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Tuesday, October 13, 2026Index last updated Oct 9
The Index  ·  Synthetic third-generation retinoid

Adapalene

Adapalene

A prescription-strength retinoid available OTC at 0.1 % in the US; stable, well tolerated, strong acne evidence.

StrongMultiple RCTs, consistent
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Written bytheskindex
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Last updated27 Aug 2026
Sources2 cited

Adapalene is a naphthoic-acid retinoid designed to be selective for RAR-β and RAR-γ, the receptors most relevant in the epidermis. That selectivity, plus its photostability, explains why it irritates less than tretinoin at equivalent efficacy[1].

The evidence

In a large multicentre trial, 0.1 % adapalene matched 0.025 % tretinoin for lesion reduction with significantly less erythema, scaling and dryness[1]. Unlike retinol and tretinoin, it is stable alongside benzoyl peroxide, which is why the fixed combination exists.

In the US it has been on open shelves since 2016[2]; elsewhere it remains a prescription medicine.

Evidence by claim

Graded separately; the entry grade is the best-supported claim
Treats acne comparably to tretinoin 0.025 % with better tolerance[1]
Strong
Photostable and compatible with benzoyl peroxide[2]
Strong

Safety & limits

Source and region, always
0.1 % · leave-on — 0.1 % gel approved for OTC sale since 2016; 0.3 % remains prescription.[2] US
leave-on — Prescription-only medicine; not a cosmetic ingredient. CA EU UK
all — Avoid in pregnancy. CA US EU UK

Sources · 2

Numbered as cited in the text
  1. [1]Shalita A, Weiss JS, Chalker DK, et al.. A comparison of the efficacy and safety of adapalene gel 0.1% and tretinoin gel 0.025% in the treatment of acne vulgaris: a multicenter trial. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (1996)doi:10.1016/S0190-9622(96)90662-3
  2. [2]U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA approves Differin Gel 0.1% for over-the-counter use to treat acne (2016)regulation

Revision history

16 Sept 2026Entry createdTheSkindex Desk