Adapalene
What is the difference?
| Feature | Adapalene | Retin A |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | Adapalene, a retinoid acne treatment | Tretinoin, a retinoid acne treatment |
| US access | Nonprescription and prescription formulations | Prescription |
| Forms | Nonprescription gel; prescription forms include cream, gel and lotion | Cream and gel |
| Strengths | Follow the strength and directions on your exact product | US cream: 0.025%, 0.05% or 0.1%. US gel: 0.01% or 0.025% |
| Formula | Depends on the product and form | The gel has an alcohol based vehicle; the cream has a different cream base |
| Usual application | Once daily at bedtime, across the entire affected area | Tretinoin is generally used daily at bedtime in a thin layer |
| Other goals | Used for acne | Tretinoin also reduces fine wrinkles; Retin A is labeled for acne |
This comparison concerns the US Retin A cream and gel, not Retin A Micro or every tretinoin product. Retin A is a brand name, not a separate rung on a skincare prestige ladder.1
Which should you choose?
Nonprescription adapalene is an option if you want to begin treating acne without a prescription. Discuss tretinoin if you want a prescribed acne treatment or also want to address fine wrinkles. Neither is the best acne treatment for every person. Retinoids clear clogged pores and treat blackheads, whiteheads and some pimples, and can help lighten dark marks left after acne. If your skin is already very dry or inflamed, get advice before starting rather than choosing by brand or strength.13
How do you use Retin A?
- 1Wash your hands and affected skin with a mild cleanser. Let your skin dry as directed.
- 2At bedtime, use clean fingertips to spread a thin layer over the affected area. Follow your prescription rather than adding extra applications.
- 3Keep tretinoin away from your eyes, mouth and nose creases. Do not apply it to sunburned skin or areas affected by eczema.
- 4Use moisturizer if your prescriber advises it. If irritation develops, ask about applying moisturizer first or reducing the amount or frequency.
- 5During the day, use sunscreen with broad spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher and water resistance, alongside shade and protective clothing.
Adapalene also goes on clean, dry skin as a thin film over the whole affected area, not just individual pimples. Discuss other acne medicines before combining them: tretinoin needs particular care with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and drying products. A mild cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen support the routine, without turning the bathroom shelf into an ensemble production.23456
How long until you see results?
Expect weeks, not days. Acne treatment generally takes at least 6 to 8 weeks before fewer breakouts become noticeable. Adapalene can initially worsen acne and takes 8 to 12 weeks or longer for its full benefit. Tretinoin can also worsen acne early; improvement can begin in 2 to 3 weeks but sometimes takes more than 6 weeks. Those different timelines are not a direct comparison of which medicine works faster. Fine wrinkle improvement with tretinoin takes 3 to 4 months, sometimes up to 6 months, and does not mean wrinkles disappear.124
Who should be careful?
Do not use retinoids during pregnancy. Discuss pregnancy plans or breastfeeding with your doctor before starting either. Both can cause dryness, peeling and irritation; in darker skin, irritation can trigger dark marks. Contact your clinician for severe or persistent symptoms. Stop Retin A if a sensitivity reaction or chemical irritation occurs. Seek immediate medical help for hives or a rash; breathing difficulty or swelling of the face or throat needs emergency care. See a doctor if acne is deep, painful, scarring or not improving with treatment.23456
Where this answer comes from
- 1Acne: Diagnosis and treatmentaad.org
- 2Tretinoin Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Informationmedlineplus.gov
- 3Retinoid or retinol?aad.org
- 4Adapalene: MedlinePlus Drug Informationmedlineplus.gov
- 5DailyMed - RETIN-A- tretinoin cream RETIN-A- tretinoin geldailymed.nlm.nih.gov
- 6Acnenhs.uk
