Adapalene Gel 0.1%
What it's good for
Key actives from our research database. Click any to read the full evidence dossier.
A gentler prescription retinoid that focuses on clogged pores and acne. Better tolerated than tretinoin for most skin.
Good for: Anti-acne
Evidence behind the ingredients
Real citations from our research database, one per tracked active in this product. Click any ingredient name to read its full evidence dossier.
A gentler prescription retinoid that focuses on clogged pores and acne. Better tolerated than tretinoin for most skin.
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
FDA approves adapalene 0.1% gel (Differin) for over-the-counter sale — NDA 019963 Supplement, approved May 9 2016. First topical retinoid approved for OTC sale in the US; regulatory basis for recommending adapalene as a first-line OTC acne treatment.
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
Sources: 10 clinical journals and regulatory databases across the US, EU, Korea, Japan, and China. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for the full list and what each outcome label means.
Full ingredient list
Everything on the package label, not just the tracked actives above.
- Contains parabens: MethylparabenNo irritancy evidence. CIR rates this safe as used; some shoppers avoid it by preference.
+−Show all 8 ingredients
Listed in the order printed on the package. By regulation, ingredients at 1% or higher are listed in descending order by concentration, so the first entry is the largest part of the formula.
- Adapalene (0.1%)
- Carbomer 940
- Edetate Disodium
- Methylparaben
- Poloxamer 182
- Propylene Glycol
- Purified Water
- Sodium Hydroxide
Layering conflicts
Ingredients in this product that can react with common actives. Avoid stacking unless noted.
- Glycolic Acidmedium
Adapalene + glycolic acid can over-exfoliate. Alternate nights.
Similar comparisons
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