Adapalene gel (generic Differin)
Adapalene gel (widely known as Differin) is a prescription-strength topical acne treatment. Apply a thin layer to your skin before going to bed each evening.
An effective daily gel for treating acne
Works to clear breakouts and calm inflammation
You should see results after using it consistently for 4 weeks
What is adapalene gel?
Adapalene gel (also branded as Differin adapalene gel) is an effective topical acne treatment for your face, chest or back. As a retinoid, it helps stop dead skin cells building up around your hair follicles by gently removing them from the surface of your skin (exfoliating).
Adapalene also reduces inflammation, and helps control excess oil (sebum) production which can fuel acne bacteria (cutibacterium acnes). When used consistently, adapalene gel works to clear up existing breakouts while preventing new ones from forming.
Using adapalene alongside oral antibiotics for acne can also help them to work faster and more effectively. Your GP or our clinicians can advise you whether adapalene is right for you, on its own or in a combination treatment.
How is Adapalene gel (Differin) applied?
To get the best results with adapalene gel, you need to use it consistently. Here's how to use adapalene gel properly:
Wash your face using a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser and pat dry.
Wait 20-30 minutes until your skin is completely dry (applying to damp skin can increase irritation).
Use a pea-sized amount of gel to cover your entire face (or affected areas).
Gently spread the gel in a thin layer. Using more won’t make it more effective and could increase your risk of side effects.
If skin feels tight or dry, you can use moisturiser after adapalene gel. Wait a few minutes until the gel has absorbed, then apply a fragrance-free moisturiser labelled ‘non‑comedogenic’ (they’re not as likely to block pores).
You’re not supposed to wash off adapalene gel until the morning. It needs several hours to do its job. To get the full adapalene gel benefits, leave the thin layer of gel on your skin overnight to work while you sleep.
How it works
Blocked pores are typically the root cause of acne, whether due to hormonal changes or other factors. Adapalene gel is a retinoid that works to both clear current breakouts and help prevent new acne forming. It does this by:
Stimulating skin cell renewal within pores, helping to prevent clogging
Reducing inflammation in existing breakouts
Treating both inflammatory (red, painful pimples) and non-inflammatory acne (blackheads and whiteheads)
Is Adapalene gel effective?
It’s important to be patient, as it’s likely you’ll need to use adapalene consistently for about 4 weeks before you see a noticeable improvement. In clinical studies, most people saw clearer skin within 12 weeks, with over 8 in 10 getting at least a 50 % reduction in spots.
Your doctor or clinician may recommend you keep using adapalene at a lower dose even after your skin clears to help prevent acne coming back.
Are there any side effects to Adapalene gel?
Most adapalene gel side effects are mild and temporary, often settling down within 2-4 weeks. Common side effects include:
Mild redness or discomfort
Dryness and peeling
Slight burning or stinging sensation after applying the gel
Less common side effects may include:
Contact dermatitis (a localised skin reaction)
Increased sensitivity to sunlight
A flare up of your acne
Sunburn‑like irritation skin irritation or itching
To minimise possible side effects, apply the gel every other night for the first two weeks, then gradually increase to nightly use as your skin adjusts.
If you experience severe irritation or signs of an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, severe rash, swelling), you should seek immediate medical attention.
Treatments like adapalene can increase your sensitivity to sunlight, so it’s even more important to follow a good sun protection routine. Apply daily sun block (non oily, fragrance-free) and keep out of the sun when it’s most intense. You should also avoid sun beds.
Full details on use and safety are in the adapalene gel patient information leaflet.
Acne treatments
More infoLymecycline and Azelaic Acid gel
408mg/15%12 weeks supply - £65.00
More infoLymecycline and Benzoyl Peroxide gel
408mg/5%12 weeks supply - £70.00
More infoLymecycline and Epiduo gel
408mg/0.1%/2.5%12 weeks supply - £70.00
More infoLymecycline and Adapalene gel
100mg/0.1%/2,5%12 weeks supply - £65.00
More infoDoxycycline and Adapalene gel
100mg/0.1%84 capsules & 45g gel - £65.00
More infoDoxycycline and Benzoyl Peroxide gel
100mg/5%84 capsules & 60g gel - £55.00
More infoDoxycycline and Azelaic Acid gel
100mg/15%84 capsules & 60g gel - £55.00
More infoDoxycycline and Epiduo gel
100mg/0.1%/2,5%84 capsules & 60g gel - £75.00
More infoCo-cyprindiol and Epiduo gel
2000/35mcg/3+1%63 tablets & 60g gel - £75.00
More infoCo cyprindiol and Benzoyl Peroxide gel
408mg/0.1%/2.5%63 tablets & 60g gel - £55.00
More infoCo cyprindiol & Duac gel
2000/35mcg/3+1%63 tablets & 60g gel - £80.00
More infoCo-cyrindiol and Adapalene gel
2000/35mcg 0.1%63 tablets & 45g gel - £65.00
More infoCo-cyrindiol and Azelaic acid
2000/35mcg/15%63 tablets & 60g gel - £65.00
More infoBenzoyl Peroxide gel
5%60g gel - £22.00
More infoAzelaic Acid gel
15%60g - £25.00
More infoAdapalene gel
0.10%Single pack - £35.00
More infoDuac (Benzoyl Peroxide + Clindamycin) once daily gel
60g
Double pack - £55.00
More infoEpiDuo (Adapalene + Benzoyl Peroxide) once daily gel
60g12 weeks supply - £39.99
Frequently asked questions
Topical retinoids like adapalene are not suitable for use during pregnancy, as there's a risk they could cause birth defects. If you're pregnant or trying for a baby, ask your doctor or clinician about alternative acne treatments.
You can use other topical acne treatments alongside adapalene (such as benzoyl peroxide) but you should do it at a different time of day:
Apply other acne products in the morning
Use adapalene at night
Avoid using other retinoids (tretinoin, isotretinoin, tazarotene) at the same time as adapalene, as these may increase skin irritation
Always let your doctor or clinician know about all medications you're taking or using, especially those for other skin conditions like eczema.
If adapalene isn't right for you, there are a number of alternatives:
Other topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide or azelaic acid
Oral antibiotics combined with topical treatments.
If you’re a woman, hormonal acne treatments include co‑cyprindiol.
Lifestyle tweaks like a balanced diet, gentle skincare and avoiding heavy make‑up.
A dermatologist can recommend isotretinoin for severe, stubborn acne.
Light therapy and chemical peels may be more effective than medication in some cases.
Getting stubborn whiteheads, blackheads or cysts removed using special tools could improve how your skin looks short term, but can also scar it.
Your GP or our clinicians can advise you on the best acne treatment for clearer, healthier looking skin.
References
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2374937/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/treatment/
https://www.nottsapc.nhs.uk/media/v53hkb3g/acne.pdf
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20368048
https://patient.info/skin-conditions/acne-leaflet/acne-treatments
Adapalene gel has an anti-inflammatory effect which reduces soreness and irritation. It works by increasing the turnover of skin cells and aids the natural exfoliation of the skin surface layer. This unblocks pores and glands to allow natural oils to escape.
Adapalene gel starts acting after use, but visible improvement can take weeks and sometimes a couple of months.