Key takeaways:
Adapalene (Differin) and tretinoin (Retin-A) are retinoid medications that treat acne and wrinkles.
Both medications are available in multiple forms and strengths. Adapalene is available over the counter, but tretinoin is only available by prescription.
Tretinoin works better for wrinkles and fine lines than adapalene. But adapalene is less irritating to the skin than tretinoin.
Save on related medications
Your skin changes as you get older. If you’re looking for anti-aging treatments that actually work and you use at home, topical retinoids may be a good option for you.
Adapalene (Differin) and tretinoin (Retin-A) are both popular topical retinoids. Adapalene and tretinoin benefits include improving the appearance of wrinkles. But there are some differences between the products. Here’s how to choose between them.
What are retinoids?
A retinoid is a term used to describe any vitamin A-based product:
Retinol is the natural form of vitamin A. It’s a main ingredient in many anti-aging skin care products that can be found over the counter (OTC). Examples of retinols include retinaldehyde, retinyl esters, and retinyl propionate.
Retinoid creams are a stronger form of vitamin A (also called retinoic acid). Most retinoid products are available by prescription. Examples include adapalene (Differin), tretinoin (Retin-A), and tazarotene (Avage, Tazorac). Lower-strength adapalene is available OTC.
Retinols and retinoids can help thicken, brighten, and smooth your skin and they can treat acne and reduce breakouts. Retinols aren’t as strong as prescription retinoids but may work just as well and cause fewer side effects. Still, many people opt for prescription retinoids, which come in many forms and strengths. When choosing between retinoids, here are some things to keep in mind about adapalene versus tretinoin.
1. They have different FDA approvals
Both adapalene and tretinoin are FDA approved to treat acne in people 12 years of age and older. Only one brand of tretinoin cream (Renova) and its generic forms are actually approved to treat wrinkles.
But both adapalene and all forms of tretinoin can be used off-label to treat signs of photoaging. Photoaging is a term that describes the effects of sun damage and age to the skin like:
Fine lines
Wrinkles
Skin discoloration
2. Adapalene and tretinoin come in different forms
Adapalene and tretinoin come in different forms and strengths. Both these things matter when choosing a product. You’ll want something that’s strong enough to address your skin care needs. But stronger isn’t always better. Higher-strength retinoids can cause more side effects like dryness, redness, and flaking. And some forms, like gel or cream, can be more or less irritating depending on your skin type.
Adapalene is available in two strengths: 0.1% and 0.3%. Adapalene 0.3% only comes as a gel. But the 0.1% strength is available as a:
Lotion
Cream
Gel
Liquid solution swab
The cream, gel, and liquid solution are available as generic products. The lotion is only available as a brand-name product (Differin).
Tretinoin comes in many forms and strengths as well. These include:
Cream (0.02%, 0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1%)
Gel (0.01%, 0.025%, 0.05%)
Gel microspheres (0.04%, 0.06%, 0.08%, 0.1%)
Lotion (0.05%)
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Except for the lotion, all formulations are available as several different generic and brand-name products. The lotion is available as a brand-name product only (Altreno).
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3. Tretinoin is prescription-only, but adapalene is over-the-counter
Adapalene 0.1% gel is available over the counter (OTC) as a generic and as brand-name Differin. An OTC option can be convenient and sometimes more affordable, depending on your insurance coverage.
Adapalene 0.3% gel, along with the 0.1% lotion, cream, and liquid solution are prescription-only. All tretinoin products are only available with a prescription.
4. Adapalene and tretinoin are both effective, but adapalene may cause less skin irritation
Both adapalene and tretinoin can lessen the appearance of wrinkles. Evidence suggests tretinoin may work better than adapalene to treat wrinkles and signs of photoaging.
But adapalene may cause less skin irritation. Experts point out that retinoids need to be used consistently in order for people to see results. You’re more likely to use a product that causes less irritation. So adapalene may be a better choice for people who have sensitive skin.
Tretinoin
A 2022 analysis of seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) looked at the effectiveness of tretinoin for wrinkles. RCTs are the best type of study to look for cause-and-effect relationships. The analysis found that tretinoin is effective at treating wrinkles and other signs of photoaging. This was true in both short-term studies (fewer than 6 months) and long-term studies (more than 12 months).
Some studies showed that tretinoin works within 1 month of starting treatment. But this was a small study of just five people using tretinoin on the arm. Some skin improvements may take longer than 6 months to become noticeable.
The strength of your tretinoin product may also matter. For instance, one study showed that tretinoin 0.01% didn’t improve signs of photoaging, but tretinoin 0.02% did.
Adapalene
Studies have shown that adapalene is an effective treatment option for wrinkles. Studies of adapalene 0.3% gel and adapalene 0.1% gel show that they helped improve the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of skin damage.
Adapalene vs. tretinoin
A 2018 study compared the effectiveness of adapalene versus moderate-strength tretinoin at treating signs of photoaging, including wrinkles. The study of over 100 people lasted 24 weeks. It found that adapalene 0.3% gel and tretinoin 0.05% cream both improved the appearance of wrinkles. One product didn’t work better than the other. And they had similar side effects.
But other studies have shown that adapalene is less irritating to the skin than tretinoin. A study of 150 people compared adapalene 0.1% gel to tretinoin 0.025% gel for acne treatment. The study found that adapalene was less irritating than tretinoin. Another small study comparing various strengths of adapalene to tretinoin also found that adapalene was less irritating than tretinoin. However, tretinoin microsphere (Retin-A Micro) comes in gel form that releases the medication more slowly than traditional tretinoin formulations. This may minimize irritation.
What are some similarities between adapalene and tretinoin?
Though adapalene and tretinoin have several differences, they have similarities as well. We’ll cover a few of these below.
How they work
Adapalene, tretinoin, and other topical retinoids work by promoting collagen and elastin production. These proteins contribute to your skin’s “stretchiness.” This makes your skin look smoother, lessening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Retinoids also help your skin form new blood vessels. This helps your skin repair itself when damaged. This can lessen the appearance of dark spots.
How they’re used
There’s a few basic tips to follow when using retinoid products:
Use daily if possible. Retinoids work best if they’re used daily. But if you’re just starting adapalene or tretinoin, start by applying a pea-sized amount just once or twice a week at night. As your skin adjusts, you can slowly start increasing the number of nights you use it until you’re using it once every night.
Distribute your product evenly. Dab the product all over your face and chin, then gently use your fingers to distribute it evenly on your skin. Avoid getting the medication in your mouth, nose, and eyes. Applying it to the skin around your eyes is OK.
Start with a lower strength. It’s best to start with a lower-strength product like adapalene 0.1% or tretinoin 0.01%, 0.02%, or 0.025%. Higher-strength adapalene and tretinoin may work faster, but they can irritate your skin more, too.
Always use sunscreen. Retinoids make you more prone to sunburns and sun damage when you first start using them. Apply sunscreen in the morning and throughout the day, especially if you’re spending time outside. Use one that’s SPF 30 or higher and covers UVA and UVB rays. Wear protective clothing and avoid tanning beds, too.
Don’t forget about face wash and moisturizer. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and dry it thoroughly before applying any retinoid product. Applying a moisturizer after your retinoid can be helpful for preventing dryness and irritation.
Avoidance during pregnancy and breastfeeding
All retinoids should be avoided during pregnancy and while nursing. Topical retinoids are less likely to cause birth defects than oral retinoids. But experts recommend using nonretinoid-based products if you are pregnant or nursing.
Side effects
Retinoids can cause side effects like:
Dry skin that may lead to skin peeling
Redness
A burning sensation on your skin
Itchiness
Your skin may look worse when you first start using adapalene or tretinoin, but it should improve over time. If you have acne, your acne may worsen temporarily, too.
Talk with your healthcare team if you have severe skin irritation or you have mild irritation that doesn’t get better within a few weeks. They may recommend that you use a lower-strength product, or apply your retinoid less frequently.
Medication interactions
Avoid using adapalene or tretinoin with other medications that can irritate or dry out your skin. This includes products containing alcohol, salicylic acid, or sulfur.
Altreno lotion is a tretinoin product that may cause an allergic reaction in people with fish allergies because it’s made with fish proteins. Talk with your team if you notice itchiness or a rash after using Altreno lotion.
Can you take adapalene and tretinoin together for wrinkles?
You shouldn’t use two retinoid products at the same time. Using adapalene and tretinoin together can raise your chance of experiencing serious skin irritation. Talk with your healthcare team if you’re using one of these medications and you don’t feel like it’s helping. They may be able to suggest a different medication.
How to save on adapalene and tretinoin
Retinoids aren’t always covered by insurance for treating wrinkles and photoaging. But tretinoin and adapalene are available as lower-cost generics. And adapalene 0.1% gel is available OTC.
Below, you’ll find a few generic adapalene and tretinoin prescription products. Here’s how much they might cost with a free GoodRx coupon:
Frequently asked questions
You don’t need to alternate adapalene and tretinoin. You shouldn’t use them together as it can increase the risk of side effects like redness and dryness. It’s best to choose one product and use it consistently for several months to see if it works. Talk with your healthcare team if you don’t notice any improvement after 3 months. They may recommend switching products.
Adapalene may help lessen the appearance of acne scars by increasing collagen production and cell turnover. Higher-strength adapalene 0.3% may work better than 0.1% for reducing the appearance of scars.
It takes between 3 and 6 months to see results from consistent adapalene or tretinoin use. In studies, people notice fewer wrinkles, less redness, and smoother skin within 12 to 24 weeks. You’ll need to keep using retinoids to maintain these benefits. Studies also show that people who use retinoids over the long term (longer than 6 to 12 months) get additional benefits like higher levels of collagen and less skin thinning.
You don’t need to alternate adapalene and tretinoin. You shouldn’t use them together as it can increase the risk of side effects like redness and dryness. It’s best to choose one product and use it consistently for several months to see if it works. Talk with your healthcare team if you don’t notice any improvement after 3 months. They may recommend switching products.
Adapalene may help lessen the appearance of acne scars by increasing collagen production and cell turnover. Higher-strength adapalene 0.3% may work better than 0.1% for reducing the appearance of scars.
It takes between 3 and 6 months to see results from consistent adapalene or tretinoin use. In studies, people notice fewer wrinkles, less redness, and smoother skin within 12 to 24 weeks. You’ll need to keep using retinoids to maintain these benefits. Studies also show that people who use retinoids over the long term (longer than 6 to 12 months) get additional benefits like higher levels of collagen and less skin thinning.
The bottom line
Adapalene (Differin) and tretinoin (Retin-A) are topical retinoids. They’re FDA approved to treat acne and used off-label to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and photoaging. Adapalene is available as an OTC gel and other prescription-only products. All tretinoin products are prescription-only.
Both products work well and have similar side effects. Tretinoin may work better to lessen the appearance of wrinkles. Adapalene is usually less irritating to the skin. Both medications can make you more sensitive to the sun, so you should wear at least SPF 30 sunscreen and wear protective clothing when you’re outside. It’s best if these retinoids are used daily. It may take several months to see results.
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