C, serums, Differin)”
Mentioned
“for the sake of my baby’s health”
Mentioned
“currently my skin does not look its’ best”
Mentioned
Dupes & Alternatives
Paula's Choice
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Better for Texture / Pores
10 shared traits
666 mentions
