Differin

Differin helps to clear the acne and helps to keep new acne from starting.

Product dosage: 0.1% 15g
Package (num)	Per tube	Price	Buy
2	28.08 $	56.16 $ (0%)	🛒 Add to cart
3	25.74 $	84.24 $ 77.22 $ (8%)	🛒 Add to cart
4	24.57 $	112.32 $ 98.28 $ (12%)	🛒 Add to cart
5	23.40 $	140.40 $ 117.00 $ (17%)	🛒 Add to cart
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8	20.47 $	224.64 $ 163.80 $ (27%)	🛒 Add to cart
9	19.89 $	252.72 $ 179.01 $ (29%)	🛒 Add to cart
10	17.55 $ Best per tube	280.80 $ 175.50 $ (37%)	🛒 Add to cart
Synonyms Aclene Acure Adaferin Adapalen Adapaleno Adapalenum Adapalène Adapne Adiamil Deriva aqueous Diferin Diferrine Differine Evalen Flamir Fona Klenzit Palexil Panalene Pindome Redap Sinac Sona

Differin (adapalene) Gel, 0.1% represents a significant advancement in topical retinoid therapy for acne vulgaris. As the first prescription-strength retinoid available over-the-counter, it offers a clinically proven, well-tolerated option for managing non-nodular inflammatory and comedonal acne. Its mechanism of action targets the primary pathological factors of acne, providing effective treatment with a favorable safety profile suitable for long-term maintenance therapy. This product card provides comprehensive, expert-level information for healthcare professionals and informed consumers.

Features

• Active ingredient: Adapalene 0.1% in a topical gel formulation
• Pharmacological class: Third-generation synthetic retinoid
• Vehicle: Alcohol-free, non-comedogenic aqueous gel base
• pH: Optimized at 5.0-6.0 to minimize irritation potential
• Preservative system: Methylparaben and propylparaben
• Packaging: Airless pump technology to maintain stability and prevent oxidation

Benefits

• Normalizes follicular keratinization processes to prevent microcomedone formation
• Demonstrates potent anti-inflammatory properties through modulation of toll-like receptor pathways
• Reduces both inflammatory lesion count and comedonal lesions within 8-12 weeks of consistent use
• Provides sustained therapeutic effect with once-daily application regimen
• Minimizes development of antibiotic resistance compared to antimicrobial acne treatments
• Offers compatibility with concomitant benzoyl peroxide use without significant degradation

Common use

Differin Gel is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 12 years and older. It demonstrates particular efficacy in managing mild to moderate inflammatory acne characterized by papules and pustules, as well as comedonal acne presenting with blackheads and whiteheads. The product is frequently incorporated into combination therapy regimens with topical antimicrobials or oral antibiotics for moderate to severe cases. Many dermatologists recommend Differin as first-line monotherapy for maintenance treatment following initial clearance with more aggressive regimens.

Dosage and direction

Apply a thin film of Differin Gel to affected areas once daily, preferably in the evening. The face should be gently cleansed with a mild, non-medicated cleanser and thoroughly dried before application. Use approximately a pea-sized amount for the entire face, avoiding the eyes, lips, and mucous membranes. Spread evenly over the acne-affected areas; excessive application will not increase efficacy but may heighten irritation potential. Patients should wash hands immediately after application. During the initial treatment period (weeks 2-4), some visible worsening of acne may occur as microcomedones progress through the follicular canal.

Precautions

Sun exposure should be minimized during treatment, and patients must use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily. Avoid application to eczematous, sunburned, or otherwise compromised skin. Concomitant use of potentially irritating products (including abrasive cleansers, astringents, and high-concentration alcohol-containing products) should be approached with caution. Weather extremes, particularly wind and cold, may increase susceptibility to irritation. Contact with waxed surfaces should be avoided for at least 24 hours following application due to potential skin fragility. Patients should discontinue use if hypersensitivity reactions occur.

Contraindications

Differin Gel is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to adapalene or any component of the formulation. Should not be used by individuals with personal or family history of cutaneous lupus erythematosus or porphyria. Contraindicated during pregnancy unless potential benefit justifies potential risk to fetus (Pregnancy Category C). Not recommended for use while breastfeeding due to unknown excretion in human milk. Avoid in patients with severe cystic acne, acne conglobata, or acne fulminans as monotherapy is insufficient for these conditions.

Possible side effect

The most common adverse reactions (occurring in 10-40% of patients) include erythema, scaling, dryness, pruritus, and burning/stinging immediately after application. These effects are typically mild to moderate in severity and often diminish with continued use. Less frequently (1-10%), patients may experience skin irritation, sunburn, and exacerbation of acne during the initial weeks. Rare cases (<1%) of contact dermatitis, skin discoloration, and eyelid edema have been reported. Photosensitivity reactions may occur but are less frequent compared to other topical retinoids.

Drug interaction

Concomitant use with other potentially irritating topical products (including other retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur, resorcinol, or abrasive cleansers) may increase irritation potential. Though adapalene is chemically stable with benzoyl peroxide, simultaneous application may enhance dryness and irritation—staggered application (one product in morning, the other in evening) is recommended. Caution should be exercised when using with topical antibiotics, although no specific interactions have been documented. No known interactions with systemic medications, though patients taking photosensitizing drugs (tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, phenothiazines) should exercise enhanced sun protection.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, apply as soon as remembered unless it is nearly time for the next application. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed application. The therapeutic effect of adapalene is cumulative rather than acute, so occasional missed doses are unlikely to significantly impact long-term efficacy. Consistent daily use provides optimal results, but the medication maintains effect through its normalization of keratinocyte differentiation and comedolysis rather than relying on immediate pharmacological action.

Overdose

Topical overdose may lead to severe erythema, scaling, and skin discomfort. In case of accidental ingestion, adapalene may cause gastrointestinal irritation, though systemic effects are unlikely due to minimal absorption through skin. If ingested, seek medical attention immediately. Topical overdose should be managed by discontinuing use until skin integrity returns, followed by reinitiation with less frequent application (every other day or every third day) with gradual increase to daily use as tolerated.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F). Do not freeze. Keep tube tightly closed and protected from light. The product remains stable for 24 months from manufacturing date when stored properly. Discard any product that has changed color, consistency, or odor. Keep out of reach of children. The airless pump container should be stored upright to maintain proper function and product preservation.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medication, especially if you have pre-existing skin conditions, are pregnant, nursing, or taking other medications. Proper diagnosis by a dermatologist is essential for appropriate acne treatment. Follow all label instructions carefully and discontinue use if severe irritation develops.

Reviews

Clinical studies demonstrate that 51-63% of patients achieve significant improvement in acne lesions after 12 weeks of daily use. Dermatologist surveys consistently rate Differin as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate acne due to its efficacy and favorable side effect profile compared to tretinoin. Patient satisfaction surveys indicate high continuation rates beyond the initial treatment period, with particular appreciation for its non-greasy texture and compatibility under makeup. Many users report noticeable improvement in skin texture and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation beyond its primary anti-acne effects.