Differin 0.1% Adapalene Acne Treatment Gel
Promote clear, blemish free skin with Differin Acne Treatment Gel. This dermatologist-tested acne treatment features adapalene, a topical retinoid that helps combat acne.
Note: Acne reduction may appear after week 2, temporary retinization that may occur when using Differin Gel; it should subside after about week 4.
Safety Information
Warning: For external use only. Do not use on damages skin (cuts, abrasions, eczema, sunburn). If pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a doctor before use.
Indications
For treatment of acne
Ingredients
Active ingredient: Adapalene 0.1% (retinoid) Inactive ingredients: carbomer 940, edetate disodium, methylparaben, poloxamer 182, propylene glycol, purified water and sodium hydroxide. May contain hydrochloric acid to adjust pH.
Directions
Use Once Daily. Clean Skin Gently and Pat Dry Before Applying the Product. Cover the Entire Affected Area with a Thin Layer. Do Not Use More Than One Time Per Day. Applying More Than Directed Will Not Provide Faster or Better Results But May Worsen Skin Irritation.
Ibnat Eva –
I was at my wits’ end struggling with acne still at age 45. My skin type is combination/oily. I tried everything, expensive skin care routines, facials and treatments. For me, most of these actually seemed to irritate/make my breakouts worse. I had used Differin in my 20’s when it was only available by prescription so I was delighted to see it avail without one so anyone struggling with acne can now easily get it. All I can say is – it REALLY works!!! A little goes a long way so these tubes last awhile – it is well worth the money even if shipping to Canada. You have to give it some time to get the results as the directions say (6-12 weeks) but it is worth it so you must stick with it even if you don’t see immediate results. I’d describe my adult acne as moderate. For me it was very drying (and part of this is normal during the retinization phase). So after washing my face, I applied moisturizer and allowed that to dry for at least 5 min, and then applied a thin layer of Differin. You don’t smear on a thick layer. I’m using it every other night instead of every night and it has smoothened my skin and completely cleared it. For more severe acne probably best to use daily as directed.
Tanzina –
Long story short: I an very satisfied with this product. It is well worth the price.
Here’s the full story:
I’m a teenager in high school, and I used to have acne on my upper back that would hurt every time I carried a backpack, which was all the time. It was always inflamed and ugly looking. I had tried alcohol swabbing, creams, washes, etc., none of which had helped enough or at all. Then I did some research and saw on a website (I believe the American Academy of Dermatology) that Differin combined with a benzyl peroxide cream would heal back acne. I tried it out, using Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleaner/Mask every night, washing that off and then applying Differin. Within about two months, the acne did not hurt and was much less noticeable. Now I have been using here two products for about a year and the acne is very diminished, just a little here and there, unnoticeable from a distance. No pain whatsoever.
I will not deny that this stuff is expensive. However, it is significantly cheaper in bulk. Differin is most definitely worth it. It did wonders for my back acne.
Oishi –
I am an acne veteran. 25 years of painful experience.
I have tried various combinations of erythromycin, benzamycin, benzoyl peroxide (2.5%, 5%, 10%), salicylic acid (2.5% and peels of 10% to 30%), finacea, ziana, mandelic acid, glycolic acid etc. I have tried pills, lotions, creams, serums, and peels. I have tried a host of dietary restrictions, exercise, sleeping sitting up (to avoid irritation from the pillow). I could literally write a book.
Until differin gel.
So, I have been on this for the past 7 years. On and off, according to whether or not I was pregnant. It is the only thing that has given me truly *beautiful* skin, as opposed to clear skin. Acne sufferers know the difference. It is one thing to have skin that is technically acne-free, but is covered in scars and hyperpigmentation. That is what benzoyl peroxide mixed with glycolic acid (I followed the acne.org regimen) in the morning and finacea at night got me. But beautiful skin? Nope. I still had to use tons of makeup.
Differin gel took away my post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, roughness, large pores, and resurfaced my pockmarks. And it happened quickly. I got there by using the 0.3%, which is still prescription-only. But I maintain now with this over-the-counter concentration. I still use a 30% glycolic acid peel every month and spot treat the occasion pimple with benzoyl peroxide. But wow, differin gel made a huge difference. I go make-up free pretty much all the time now.
Syeda maisha –
I am a firm believer of this product as it has helped get my acne under complete control. After four years of consistent usage, it’s hands down the best product for my skin.
Fatema –
Works really well, becareful of over using in first couple of days, it can cause a slight rash and really dryness, ease your skin into it
Labiba –
I’ve been using Differing for years (at least two decades, probably more)—I’m 63 and still get cystic acne. Not as much but still. Frequently allergic reactions in my body manifest as cystic acne (e.g., I can’t take much iron or the acne will come). This stuff is miraculous, if you catch the cystic bump early it won’t even form.
A warning to others about the other newer forms rather than plain adapalene gel: I’m very allergic to hyaluronic acid—the latest “It” product (guess what it caused on my face, yep, cystic acne!). I see they are now adding it to adapalene products. Make sure you can use the extra products before buying into all the additions.
Nupur –
A side benefit of years of adapalene usage—fewer wrinkles!! My dermatologist said my skin looked young and great because of the regular usage. Better then retin A for me which is pretty harsh on the face. I can’t say enough great things about this product
Naima Islam –
After using this once as a teenage when it was on prescription, I decided to give it another try for adult acne (I’m 36)– most of my acne was along my jaw line and chin area and worsened due to all the running/sweating I do training for marathons. After reading all the reviews I was really concerned with the possibility of worsening my acne before seeing improvement (purging) but luckily this did not occur.
I started using it on October 1 2018 and decided to give myself a full 12 weeks before I made any decisions and I’m happy to say it worked! I will occasionally have one or two very small breakouts due to hormones but they are not nearly as cystic and prolonged as before and my skin overall is much smoother and less uneven looking. I feel like it has also lightened old acne scars and general discoloration on my cheeks.
I use it once at night and apply a thin layer after using a witch hazel toner (with rose water). In the first 4-8 weeks I noticed dryness only around my eyes and would apply a Neutrogena eye cream to keep that area from getting too raw. I have been using Cetaphil gentle cleanser and will apply moisturizer on top of it at night if my skin feels dry.
Overall I’m very happy I made the decision to give this a try!
Shamima –
I will continue to update as I use it more. My dermatologist said it usually takes a good 2-3 months to produce results. As a background, I had very bad acne as a teenager and now really only break out on my chin. I was warned that it would burn, especially since I have sensitive skin. In my experience of the product, it hasn’t burned my skin at all- and all the acne products I’ve used in the past have. It has never dried out my face either, but I make sure to use the product at night. One thing I don’t like is how much you have to use to cover your face. I was told a little goes a long way, which I thought would be the case as with most other acne products. Unfortunately, a little bit does not go a long way with this product, which is too bad because of the price. I think it would be more worth the price if it lasted longer and spread more.
Diya –
I feel like I’ve tried everything to get my skin under control, I eventually decided to try Differin after seeing a bunch of commercials on tv. They promised a 90 day guarantee on the box, so I gave it the 90 days and all I can say is: WOW. It really works….like very well. I apply it every night before bed and it works wonders. My only complaint is that I’ve noticed it dries your skin out like crazy. I started putting moisturizer on my face before applying the differin at night and that fixed the problem. I would DEFINITELY recommend this product to anyone struggling with acne. It’s worth the money, you won’t be sorry!
Samannaj rahman –
This product works! If you have sensitive skin, like me, it will severely dry your skin out if you start off using it daily. I did and I was peeling/flaking. I backed of you two time a week for three weeks then added in another day. So far so good. The peeling has stopped and my acne has cleared quite a bit. Plus, it keeps acne from forming!
Shontu Das –
I’ve tried everything sold at the drug store, retin-a, proactive, pills from the dermatologist, nothing worked. This stuff is great. It takes a few weeks for your skin to get used to it, but after about a month all of my little acne spots are were gone. I kept using it for a few months to be sure and it’s been a few months since I’ve stopped using it and nothing has come back. I still have some just in case.
Smrity Nur –
Update: (After many months of use when needed)
This Differin gel is still a miracle for stubborn ingrown hairs! I use it solely for that. As soon as I feel one popping out that the tweezers can barely grab or you can feel one under the skin, dab a little on and the next day or two you should be able to grab that stubborn hair out.
At first I thought it was helpful with an eczema spot but it wasn’t as helpful as I first thought. I did find a solution for that after many years though.
Hemp seed healing balm.
Do a search.
Your eczema will thank you. Supposed to be good for psoriasis too.