Adapalene (Differin) versus Tretinoin (Retin-A) for Wrinkles: 4 Differences To Know About

As we age, our skin may become more wrinkled. Many products that claim to treat wrinkles and fine lines don’t have much scientific evidence to support their use. But there are some anti-aging treatments that actually work, including cosmetic procedures like Botox Cosmetic injections. 

However, if you’re more interested in trying a product that you can easily apply at home, topical retinoids may be a good option for you. Adapalene (Differin) and tretinoin (Retin-A) are common retinoids. Adapalene and tretinoin benefits include improving the appearance of wrinkles. But there are some differences between the products. So when faced with a choice between adapalene versus tretinoin, what should you choose?

What are retinoids?

The term retinoid is often used to refer to any vitamin A-based products. This includes vitamin A in its natural forms (retinols) and chemical forms (retinoids). But there are differences between retinols and retinoids, which we’ll break down below.

• Retinol, the natural form of vitamin A. It’s found in our bodies and in certain foods, like fruits and vegetables. It’s also added to some skincare products. It’s not considered as strong as prescription retinoids. But if you’re using it for its anti-aging properties, it may work just as well and cause fewer side effects. Examples of retinols include retinaldehyde, retinyl esters, and retinyl propionate.

• Retinoids, the chemical form of vitamin A. Retinoid products are available by prescription. Examples include tretinoin (Retin-A), adapalene (Differin), and tazarotene (Avage, Tazorac). There’s also a lower-strength, OTC version of adapalene.

Retinols and retinoids have anti-aging benefits. They can help thicken, brighten, and smooth your skin. They’re also first-choice medications for acne.

Below, we’ll cover four differences and a few similarities between adapalene versus tretinoin.

1. They have slightly different FDA approvals

Both adapalene and tretinoin are retinoids that are applied to your skin (topical retinoids).

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Both adapalene and tretinoin are FDA approved to treat acne in people 12 years of age and older. And they both have several off-label uses, including photoaging. Photoaging is a term that describes the effects of sun damage and age to the skin. It can cause wrinkles, fine lines, and discoloration.

But one brand of tretinoin cream (Renova) and its generic forms are actually approved to treat wrinkles. This is different from all adapalene products, which are only approved for acne.

2. Adapalene and tretinoin come in different forms

Adapalene and tretinoin come in different formulations. Adapalene comes as 0.1% and 0.3% products. 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 as well. This includes:

• 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%)

Except 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).

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. The 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 appear to be effective at treating wrinkles (though we have more research on tretinoin). But compared to tretinoin, adapalene may cause less skin irritation. Let’s take a look at the research.

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 (less than 6 months) and long-term studies (greater than 12 months).

Some studies showed that tretinoin works within one month of starting treatment. But this was a small study of just 5 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 the 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 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 versus tretinoin?

Though adapalene and tretinoin have several differences, they have many several similarities as well. We’ll cover a few of these below.

How they work

Topical retinoids don’t completely reverse the effects of aging and sun damage, but they help with wrinkles by promoting collagen and elastin production. These proteins contribute to your skin’s “stretchiness.” Retinoids also help your skin form new blood vessels. This helps your skin repair itself when damaged. The ability to do this is often impaired as we get older.

Good to know: It’s normal for your skin to lose thickness and elasticity as you get older. This can cause a variety of skin changes, including wrinkles, sagging skin, and dark spots. And while getting older is inevitable, you may be able to control other factors such as preventing sun damage.

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 daily at 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 less potent product. It's best to start with a less potent product like adapalene 0.1% or tretinoin 0.01%, 0.02%, or 0.025%. Higher potency adapalene and tretinoin may work faster but they can irritate your skin more too.

• Always use sunscreen. If you’re using a retinoid product, 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.

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Typically, retinoids should be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Although topical retinoids are less likely to cause birth defects than oral retinoids, they still shouldn’t be used unless it’s necessary.

Side effects

As mentioned previously, adapalene and tretinoin microsphere may cause less skin irritation than tretinoin cream, gel, or lotion. But both medications can cause skin issues, including:

• Dry skin that may lead to skin peeling

• Redness

• A burning sensation on your skin

• Itchiness

• Sensitivity to the sun (and a greater chance of sunburn)

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.

More seriously, excessive skin irritation and sunburns can happen, especially if you don’t moisturize and protect your skin from the sun. If you have severe skin irritation that doesn’t go away after a few weeks of treatment, talk to your prescriber. They may recommend that you use a lower potency product, or apply your retinoid less frequently.

Drug interactions

Since adapalene and tretinoin can cause skin irritation, avoid using them 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 to your prescriber if you notice itchiness or a rash after using Altreno lotion.

Can you take adapalene and tretinoin together for wrinkles?

No. Using adapalene and tretinoin together can raise your chance of experiencing serious skin irritation. Talk to your prescriber 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

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: 

• Adapalene 0.1% cream: As low as $75.99 for a 45 g tube

• Adapalene 0.3% gel: As low as $30.00 for a 45 g tube

• Tretinoin 0.025% cream: As low as $35.00 for a 45 g tube

• Tretinoin 0.05% cream: As low as $135.05 for a 40 g tube

• Tretinoin microsphere 0.1% gel: As low as $146.73 for a 45 g tube

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD

Sarah Pearson is a practicing pharmacist with over 10 years of experience in the field. She received her doctorate in pharmacy from the University of Georgia in Athens, GA.

Edited by:

Amy B. Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS

Amy Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. Amy currently holds her pharmacist license in Georgia and California.

Reviewed by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

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