Third-generation synthetic retinoid. Photostable, less irritating than tretinoin. Available OTC at 0.1% concentration (Differin).
Topical application
AProven efficacy. Two or more independent RCTs with instrumental endpoints.
Meta-analyses confirm acne efficacy comparable to tretinoin with better tolerability. FDA approved 0.1% as OTC acne treatment. Less photoaging evidence than tretinoin, but studies show anti-aging potential.
0.1–0.3%
Adapalene is a third-generation synthetic retinoid – a naphthoic acid with an adamantyl group. Vitamin A derivative, selective agonist of retinoid receptors RAR-β and RAR-γ. Developed by Galderma, on the market since 1996 (Differin). Mechanism. Binds nuclear RAR receptors in keratinocytes – normalizes keratinization, reduces hyperkeratosis at the follicular ostium (comedogenesis), suppresses inflammation via AP-1 inhibition and neutrophil chemotaxis. Does not act directly on C. acnes, unlike antibiotics. Stimulates dermal collagen synthesis – an added anti-aging effect. Where applied. Topical gels and creams 0.1% and 0.3% for acne and comedones, anti-aging, melasma. In Spain Differin gel 0.1% requires AEMPS prescription, 0.3% is strictly prescription. Generics: Adaferin, Acnesol. Evidence base. AAD 2024, EADV 2022, Cochrane 2018 (n=14000) recommend adapalene as first-line topical therapy for mild-to-moderate acne, including the comedonal form. Comparable efficacy to tretinoin 0.025% with less irritation (Thiboutot 2006, n=900). Bagatin 2010 (n=64, 9 months) additionally showed reduction of photoaging, wrinkles, and pigmentation in patients 35+. Safety. SCCS conditionally safe at 0.1% OTC. In the US, OTC since 2016; in the EU – prescription. Irritation, erythema, peeling in the first 2–4 weeks in 30–50% of patients. Less irritation than tretinoin. Does not photosensitize, but daily SPF 30+ is standard advice. Pregnancy and lactation – contraindicated. Adapalene is FDA category C; not prescribed in pregnancy or lactation. Topical systemic absorption is minimal, but a theoretical teratogenic risk (systemic retinoids are teratogens, class effect) leads FDA, AAD, EADV to recommend avoidance. Alternatives for gestational acne: azelaic acid 15–20%, benzoyl peroxide 2.5–5%, topical erythromycin. Particularly suitable for. Mild-to-moderate acne, post-acne pigmentation, photoaging, melasma. Start at 0.1%; after 2–3 months step up to 0.3%. The sandwich method (cream-adapalene-cream) reduces early-phase irritation.
Irritation potential
MediumAllergen risk
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Adapalene is not recommended during pregnancy. Consider an alternative from the same category.
Adapalene suits: oily, combination, normal. Use with caution in: sensitive, dry.
Adapalene has moderate irritation potential. Sensitive skin may show a transient reaction that usually settles with adaptation.
Third-generation synthetic retinoid.
The INCI name is Adapalene. It may also appear as: Differin.
Published: · updated:
Pregnancy
AvoidSuitable for
Use with caution
0.1–0.3%