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
Differin
Adapalene vs. Differin Dosage
Adapalene
Differin
| 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 |
| 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
| 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
| 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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