Adapalene Gel 0.1%
- Routine step
- Treatment (gel)
- When
- Evening only
- Skin types
- Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily
- Pairs well with
- Retinol, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Azelaic Acid
- Use with care
- 1 layering conflict, listed below
Apply a thin layer to the areas you are treating, after serums and before moisturizer. Follow the label on frequency.
This product contains an active that can irritate at first. Patch test on the inner forearm for 24 hours and start two or three times a week.
Ingredient research in this formula
These are ingredient-level research links, not evidence that this exact product has been clinically tested.
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
Not medical advice. GlowPal is educational. Patch-test new products and talk to a qualified healthcare professional before changing your routine, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or have a diagnosed skin condition. See our terms.