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Differin

Differin® is a topical retinoid medication used to help treat acne by encouraging healthy skin cell turnover and reducing inflammation in the skin.

Medical Review byMike Bohl, MD, MBA, MPH, MS, ALMUpdated May 20, 2025

Medication Name

Differin

*image for illustrative purpose only

Differin

*image for illustrative purpose only

Basics

Differin® (adapalene) is a topical retinoid (a man-made form of vitamin A) medication commonly used for the treatment of mild to moderate acne. It’s sometimes also prescribed off-label to help improve skin texture and treat early signs of photoaging. Differin works by increasing the speed at which skin cells shed and are replaced, preventing them from building up and clogging pores. Differin also has anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce redness and swelling associated with acne.

Differin may be more popular than other retinoid medications, like tretinoin, because it is effective and has a relatively lower risk of irritation. Common side effects during the first few weeks of treatment include skin dryness, peeling, and mild irritation. These effects generally subside as the skin builds tolerance.

While noticeable improvements may take up to 12 weeks, Differin remains a cornerstone in acne management due to its high tolerability and efficacy in addressing both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne.

*Differin Approved Uses

Differin (adapalene) is indicated:

  • For the topical treatment of acne vulgaris

*Differin Drug Category

Retinoid

*Differin Side Effects

Common side effects include:

  • Redness

  • Scaling

  • Dryness

  • Persistent itching

  • Persistent burning/stinging

Differin Cost

The cost of prescription Differin varies depending on factors such as your insurance plan and where you buy it. Without insurance, Differin costs about $607 for a 45-gram tube (about a three-month supply), but coupons and discount cards may bring down the price to as low as about $383. Insurance may cover all or some of the cost of this medication. 

Differin Gel of 0.1% strength is available over-the-counter at various pharmacies and online retailers. Prices vary but may start around $10 depending on volume, brand, and retailer.

How To Get Differin

You can buy 0.1% strength Differin Gel over-the-counter at various pharmacies and online retailers. Higher-strength (0.3%) formulations are only available by prescription from a healthcare provider.

*Interactions & Contraindications

  • Differin should not be administered to individuals who are hypersensitive to adapalene or any of the components in the cream vehicle

  • Drug interactions: As Differin has the potential to produce local irritation in some patients, concomitant use of other potentially irritating topical products (medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers, soaps and cosmetics that have a strong drying effect, and products with high concentrations of alcohol, astringents, spices or lime rind) should be approached with caution. Particular caution should be exercised in using preparations containing sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid

*Warnings & Precautions

  • This medication is to be used only as directed by the physician

  • It is for external use only

  • Avoid contact with the eyes, lips, angles of the nose, and mucous membranes

  • Cleanse area with a mild or soapless cleanser before applying this medication

  • Moisturizers may be used if necessary; however, products containing alpha hydroxy or glycolic acids should be avoided

  • Exposure of the eye to this medication may result in reactions such as swelling, conjunctivitis, and eye irritation

  • This medication should not be applied to cuts, abrasions, eczematous or sunburned skin

  • Wax epilation should not be performed on treated skin due to the potential for skin erosions

  • During the early weeks of therapy, an apparent exacerbation of acne may occur

  • Pregnancy: Adapalene should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus

  • Breastfeeding: It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk

Differin Alternatives

There are other medications prescribed to treat acne, some of which may be better suited to you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Differin, talk with your provider to learn more about other medications that may work well for you.

Prescription acne treatment options include:

  • Clascoterone (Winlevi®)

  • Hormonal birth control pills, including Beyaz®, Ortho Tri-Cyclen®, and Yaz®

  • Oral retinoids such as isotretinoin (Absorica®

  • Other topical prescription retinoids, including tazarotene (Tazorac®) and tretinoin (Retin-A®)

  • Spironolactone (Aldactone®, CaroSpir®)

  • Topical medications that include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or azelaic acid 

  • Topical or oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline, minocycline, sarecycline

  • Combination medications

Medical procedures that may be used instead of or in addition to medications to help manage acne include:

  • Acne surgery

  • Chemical peels

  • Corticosteroid injections

  • Laser or light treatments

Over-the-counter acne treatments may include one or more of the following active ingredients:

  • Adapalene

  • Alpha hydroxy acids, including glycolic acid and lactic acid

  • Azelaic acid

  • Benzoyl peroxide

  • Retinol 

  • Salicylic acid

FAQs

Apply a thin layer of Differin to your entire face and any other affected areas of the skin once daily, at night, after you’ve washed and dried your face with a gentle (non-medicated) cleanser. 

Since Differin can dry your skin and make it more sensitive to the sun’s rays, it’s best to apply an oil-free moisturizer and oil-free sunscreen on top.

It may take up to 12 weeks of using Differn consistently to see the full effects of the medication. Keep in mind that your acne may get worse during the first few weeks of treatment, as Differin brings previously unseen pimples to the surface.

If you don’t notice a difference in your skin after 12 weeks, your healthcare provider may recommend a different acne treatment.

Yes, it’s usually recommended to use Differin once a day as part of your acne treatment routine, unless otherwise instructed by a healthcare provider.

No, Differin should not be used during pregnancy due to the risk of birth defects.

References

*This information is from the label for brand name Differin®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Adapalene, the active ingredient in Differin, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient adapalene.

  1. American Academy of Dermatology. (2024). Acne: diagnosis and treatment. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/treat 

  2. American Academy of Dermatology. (2023). Adult acne treatment dermatologists recommend. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/diy/adult-acne-treatment 

  3. GoodRx. (n.d.). Differin prices, coupons, and savings tips. https://www.goodrx.com/differin?label_override=differin 

  4. National Library of Medicine. (2023). Adapalene: MedlinePlus drug information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604001.html 

  5. Tolaymat L, et al. (2023). Adapalene. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482509/ 

  6. US Food & Drug Administration. (2012). Differin (adapalene) gel drug label. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/021753s004lbl.pdf

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