Adapalene vs. Differin

See how Adapalene and Differin compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Adapalene and Differin contain the exact same active ingredient, so their effectiveness and side effect profiles are essentially identical.

  • Differin is the original brand and is sold over the counter at 0.1%, while generic adapalene comes in more formulation choices, including combination products with benzoyl peroxide.

  • Differin brand products generally cost less out of pocket than generic adapalene prescriptions, which can vary widely in price by manufacturer and formulation.

Adapalene vs. Differin Drug Summary

Adapalene

Adapalene is a topical retinoid used to treat acne vulgaris in patients 12 and older. It is sold generically in gel, cream, and solution formulations, both by prescription and, at the 0.1% strength, over the counter. Patients apply a thin layer once daily to clean, dry skin.

Differin

Differin is the original brand-name version of the topical retinoid adapalene, used to treat acne vulgaris in patients 12 and older. It comes in gel, cream, and lotion forms, with a 0.1% strength available over the counter and a 0.3% strength by prescription. Patients apply a thin layer once each evening as ongoing maintenance.

Adapalene vs. Differin Side Effects

Adapalene

Most common
Erythema (≥1%)
Stinging or burning (≥1%)
Dry skin (≥1%)
Scaling (≥1%)

Differin

Most common
Erythema (>1%)
Stinging or burning (>1%)
Dry skin (>1%)
Scaling (>1%)

Adapalene vs. Differin Dosage

Adapalene

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose Apply thin film once daily At the start
Maximum dose Apply thin film once daily Same as starting
Dose changes None Fixed dose

Differin

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose Apply thin film once daily At the start
Maximum dose Apply thin film once daily Same as starting
Dose changes None Fixed dose

Adapalene vs. Differin Indications

Adapalene

Adapalene is FDA-approved to treat acne vulgaris in patients 12 years of age and older. It works by normalizing skin cell turnover in hair follicles, which reduces clogged pores and inflammation. Generic adapalene is sold in gel, cream, and solution forms, and in combination with benzoyl peroxide.

  • Treats acne vulgaris in patients 12 and older

  • Reduces inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions

  • Available generically in gel, cream, or solution form

  • Can be combined with benzoyl peroxide in some products

Differin

Differin, the brand-name adapalene, is also FDA-approved for acne vulgaris in patients 12 and older. It works the same way, by normalizing skin cell turnover to reduce clogged pores and inflammation. Differin is sold in gel, cream, and lotion forms, at both 0.1% (OTC) and 0.3% (prescription) strengths.

  • Treats acne vulgaris in patients 12 and older

  • Reduces inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions

  • Available as Differin gel, cream, or lotion

  • Offered at 0.1% (OTC) and 0.3% (prescription) strengths

Adapalene vs. Differin Pros and Cons

Adapalene

Generic adapalene offers the widest range of formulations and is often covered by insurance as a first-line acne retinoid. Because multiple manufacturers produce it, price and packaging can vary more than with a single branded product.

Pros

  • Offered in three formulation types: gel, cream, and solution

  • Available combined with benzoyl peroxide for combination therapy

  • Generic status means multiple manufacturers produce it, often insurance-friendly

Cons

  • Typically higher cost than Differin OTC, roughly $40 to $300/month before savings programs

  • Not available in an FDA-approved 0.3% strength like Differin brand

  • Price and formulation quality can vary by manufacturer, making cost less predictable

Differin

Differin is the original branded adapalene and the version most people recognize from drugstore shelves. Its OTC availability at 0.1% gives patients an accessible starting option, with a prescription-strength 0.3% version for more resistant acne.

Pros

  • Available over the counter at 0.1% strength without a prescription

  • Also offered by prescription at a stronger 0.3% concentration

  • Lower typical cost, roughly $14 to $76/month before savings programs

Cons

  • Not sold combined with benzoyl peroxide under the Differin name

  • Limited to gel, cream, and lotion formulations, no solution option

  • OTC 0.1% strength may be less effective for more severe acne cases

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