Adapalene (Differin) vs tretinoin: What is the difference?

Get an overview of the differences and similarities between adapalene and tretinoin, and learn which of these two ingredients is best for aging and acne.

Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Carolina Fernandez
Dermatologist

Is adapalene the same as tretinoin?

Dr. Carolina Fernandez, board-certified dermatologist, says that adapalene and tretinoin are different medications, although both are topical retinoids used to treat acne by helping prevent clogged pores and promoting skin cell turnover. Adapalene tends to be less irritating and is available over the counter in certain strengths, while tretinoin is prescription-only.

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What are tretinoin and adapalene used for?

Tretinoin is a topical retinoid best known for treating acne. Certain tretinoin formulations are also FDA-approved to help reduce specific signs of sun-damaged skin, including fine facial wrinkles, mottled hyperpigmentation, and rough skin texture, when used alongside a comprehensive skincare and sun-protection routine.^{2 3 4}

Adapalene is also a topical retinoid and is FDA-approved for the treatment of acne. It may also be prescribed off-label for other skin concerns, including photoaging and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.⁵

The differences: adapalene (Differin) vs tretinoin

How to get a prescription for adapalene or tretinoin?

You can have a consultation with an online dermatologist via Miiskin. While doing your consultation write if you want to try tretinoin or adapalene. If you are interested in a compounded formula, select Foothills as your preferred pharmacy. Your dermatologist will issue your prescription if it is adequate and safe for you. Consultation price is $59 and medication refills are only $39. Most Foothills formulas are $48.99.

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What is adapalene?

Adapalene gel (also known as Differin) is a third-generation retinoid developed to reduce the side effects caused by tretinoin⁷. It is believed to be as efficient as tretinoin against acne but less irritating and, therefore, better tolerated than tretinoin ⁸.

Adapalene (Differin) formulations and strengths

Adapalene (Differin) is also available as creams, gels and lotions and the most common strengths are 0.1% and 0.3%

Is adapalene (Differin) available over the counter (OTC)?

Adapalene with a lower concentration of 0.1% can be purchased over the counter. However the stronger concentration of adapalene which is 0.3% can only be bought with a doctor’s prescription.

Adapalene brands

The most common brands of adapalene are: Differin, Epiduo and Plixda.

What is tretinoin?

Tretinoin, also known as all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), is a topical prescription medication used in dermatology for acne and a few other skin conditions.

Tretinoin helps control the way skin cells grow and mature, which is beneficial to address skin issues. For example, tretinoin speeds up the renewal of aging skin cells and promotes the creation of new ones. This, in turn, aids in clearing blocked pores, lessening inflammation, and enhancing the overall appearance and texture of the skin. It also increases the production of collagen and stimulates the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which improves skin color.⁶

Tretinoin formulations and strengths

Tretinoin is available as creams, gels and lotions. Tretinoin also has different strengths ranging from 0.01% to 0.1%.

Is tretinoin available over the counter?

Tretinoin is not available over the counter, it can only be bought with a doctor’s prescription.

Tretinoin brands

The most common brands of tretinoin are: Retin-A, Altreno, Refissa and Renova.

FAQ about the differences between adapalene and tretinoin

Dr. Carolina Fernandez, board-certified dermatologist, answers common questions people have about the differences between adapalene and tretinoin.

Is Differin a tretinoin?

No. Differin is a retinoid and the brand name for the active ingredient known as adapalene, not tretinoin. Both medications are used to treat acne, but they are different active ingredients. In the U.S., Differin Gel 0.1% is available over the counter, while tretinoin requires a prescription.

Are tretinoin and adapalene the same?

No. They are different topical retinoids that work in similar ways and are both effective treatments for acne. One practical difference is tolerability: studies comparing the two have generally found adapalene to be less irritating than tretinoin.

Can you use adapalene for anti-aging and wrinkles?

Adapalene is primarily used to treat acne, but it has also been studied off-label for photoaging and wrinkles. Research suggests that adapalene can improve signs of sun-damaged skin, although the evidence for its anti-aging effects is less extensive than for tretinoin.

What is the difference between tretinoin and Differin gel?

The main difference is the active ingredient: Differin Gel contains adapalene, not tretinoin. Both are retinoids used for acne, but adapalene tends to cause less irritation. Another important difference in the U.S. is availability: Differin Gel 0.1% can be purchased over the counter, whereas tretinoin is prescription-only.

What is the difference between adapalene 0.1% and tretinoin 0.1%?

Tretinoin 0.1% is generally a much stronger and more irritating treatment than adapalene 0.1%, even though they have the same percentage on the label. Adapalene 0.1% is available over the counter in the U.S. and is typically better tolerated, making it a common option for people new to retinoids. Tretinoin 0.1%, on the other hand, is a high-strength prescription retinoid and is generally better suited to people whose skin has already developed some tolerance to retinoids. Dermatologists often start patients on a lower tretinoin strength and increase it if needed and tolerated.

What is better for anti-aging, adapalene or tretinoin?

Tretinoin is generally the more established choice for treating signs of photoaging because it has a much larger body of clinical evidence behind it. Adapalene has also shown promising results for photoaging and wrinkles, including a study in which adapalene 0.3% produced comparable improvements to tretinoin 0.05% for mild-to-moderate photoaging. However, adapalene’s use for photoaging remains off-label.

Can you use adapalene for anti-aging?

Yes, adapalene is sometimes used off-label for signs of photoaging, including wrinkles. However, tretinoin has better clinical evidence when used for anti-aging.

What is better for acne, tretinoin or adapalene?

Both tretinoin and adapalene are effective treatments for acne, and one is not universally better than the other. Comparative studies have found similar effectiveness in many cases, while adapalene generally causes less irritation. The best option depends on your acne, skin sensitivity, previous treatments and the specific formulation and concentration being considered.

What is the price difference between adapalene and tretinoin?

The cost varies considerably depending on the formulation, strength, brand, and pharmacy. However, if you choose Foothills as your preferred pharmacy, you can get a tretinoin or adapalene cream for $59.

Is tretinoin more potent than adapalene?

Yes, tretinoin is generally considered more potent and more irritating than adapalene, particularly when comparing higher concentrations. However, their percentages are not directly equivalent because they are different retinoids—for example, tretinoin 0.1% should not be considered equivalent in strength to adapalene 0.1%. Adapalene is typically better tolerated, while higher-strength tretinoin is generally introduced more cautiously because it can cause significantly more dryness, peeling, redness, and irritation.

Do tretinoin and adapalene cause skin purging?

Some people notice their acne appears to worsen during the first few weeks after starting a topical retinoid, commonly referred to as “skin purging.” Tretinoin and adapalene can also cause redness, dryness, peeling, burning or irritation while the skin adjusts. If symptoms become severe or do not improve, consult your dermatologist rather than increasing or stopping treatment on your own.

Are all tretinoin or adapalene formulations similar?

No. Tretinoin and adapalene are available in different strengths, formulations and combination medications, which can affect how they are used and tolerated. For example, Epiduo combines adapalene with benzoyl peroxide for acne treatment. Altreno is a 0.05% tretinoin lotion formulated with inactive ingredients including glycerin, sodium hyaluronate and soluble collagen.

Can you use adapalene and tretinoin together?

No, adapalene and tretinoin should not be used together. They are both topical retinoids that work in similar ways, so combining them is unlikely to provide additional benefit and can significantly increase dryness, redness, peeling, and irritation. Instead, use one retinoid at a time as recommended by your dermatologist.

Lee el artículo: Tretinoína vs Adapaleno

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Article References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3042718/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8776661/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5574737/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2699641/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482509/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11843231/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8761775/

Sites that reference this guide:
https://www.healthspectra.com/adapalene-vs-tretinoin-for-acne-which-retinoid-works-better-for-your-skin/