For your skin
A gentler prescription retinoid that focuses on clogged pores and acne. Better tolerated than tretinoin for most skin.
Want the science? Keep reading ↓Mechanism of action
Third-generation retinoid that selectively binds retinoic acid receptors to reduce comedones and inflammation.
Why we tier this strong
5 cited papers across 3 countries. Multiple positive efficacy results plus regulatory backing. Clears our published bar (Strong = 15+ studies with multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or a single large longitudinal cohort).
Layering matrix
- Glycolic Acidmedium
Adapalene + glycolic acid can over-exfoliate. Alternate nights.
Compare with
Cited research
Stein Gold L et al., Moderate and Severe Inflammatory Acne Vulgaris Effectively Treated with Single-Agent Therapy by a New Fixed-Dose Combination Adapalene 0.3%/Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel, American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 2016;17:293-303 — fixed-dose adapalene 0.3%/BPO 2.5% significantly superior to vehicle for moderate-severe inflammatory acne
Effects of adapalene-benzoyl peroxide combination gel in treatment or maintenance therapy of moderate or severe acne vulgaris: a meta-analysis, Annals of Dermatology 2014;26(1):43-52 — A-BPO combination yields better clinical outcomes (success rate, satisfaction) vs vehicle gel
Poulin Y et al., A 6-month maintenance therapy with adapalene-benzoyl peroxide gel prevents relapse and continuously improves efficacy among patients with severe acne vulgaris, British Journal of Dermatology 2011 — adapalene-BPO maintenance delayed relapse by ~17 weeks vs vehicle
Bikowski JB, Mechanisms of the comedolytic and anti-inflammatory properties of topical retinoids, Journal of Drugs in Dermatology 2005;4(1):41-7 — mechanistic review of adapalene-class retinoids
Cunliffe WJ et al., Randomised, controlled trial of the efficacy and safety of adapalene gel 0.1% and tretinoin cream 0.05% in patients with acne vulgaris, European Journal of Dermatology 2002;12(4):350-4 — equivalent acne efficacy, significantly better tolerated than tretinoin
Sources: PubMed · KCI · J-Stage · CNKI · Wanfang · SFD · MFDS · Cochrane · SCCS · CIR. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for what each outcome label means.