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Adapalene topical User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

Brand names: Differin, Plixda

Adapalene topical has an average rating of 6.3 out of 10 from a total of 517 reviews on Drugs.com. 56% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 32% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Adapalene topical

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Tea...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 12, 2020

Adapalene topical for Acne "This Differin stuff works so well. My skin can't handle applying it every day, so I do about every other day, but it is AMAZING for cystic acne. It doesn't do much for regular acne, but if you have cystic acne, it works. I used to get like 1-2 giant cystic spots on average a week, and now they have completely stopped. It's amazing. I might start to get one around my time of the month, but it'll go away quickly with this stuff. Start slow. Apply once a week for about 2 weeks, then 2 times a week for another 2 weeks, then bump it up to 3 times a week and see how your skin does, but you have to give it about 2 months to work. I didn't have any 'purge' like others have, but I also started incredibly slowly, which helps a lot."

10 / 10
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  • Kit...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 15, 2016

Adapalene topical for Acne "I've had a great experience with Differin gel. I was prescribed Differin for acne that got worse as an adult. When I was 31, the acne was so severe that I felt like a teenager. The first week was hard. My skin was very dry to the point where flakes would fall off when I touched my face. I used moisturizer in the morning and would still flake all day. After about a week, the dryness completely went away. I've been using this product for a few weeks now and have seen a HUGE difference in my skin. My acne is clearing up, and my skin has a smoothness that it has never had before. My skin is combination/oily, and it feels a little oilier now. I'm okay with that - with the smoothness of my skin, it looks dewy and clear."

10 / 10
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  • Joe...
  • February 7, 2017

Adapalene topical for Acne "It's been over a month using the over-the-counter. I posted previously. I had started out using once every three days and then went to every two days to make sure no issues. Skin got very dry at first. Apply each evening about two hours before going to bed. In the AM, I apply Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture with Sunscreen SPF 35 and reapply as needed. Had several blackheads mature during the month. Some were under the skin surface. All gone. A few whiteheads. Skin has calmed down considerably. Skin seems healthier. No longer use Benzoyl Peroxide."

10 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Jes...
  • January 26, 2017

Adapalene topical for Acne "After benzoyl peroxide made my skin worse, I was prescribed Differin cream 0.1%. Results were slow at first, but with maintaining a good skincare routine and a healthy diet, my skin showed huge improvements after about 2-3 months of use. Little side effects, some dryness, but as to be expected with any acne product and easily resolved with moisturizer. Felt a lot less harsh on my skin than benzoyl peroxide. I am left with some spots and scarring, but the effects have been overall brilliant. Would recommend sticking with it for a few months to see the best results!"

8 / 10
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  • Car...
  • September 25, 2018

Adapalene topical for Acne "I purchased this product after seeing the commercial for it several times. I had tried everything OTC and thought that this might actually work. It didn’t. I’ve had moderate acne for about 5 years, and it always comes in spurts. I really didn’t notice anything the first week of using it. In the second week, I noticed my acne getting worse, and by the third week, my acne was unbearable. I had the worst acne of my life, and so I finally did research because I hadn’t before I started. All the reviews I read said that it gets worse before it gets better, but usually starts really working after a month or so. I decided to stick with it and kept hoping it would get better. It didn’t. After 12 weeks of using it, my acne was awful. I had developed more scars than I ever had before. I threw it away and went back to my old routine. My face started clearing up right away. Everyone has different reactions, but I wouldn’t recommend this product to any of my friends."

1 / 10
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  • jmp...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 7, 2020

Adapalene topical for Acne "Differin was absolutely awful! I was using a prescription tretinoin for anti-aging/clear skin purposes, but I lost my insurance, and the medicine is about $400 without insurance. I figured, 'Yay, I can buy Differin, it's similar and OTC now.' BIG BIG BIG MISTAKE!!!! My skin normally has one pimple at a time, AT THE MOST every 3 weeks around my cycle. I'm currently battling multiple cystic outbreaks, and it's week 5 of my Differin journey. I wanted to give it a chance, but I stopped cold turkey 3 days ago because this is traumatizing. I'm going back to my old routine. Please be careful with this product, and if you decide to try it, do it only 2x a week for 3 weeks, 3x a week for the next 3 weeks, 4x a week for the next 4 weeks, and so on because it WILL ruin your day."

1 / 10
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41 Report
  • Sen...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 19, 2020

Adapalene topical for Acne "I am 42 years old, and I have fair skin. Recently, I have had the worst acne rosacea outbreak I have ever had in my life. After a few months of antibiotics and Soolantra cream, the inflammation and new pimples were getting better. But, I still had rough, bumpy skin with lots of red hyperpigmentation where the acne has been. My dermatologist ordered azelaic acid, and I waited for over a month for it to come in at the pharmacy. It didn’t come, they claimed, because of Covid-19. I was furious and canceled my order. I decided to buy Differin to help skin turnover and prevent new pimples. My skin is so smooth! I have used it every night except 1 night for a month. The redness has improved, and if I get new pimples, they go away quickly. I never got the purge. I am wondering if antibiotics helped with that. Also, my skin seemed dry for a minute, but it was my skin getting ready to slough off. Overall, I believe the product is doing a fine job. I also use CeraVe day and night moisturizer recommended by my doctor."

9 / 10
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  • Ano...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 22, 2022

Adapalene topical for Acne "Beware of Differin, it doesn't work for everyone - their website says around 80% of people had positive results, so there's still 20% that don't. Differin ruined my skin, it made it 100 times worse than it had ever been. I had mild/moderate hormonal acne, and I started using Differin every other night for the first two weeks, then increased to every night. I only used a pea-sized amount, as instructed. I used Differin for just over four months, and there was a purge for the whole of the first month, then it started to get a bit better, so I had hope. But for the last two months, it just got significantly worse until my whole face was covered in cystic acne, which I'd never had before. It made me feel awful. A lot of comments about Differin said to stick with it, so I kept going, but if you've reached the three-month mark and your skin is getting worse, you really should stop. I wish I had stopped earlier, it gave me bad scars, but my skin is finally recovering five months later."

1 / 10
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  • Gri...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • February 28, 2017

Adapalene topical for Acne "I've had acne when I was a teenager, it cleared up during my 20s, then came back - with a vengeance - when I was 33. Differin gel and cream have been the BEST stuff I've used, and I have used A LOT of different lotions and potions, which have cost me a fortune over the years. I'm now 39 and still suffer breakouts, but I keep a tube handy for them, and it clears them up in a couple of days. I would say to ONLY put it on the papule or pustule and not on any clear skin around them. That's when it will make your skin flake and peel off! If you use it on the spots ONLY, it will work just fine. I'm also a beauty therapist, and I recommend that some of my clients see their GP for it."

10 / 10
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27 Report
  • Anonymous
  • July 10, 2009

Adapalene topical for Acne "I've been using Differin for 5 weeks now. My skin had seemed to be improving, but then, all of a sudden, the last few days I've had several new breakouts. It's a little frustrating, but I'll continue using it, as it can take up to 12 weeks for the best results. I'll just keep my fingers crossed."

7 / 10
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  • Meg...
  • November 1, 2013

Adapalene topical for Acne "I've been using this gel for probably about 2 or 3 years now. I started getting acne in around 6th grade, whereas I didn't start my period until 9th grade. I've never had severe acne, there's just always been at least a couple of zits on my face for as long as I can remember. I had no significant peeling or dryness when I started using Differin, and I also had no immediate results. Slowly over time, however, my acne is becoming less severe and less frequent. Maybe it's because of the Differin, maybe it's because I'm growing out of it. I did stop using it last summer as a test, and my skin got worse and worse for the entire month I stopped using it. It took a solid 3-4 months after I started using it again for my skin to return back to normal."

7 / 10
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  • Jim...
  • August 25, 2010

Adapalene topical for Acne "I started getting a few too many zits the summer starting after freshman year in college (that summer is just about to end), so I started using Differin. A full 10 weeks later, I see pretty darn good results (there is less acne and the zits that are there are smaller). It does get worse before it gets better, though. Week 2-6 were hell. I didn't have severe acne (or that close to severe) to begin with, but I wanted to clear my face as much as possible, and in a week and a half when school starts back, I will be well into my 12th week, and I think it's entirely possible that I could be completely clear by then. I also have been taking 65 mg extended-release Solodyn (minocycline) the entire time, as well as Differin."

8 / 10
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30 Report
  • Chr...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 30, 2019

Adapalene topical for Acne "The purge I experienced lasted in two different waves from the end of week 2 to week 6. Yikes. However, the acne from it was no worse than what I had been dealing with already on some of my worst breakouts. I seemed to be able to combat inflammation by using a benzoyl peroxide face wash and aloe vera gel as part of my routine. For me personally, dryness and skin flaking were far worse than the purge. It took about 7 weeks for my skin to adjust to adapalene, and even with two moisturizers layered on, I had the worst dryness and slight irritation. That said, once I hit 8 weeks, noticeable improvements started happening. About half of my comedones are gone, dryness is now manageable, and hyperpigmentation scars are starting to fade a little bit. I expect all of these areas to keep improving now that I'm getting closer to the 12-week mark. This was a process that had growing pains, but I am so glad to have stuck with it. Be patient, it will reward you!"

7 / 10
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  • Ken...
  • December 29, 2009

Adapalene topical for Acne "I started using Differin when I was 12. I was going through puberty and getting the worst acne anyone has ever seen. I saw significant improvements in my skin immediately. On the downside, it dries some parts of my face and has increased oiliness in other parts, so now every morning I wash my face and apply moderate-strength moisturizer. It doesn't prevent blackheads, and I still get some pimples and boils here or there. Now I am 20 and still apply it to my whole face every night."

10 / 10
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  • loe...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 18, 2013

For Acne "It's my 5th week using this medication. You do get breakouts, but that's part of the treatment. I have noticed a difference on my right side. I have hope that by the 12th week, my skin will be clear. It just takes patience!"

6 / 10
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  • Med...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 14, 2023

Adapalene topical for Acne "I used this for over four months, and the purge never ended, so I called it quits. My skin was better before I used it, so that helped me make the decision to quit. I used it every night after cleansing and before moisturizing. My routine is very minimal, but I am no stranger to skin care, and so many products cause pimples on my face. I’m sad this didn’t work for me, and I don’t like that people say you just have to stick it out for long enough because for some people it just doesn’t work."

1 / 10
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6 Report
  • Pin...
  • December 15, 2017

Adapalene topical for Acne "STICK TO IT!!!! I did and my skin looks amazing. At first, I saw more acne, especially whiteheads. I also got really dry skin, but I moisturized all the time and it relieved it. You can also get burning, irritating skin, but don't give up. Eventually, you see your skin clear, even-toned, and tighter. I also noticed some of my fine lines gone. I know you might want to give up, but DON'T. I'm 50 years old and I never had pimples until the past two years. Nothing worked. I went to the dermatologist, got prescription meds, but the only thing that worked was this product."

10 / 10
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  • Lia...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 18, 2019

Adapalene topical for Acne "My face was so clear, and suddenly I got acne all over my forehead, very small bumps. My dermatologist prescribed this to me, and it's amazing. It's week 3, and the bumps are almost gone, and my face is glowing, and old acne marks are lighter. Everything is great, I think I'll continue using this for a while."

9 / 10
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  • CS_...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • November 17, 2019

Adapalene topical for Acne "I have used retinol for years, recently switched and gave Differin a try. I purged, and then waited, and waited. My skin was a mess for months. I couldn’t ever get it happy or calm, even after the purge period. Deep cystic acne combined with these weird superficial blemishes that I’ve never had. This is honestly one of the worst products I’ve ever used for my occasional hormonal acne and fine lines. I’ll stick with glycolic acid and retinol from now on."

2 / 10
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  • Pei...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • February 4, 2017

Adapalene topical for Acne "I started using Differin last January in 2016. It was prescribed by my dermatologist together with antibiotics, and I have to say - it's the best ever! I don't know if it was because of the antibiotics, but my acne healed in less than three months, and the only thing I had to worry about was the scars. The only (common) side effect I had was dry, scaly skin. The doctor told me it was fine during our second checkup, so he gave me moisturizer. (Side note: I've been moisturizing my face since I was young, but I didn't dare to aggravate my skin, so I stopped.) And I love the fact that Differin does not discolor clothing and bedsheets. Before this, I was using Duac, it was also beneficial to my acne, but it discolored my favorite bedsheet horribly!"

9 / 10
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  • Joe...
  • January 3, 2017

Adapalene topical for Acne "Using the over-the-counter product for just a few weeks. Oily skin has always been a major problem. Seems to have knocked down excess skin oil big time. I apply early evening. I use it with Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture with Sunscreen SPF 35. Been in the sun and no burning or dryness noted. Did the beach yesterday for about an hour, no problem. I first started using every third day after reading a number of postings. Thought I'd ease into it as some reported issues using daily right off the bat. No issues. Did notice dryness of the skin before using my moisturizer. Just went to every other day. The skin has calmed down and a few flare-ups that were just not going away are clearing. End of the week I plan on daily use."

10 / 10
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19 Report
  • SD9...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 29, 2017

Adapalene topical for Acne "This is a miracle in a tube! I had moderate to severe adult acne and would have breakouts on my cheeks, jawline, and chin that would leave dark marks for months. I have oily/sensitive skin. At first, the gel burned a lot, and I got a few more pimples, which are side effects of the product. But now, after about a month, my skin is adjusting and looks better than it has in years! Little to no pimples and dark marks are fading! My routine: Morning - wash face in lukewarm water with Dove Exfoliating Soap, then apply Aveeno Clean Complexion moisturizer. Makeup - e.l.f. Blemish Control Primer and BB Cream. Night - same as morning routine, but add Differin gel after washing face with soap, and apply Aveeno moisturizer about an hour afterward if needed."

10 / 10
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17 Report
  • Anonymous
  • July 25, 2017

Adapalene topical for Acne "Well, I've only been using this face med for a few days, and my skin burns and is super dry! I put it on at night, go to bed, and wash my face in the AM and apply makeup, but I can't wear makeup because as soon as I apply it, my face burns very bad. What do I do? Had anyone experienced this?"

1 / 10
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28 Report
  • Anonymous
  • December 30, 2008

Adapalene topical for Acne "I don't have that severe of acne, but I do have regular pimples, including the cyst-like kind that hurt. I get them on my face, back, and chest. Differin worked wonders on my skin with very little irritation. I recommend it for sure!"

10 / 10
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29 Report
  • Dru...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • February 8, 2019

Adapalene topical for Acne "The has been the best for my acne. I have skin issues all my life, and finally, at 57, I used Differin Gel, and it works great. It takes about three months, but please hang in there. I have used Retin-A and so many other products. I have gone to many dermatologists, chemical peels I can't remember them all. Walmart has it for $13 or $14.00."

10 / 10
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13 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.