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This Prescription-Strength Retinol Starts At $14 On Amazon

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Differin contains 0.1% adapalene, a type of retinoid that was previously only available by prescription. Amazon

Thanks to its all-purpose skin-improving abilities, many dermatologists agree that retinols and retinoids are an essential ingredient for most skin care routines. They also have the potential to be expensive, especially in over-the-counter preparations.

However, according to Dr. Ariel Ostad, a cosmetic surgeon based in New York City, products that use a prescription-strength retinoid called adapalene are outliers in this pricey OTC mark-up.

"Adapalene treats and prevents new acne from forming [by] removing dead skin cells and shrinking oil glands," Ostad said. He said that the end result is a restored skin tone and texture that's free of the sticky cells responsible for pore congestion.

Like other forms of retinoids, adapalene, which until 2018 was only available by prescription, works by increasing the skin's cellular turnover rate — a process that slows down naturally as we age.

This means that even though adapalene-based products are marketed as acne treatments, Ostad said that they can also be used to help promote collagen production — and more collagen can mean plumper, more youthful skin with fewer fine lines.

Adapalene, which is the gentlest in the retinoid family, also has some ability to improve the appearance of sun damage, said board-certified dermatologist Dr. Macrene Alexiades, who is also based in New York.

"Generally speaking, over-the-counter retinol products are suitable for those with mild issues... [T]hose who need a stronger over-the-counter version... Would use adapalene or Differin," a name-brand adapalene product, Alexiades said.

Both Alexiades and Ostad said that, like all retinoids, adapalene has the potential to be drying, so it's best to use just a pea-sized amount on the whole face, only at night, and to pair it with a moisturizer.

Most adapalene products — the best-known of which is Differin — have the same .1% concentration of the ingredient. Ahead, you can shop all of the options we found on Amazon and read some reviewer comments about their effectiveness.

HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Differin

Amazon

Differin

Differin, probably the best known of adapalene-based products, claims that the more toned-down nature of this active ingredient compared to other retinoids makes it a good all-over face treatment that is suitable for everyday use, even sensitive skin types.

Promising Amazon review: "I suffered from acne from my teens to adult. My dermatologist recommended [this]! It really cleared and smoothed my skin! Just a little on my face every other night worked, and I believe it helps with early signs of wrinkles. I was developing small lines on my forehead and now they're gone!! Make sure you moisturize too." — E.T. Lopez

$15 at Amazon

Taro

Amazon

Taro

This formula is from a lesser-known brand, but it's one of the most affordable adapalene options available.

Promising Amazon review: "I have been struggling with hormonal acne in my mid 30's and this is my holy grail! My painful, under the skin, cyst like pimples shrink overnight. It goes on smooth and clear and absorbs quickly. It does not dry into a white residue and flake off in your sleep. This product dries pimples out and reduces redness without making my skin rough and crusty like other pimple creams." —Sarah

$7+ at Amazon

Acne Free

Amazon

Acne Free

Acne Free is a skin care brand that was developed by dermatologists.

Promising Amazon reviews: "Both my adult daughter and I use this product. Neither of us have acne, but I use it to lighten dark pigmentation and she uses it to control occasional outbreaks. It's gentle and disappears into the skin." — Imerk567

"I've been using this for over a year but not for acne but aging. I've noticed a huge difference, it took about 6 months for big gains but my texture and discoloration went fast. I have very resilient skin that's rarely irritated so I went all in daily but some may have to work up to that. Patience and consistency are key but it absolutely works on fine lines like crazy and deeper lines look at least reduced by 30%." — Kimberly112997

$10+ at Amazon

Proactiv

Amazon

Proactiv

This adapalene gel comes from a big name in acne treatment.Promising Amazon review: "I've been stricken with horrible adult acne after having flawless skin my whole life. This product completely reversed my skin back to its original condition. It took about a month for results. Yes, my skin was worse for the first week and a half or so but it was worth it. Maybe start the product when you don't have important plans for the next week. Will never live without this product again!" — Molé

$36 at Amazon

La Roche-Posay

Amazon

La Roche-Posay

La Roche-Posay is a French pharmacy staple behind several cult-favorite skin care products. 

Promising Amazon review: "I can now say that this stuff has basically gotten rid of the rest of my acne that didn't go away with the birth control pill. The biggest difference I see is in the clogging rate of my pores. I have no blackheads or texture now. Secondly the hyperpigmentation goes away so much faster than with anything I've used so far — even my old retinol or any acids I was using. For example, if I had a dark spot from acne that I had picked, normally it would take at least 1.5-2 months to fade away entirely, but now it takes about 3 weeks-1 month. I really don't have to wear any makeup now." — Amazon customer

$36 at Amazon

Related...

This Acne Gel That Used To Require A Prescription Is Now On Amazon For $29 — And It Completely Cleared Up My Blemishes

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Differin Gel is a prescription-strength retinoid acne treatment that once required a prescription.

Now, you can order a 60-day supply for $29 on Amazon. 

My dermatologist recommended it to me as a workaround for a nearly identical $270 prescription.

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Last summer, I broke out on vacation. Built-up layers of sport sunscreen and a lackluster makeup wipe routine struck back with a vengeance, and I woke up to an unusually widespread disaster. Unsure of what to do, I washed my face with a gentle cleanser and applied the Differin Gel my dermatologist had told me to order online weeks before. Even though Differin works best when used daily to prevent blemishes, it still helped to clear up my acne much faster than my usual products.

What is Differin?

Differin is an acne-fighting gel that contains 0.1% adapalene — a powerful, prescription-strength retinoid that targets blackheads and whiteheads and prevents future blemishes. It's anti-inflammatory, so it reduces redness and swelling, and it helps assist in skin cell turnover, meaning pores are less likely to get clogged in the first place. 

Differin is a common alternative to generic adapalene, an expensive prescription of essentially the same formula. (The most common version of adapalene can be as little as $55 but it carries an average sticker price of $270.) 

Until 2016, Differin Gel required a prescription. Once that changed, Differin Gel became the first new acne-fighting active ingredient available over the counter in more than 30 years, and the only FDA-approved prescription-strength retinoid acne treatment available without a prescription, according to the FDA. 

When I had a well-known dermatologist, Dr. Dendy Engelman, review my skincare routine, she said Differin was great and that she "highly recommends" it. 

What is Differin like to use?

I applied the gel each night of my trip, lessening the dosage or skipping it altogether if I was feeling extra dry. (Dryness is the main drawback with retinoids, so be sure to use a gentle moisturizer after applying — and not one with BHAs or AHAs in it, since they'll deactivate the retinol). 

You're most likely to see a noticeable change in skin texture after 12 weeks of consistent usage, but I also saw short-term benefits on vacation. I noticed my blemishes were diminished in size and severity overnight. After two nights of usage, even more so. That's because while Differin primarily works in the longterm (and you'll need to use it consistently for the best results), it's also anti-inflammatory. 

I should mention that I usually have to dedicate a week to fighting a breakout. Products like Mario Badescu's cult-favorite Drying Lotion help me, but less drastically. I try to rely on preventative care by using exfoliating products, such as my Foreo device, the Maelove Night Renewer Lotion (which I don't use in combination with retinols because of its AHA content), and the Drunk Elephant's Babyfacial — but sometimes I forget and have to deal with the consequences. With Differin, I spent two days of vacation concerned about my skin rather than five. 

The cons to consider

If you're going to buy it, do your due diligence. If you're allergic to adapalene, this isn't for you. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a doctor before starting. And, for those also on vacation, it's worth noting that it's known to make your skin more sensitive to light — like most acne treatments — so you should wear sunscreen. 

It's also good to note that it can make your skin feel dry. This depends on how much product you use, how often you apply it, and what your skin is like normally. I have sensitive combination skin and started with every-other-night applications to figure out a routine that worked. The side effects reportedly peak around week two of use, and subside around week four. 

The bottom line

After years of reporting on skincare and conducting dozens of interviews with dermatologists, I know that the cardinal rules of a good routine are to wear sunscreen, and to use retinol to slow wrinkles and comabt acne. Retinols are a great defense against blemishes, and while you generally need to use them for a long time to be effective, they can aid in the short term, too. Though you might want to talk to your dermatologist first, I'd say that if combating acne is your main interest, try Differin before you invest in other pricy products. It contains Adapalene, which is designed to treat acne, and it's inexpensive, effective, and available over the counter. 

Mara Leighton

Senior Digital Culture Reporter

Differin Cream

Differin Cream Generic Name & Formulations General Description

Adapalene 0.1%; alcohol-free.

Pharmacological Class

Retinoid.

How Supplied

Gel, crm—45g; Lotion—2oz

Mechanism of Action

Biochemical and pharmacological profile studies have demonstrated that adapalene is a modulator of cellular differentiation, keratinization, and inflammatory processes. However, the significance of these findings with regard to the mechanism of action of adapalene for the treatment of acne is unknown.

Differin Cream Indications Indications

Acne vulgaris.

Differin Cream Dosage and Administration Adult

Apply thin film to affected areas once daily after washing. Reduce frequency or discontinue if prolonged or severe irritation occurs.

Children

Not established.

Differin Cream Contraindications

Not Applicable

Differin Cream Boxed Warnings

Not Applicable

Differin Cream Warnings/Precautions Warnings/Precautions

Discontinue if allergic or anaphylactic reactions occur. Do not use on cuts, abrasions, broken, eczematous, or sunburned skin. Avoid eyes, lips, angles of the nose, mucous membranes, sun, UV light. Increased irritation in extreme weather. Pregnancy. Nursing mothers: avoid areas with increased risk for potential ingestion or ocular exposure to infant.

Differin Cream Pharmacokinetics Elimination

Fecal. Half-life: 7–51 hours.

Differin Cream Interactions Interactions

Avoid use until the effects of sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid have subsided. Avoid waxing treated areas. Caution with other photosensitizers or irritants.

Differin Cream Adverse Reactions Adverse Reactions

Erythema, scaling, dryness, pruritus, burning, stinging.

Differin Cream Clinical Trials

See Literature

Differin Cream Note

Not Applicable

Differin Cream Patient Counseling

See Literature

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