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Adapalene topical User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

Brand names: Differin, Plixda

Adapalene topical has an average rating of 6.3 out of 10 from a total of 508 reviews on Drugs.com. 56% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 32% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Adapalene topical

  • Anonymous
  • May 28, 2019

Differin (adapalene) for Acne "So I originally started using Differin when I thought my skin care routine wasn’t working any longer. I used this product for over 4 months before finally calling it quits because I feel like it just made my face worse and never got any better. It left my face with really bad discoloration and scaring and the texture of my skin became worse as well. I have since switched back to my previous more natural and more general routine and my face has started clearing up. I was originally advised to try this from my doctor and I was hesitant because I never use products this harsh, and for my skin personally I regret it. I understand you have to go through a purging process with this product but 1. It is not worth the scaring and hyperpigmentation and 2. I don’t think you should have to push through with a product for over 4 months and still not see results. Not only did I not see results but it made my skin significantly worse than when I started the process."

1 / 10
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  • Ashle...
  • April 17, 2017

Differin (adapalene) for Acne "I used Differin gel for almost 2 years on my face. I had moderate acne that no OTC medication helped and some prescription medications didn't help much either. Differin took about 2-3 weeks of daily use before I saw any change but about 2 months into the treatment my face was pretty much all clear with no pimples. It was amazing. My skin did get red and itchy during those first few weeks but my doctor said it was common and to keep using because my skin would get used to it. It did and it still keeps my skin the best it's ever looked. Also, it's now available over the counter at drug stores."

10 / 10
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26 Report
  • acneg...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 16, 2014

Differin (adapalene) for Acne "I began to use Epiduo and Differin one month ago. At first I was dissapointed because I had unrealistically high expectations for how fast they would work, but once I got over that and realized it would take time I was fine. I used Velocity moisturizer for the dryness and it didn't work at all sadly, but then I witched to Cetaphil and my skin began to improve because it was no longer too dry. My skin isn't where I want it to be yet, but looking back at older pictures before using the products, I know it's on its way."

8 / 10
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34 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • 26wit...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 1, 2017

Differin (adapalene) for Acne "I have been using this product since it was made available without a prescription. If you are going to use it, be sure to read the instructions and warnings. This product has a period of time at the beginning of use that makes your acne worse and then clears it. I went through this process when I started taking Spironolactone, so I knew what to expect and I trusted that it would go away - it did. My skin looks and feels fantastic! I still get an occasional zit here at there - I'm pretty sure it's my fault as I'm a toucher/picker/popper. This is an easy product to add to your routine. Make sure to use it at night and wash off in the morning so you don't have to worry about sunburns. I highly recommend Differin."

8 / 10
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  • Care
  • December 9, 2018

Differin (adapalene) for Acne "This product is awful and has made my life hell for the last 11 weeks. I am a 30 year old with mild comedonal acne on my cheeks. Other products haven't worked for me so after a LOT of research I decided to give Differin a try. I knew I would experience redness, drying and a purging period where my acne would get worse and that its normal. I read hours of reviews where people told me to stick with it until the 12 week mark. I am 3 days away from that mark and my face has NEVER looked or felt this bad in my life. I have painful red pustules popping up every night and continued redness and drying despite constant moisturizing. It's bad enough I have adult acne and that I've been trying to stick it out with this product for 12 weeks but this product has made it SO MUCH WORSE!! I will be sure to tell everyone I know NEVER to use it. I am embarrassed and upset I wasted my time and money for the last 3 months to make my face look worse. Not only that but now I have SCARS all over as well."

1 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • sidew...
  • April 19, 2015

For Acne "I have had mod acne since I was 12. I have tried all over the counter stuff and oral antibiotics. Nothing ever worked well. After a month on adapalene I have noticed a nice difference in my skin. I have had very mild flaking, but no burning on the .01%. So far I have not had a huge breakout from it as some have reported. My skin looks the best it has in years. I hope it stays this way. Some of the scarring has improved, but not gone completely. So far love this product and wish I had tried it sooner. I was terrified after some of the reviews I read. My co worker recommended I used it on one cheek for awhile to see how my skin reacted. Might be a good way to start for some."

9 / 10
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  • Cheetos
  • August 16, 2017

Differin (adapalene) for Acne "I needed to share an honest review. I got differin to get rid of these stubborn invisible pimples around my chin. Basically they're clogged pores. They appeared even though I wash my face daily and nightly and exfoliate regularly with expensive products. Then I found differin. I've been on it about 3 weeks now. Although I have gotten breakouts all over, my forehead is it's clearest it's been. The pores on my cheeks are getting smaller and clearer. My nose has practically no problem areas anymore. The invisible pimples/clogged pores are subsiding dramatically. I am getting breakouts in those areas but my face looks radiant anyway."

7 / 10
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  • rebmc
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 24, 2019

Differin (adapalene) for Acne "I am on my 15th week of differin currently and my acne and scars are really clearing up. I still get some occasional pimples but not a massive amount. Even at week 12 I had a ton of acne from when my skin was “purging” and the scarring was unreal. I never got massive amount of acne on my cheeks before using this product but besides the scars left behind which continue to clear up by the day. I’m very happy with how my face is looking even though it took 14 weeks to be happy and see good results. Stick with it because I came on this website all the time and always heard bad reviews but also good ones saying to stick it out and I truly agree to just stick it out. Or try something else if you can’t/won’t be able to deal with the possible 14 weeks of unbelievable amounts of acne and scars."

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • June 4, 2020

Differin (adapalene) for Acne "My acne returned when I turned 19 (I’m 29 yrs old now ) . Since then I’ve had mild /moderate acne . I was just sick of having acne , so I gave Differin a go. First 2 weeks my skin didn’t form any new pimples it was clear ,with small spots but my skin was very dry and irritated . By week 4/5 I had massive red irritated break outs , my purge has begun . Several infected pores turned into a big spot. My routine : Use hydrating serum ,then applied an oil to my sensitive areas such as around eyes and nose. Followed by a pea size amount of Differin , would wait for that to dry , then applied oil all over, then a moisturiser . Used low ph cleanser . Week 6/7 my skin started to clear up , my forehead was clear. Week 8 , had a huge break out on my chin and mouth . Some are reoccurring spots, I’m not sure if this is a 2nd phase of purging or ones that didn’t surface until now . I will continue with it ,up until the full 12 weeks , hoping this is the last of the purge !!"

5 / 10
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  • Soqui...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 20, 2017

Differin (adapalene) for Acne "This stuff is AWESOME. Admittedly it itched like fire for three days until I slacked off and used a good moisturizing cream. But my face is CLEAR for the first time in YEARS. I recommend Carmex to heal the dry flakes and Aveeno after that. If you have another breakout, go back to Differin. I can't recommend this stuff enough. It's worth it to itch and burn for a day or two; it's WORKING. Just deal with it. Thank you, makers of Differin!!! Screw makeup. I'm FREE."

10 / 10
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  • Kabda...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 5, 2016

Differin (adapalene) for Acne "I had too many pimples all over my face. They were little ones, and black heads as well. I live in one of the hottest countries in the world where the sun is available throughout the year. Sandstorms occur often which made dirts stick to my face and produce more pimples. I went to the dermatologist he prescribed Differin 0.1 and Bepantene (whatever how it spells). I've been using differin since August nightly before I sleep. Now in November I literally have zero pimples in my face and the redness is gone. I'm really satisfied. Literally all you need in patience for results. Bepantene was prescribed for me for the scars and as a moisturiser, since differin drys the face (just a little). Even tho I don't have ac I highly recommend it."

9 / 10
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  • Mizy
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 10, 2017

Differin (adapalene) for Acne "I started using differin 0.1% in November 2016, fast forward to January 2017 and I couldn't be happier! I'm 26 and have been battling with acne since I was around 13. I have tried all sorts of products and regimes and sometimes had success but it never lasted long. I had tried differin before but never stuck it out long enough to see its full benefits, this time I did and my skin is thanking me for it. I've kept my skin care regiment very simple. I use a very gentle cleanser in the morning then a benzyl peroxide 5% gel then a moisturiser on top. In the evening I use the same cleanser then the differin cream, I always allow it to soak in for at least an hour then follow up with my moisturiser. This cream takes time to work but be patient."

9 / 10
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  • Laura...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 1, 2016

Differin (adapalene) for Acne "DO NOT use differin. As a result of using this lotion I developed a horrible red rash on my neck and face. 2.5 months later I am still have to apply hydrocortisone cream twice a day to keep it at bay and can't use any nice foundation or makeup. I have read several other reviews where it has happened to people and spoken to other GP's who have said they wouldn't prescribe it. IT IS NOT WORTH IT! Try anything else, but don't use this product."

1 / 10
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  • tiff
  • September 27, 2011

Differin (adapalene) for Acne "The first topical treatment I used was Duac and I didn't see a change in my skin. I switched to Retin-A and I peeled so bad I couldn't use it at all. My doctor switched me to the generic adapalene gel 0.1% and I've been using it for a few months now. It works amazing. I can use it every night and I've never peeled and I was even able to stop my antibiotic. I LOVE it!"

10 / 10
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  • Jessi...
  • August 31, 2011

Differin (adapalene) for Acne "This summer I've broken out severely. I've tried Proactiv, AcneFree, and Clean and clear Advantage. Proactiv didn't work at all and AcneFree was very harsh on my skin! Clean and Clear did help but not that much. I finally went to the doctor and she prescribed Differin. I've been taking it for a couple of weeks now and I am starting to see a difference. I've even noticed that my acne scars are healing and getting lighter. I haven't got any of those huge- hurt your face pimples either."

8 / 10
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  • Forev...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 2, 2017

Differin (adapalene) for Acne "I've been battling acne ever since I was a teenager, and now I'm 23, still battling acne until here recently. I had heard about Differin, and how adapalene can help stubborn acne. I purchased the gel about 2 weeks ago, and I must say my breakouts are almost gone. I dealt with dryness and a burning sensation the first few days, but my skin got used to it after that. What helps is washing your face, applying moisturizer, and THEN applying the differin. This makes it less harsh for the skin. I can't wait to see how my skin will look in 2 months. Don't give up on this stuff, it's a work in progress."

9 / 10
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  • Buzzie
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • February 18, 2017

Differin (adapalene) for Acne "I used differen when it first arrived on the market. I'm a black woman btw. stopped cause it was making my face peel. Maybe five years later the derm told me use it again along with doxy pills and it cleared my skin up without flaking this time. Every time I stop using it for a while I get acne again I'm 25 and I still get breakouts depending on what I'm eating( I love junk). I think I will stick with It and not go long without using it even for tiny pimples. Only had the flaking and burning the very first time using so my advice to newbies is to not use as much when U r just starting it. And take care of your Insides. Stay hydrated Your skin must get used to it for it to work. No more doxy only this gel. Skin is supple again!"

8 / 10
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  • cmf
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 15, 2017

Differin (adapalene) for Acne "(A little background on my skin, I get a pimple here and there and overall have pretty normal skin) I saw a commercial for Differin and immediately went online to buy it, I thought that the product sounded great for the price! After I purchased it I started looking into side effects and reviews on the product. They were pretty mixed with some people saying they loved it and others saying they hated it but the main thoughts were that it might make your breakouts worse for a few months then get better, and it can make your skin dry and sensitive. Well let me tell you I used this product as directed for 3 nights in a row and it gave me a chemical type burn on my face, my skin is flaking off and I am using a TON on moisturizer to try to keep it as hydrated as I can, and it hurts to even touch my face. And I don't mean like when your skin is dry type of flaking off, I mean like worse sun burn in your life type of flaking off. I also have a pretty high pain tolerance and anytime I touched my face, took my makeup off, put makeup on, or used my moisturizer it felt like 10,000 needles stabbing me in my face while getting burned by a hot iron. I have now stopped using the product and two days later my skin is still the same; flaking, red, and hurting like no other. Do NOT use this product unless you are ready for some serious pain and skin damage."

1 / 10
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  • Cwebs
  • June 16, 2017

Differin (adapalene) for Acne "I've only been on Differin for about 3 weeks now but I've been noticing huge improvements. I am going through an initial breakout but haven't experienced any burning or drying, not even the first few days. I use a cerave foaming cleanser, rinse, and immediately apply my moisturizer to my wet skin in the shower (to avoid water loss). I then apply aquaphor to the skin around my lips, nostrils, eyes. My dermatologist refers to this as preparing the orifaces (to avoid any irritation or dryness). I then dot the differin around my face and rub it in. In the morning, I wash my face with a 0.5% salicylic acid wash from Murad and apply a physical sunscreen (I use cerave's)"

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  • Hilbean
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 28, 2019

Differin (adapalene) for Acne "I wanted to share my experience with Differin as someone in the middle of the dreaded acne purge. I am coming into 6 weeks and I have to say this has been the worse my skin has looked since I first started breaking out 17 years ago. I am not only getting white head that seem to burst in the most inopportune time, I am also getting a lot of actual raised acne. It is all happening in the majority of problem area. The worst thing is that it is happening in clusters. It seems to be more painful than my normal break-outs since they come hard and fast. They also subside fast, but as of right now....more seem to be not far behind. Right now I can't help but giving this 1 star because this is pure awfulness...plain and simple. That being said, I am moving forward using the medication. I will update next week and week 8 when most of the purging is supposed to be at an end."

1 / 10
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  • Barbie...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • September 12, 2019

Differin (adapalene) for Acne "Differin really works for acne, you just have to keep using it. I remember when I was in my late teens I started breaking out more than when I was younger. I went to a Dermatologist. At that time it was only available for prescription only. I remember her telling me to wash my face, and gently pat dry. Make sure your face is very dry before applying a small, thin amount on your face. She also told me that I would start breaking out even more after a couple of weeks after I begin using it. It gets deep in your skin and pushes all the oil to the surface. Your skin may get a little red and itchy. You will also start to see a little flaking on your skin. Don't give up. Keep using it. Eventually it will clear up acne. When I started breaking out more, I would apply my makeup to cover it up. I like to put it on at night time after I wash my face. Give it a try!"

10 / 10
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  • ahboy...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 8, 2020

Differin (adapalene) for Acne "I have been on adapelene 0.1% for almost two months now. I had written a review previously so this is an update. My skin is now mostly clear and the quality of my skin is much better overall- I call it the "retinoid glow". I do still get one or two blemishes but they aren't as inflamed. ;The purge is real but for me it only occurred when I increased my usage frequency from every other day to every day and when I increased it from twice a week to every other day. My purging phase consisted of inflamed blemishes that go away in two to three days. I used azelaic acid 20% in the day (which I had been using one month prior to using adapelene) and a sunscreen which contain 3% that contains niacinamide. Moisturiser: Cetaphil lotion. Cleanser: Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser."

8 / 10
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  • Getti...
  • June 4, 2017

Differin (adapalene) for Acne "I have been using differin for 15 weeks and this is the best my skin has looked in years. And I am excited that it'll keep getting better from here. The Initial breakout phase was terrible! So for anyone going through that now... keep going, there's a bright light at the end of the tunnel!! Antibiotics won't hurt too!!!"

8 / 10
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  • Teach
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 12, 2020

Differin (adapalene) for Acne "This Differin stuff works soo 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 use 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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  • kathr...
  • November 8, 2016

Differin (adapalene) for Acne "I have had a horrible experience with this cream. my face is so painfully dry even in the spots I didn't put the cream. my eyes, the crease under my lip, my nose and the corners of my lips are so dry there is now even blisters developing. It hurts to put anything on besides coconut oil but that's not helping and I am at a loss."

1 / 10
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24 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.