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Compare Aczone vs. Differin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Aczone (dapsone) and Differin (adapalene) are both topical treatments for acne, but they work in different ways and belong to different drug classes. Aczone is a sulfone antibiotic that likely reduces acne by killing bacteria and reducing inflammation, while Differin is a retinoid that helps by replacing old skin cells with new ones and unclogging pores. Aczone is available in two strengths and can be applied once or twice a day, whereas Differin is typically applied once daily at bedtime. Differin can be found over-the-counter in its lower strength, while Aczone requires a prescription. Common side effects of Aczone include redness and dryness at the application site, whereas Differin often causes skin irritation, burning, and increased sensitivity to sunlight. Both medications can take several weeks to show full effects, up to 12 weeks.

  • Dapsone (Aczone)
    Differin (adapalene)
  • Dapsone (Aczone)
    Differin (adapalene)

  • Summary of Aczone vs. Differin

    Summary for Sulfone antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Dapsone (Aczone) is a topical gel that's used for acne. This medication belongs to the drug class known as sulfones. It's available in two strengths: dapsone 7.5% (for people 9 years and older) and dapsone 5% (for people 12 years and older). Dapsone (Aczone) is applied onto the skin once or twice a day, depending on which strength you're using. The most common side effects include redness and dryness where you apply it. Dapsone (Aczone) is available as a generic and brand-name medication.

    Summary for Retinoid

    Differin (adapalene) works well for treating mild-to-moderate acne. Differin (adapalene) can cause skin irritation, burning, and itching right after using it, so make sure you have moisturizer with you to help with this side effect. This acne treatment has different strengths and formulations (e.g., cream, gel, lotion). But only the lower strength gel is available over the counter.

  • Indications of Aczone vs. Differin

    Indications for
    •Acne
    Indications for
    •Acne

  • Pros and Cons of Aczone vs. Differin

    Pros and Const for Sulfone antibiotic
    Pros
    •Applied directly to the area of skin with acne
    •Works well with minimal side effects
    •Once- or twice-daily dosing (depending on the strength you have)
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Might take up to 3 months to see full effects
    •Might not be right for you if you take certain medications, have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, or have certain blood conditions such as methemoglobinemia
    •Unknown if it's safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding
    Pros and Const for Retinoid
    Pros
    •A first-choice option for treating acne
    •Only need to apply once a day
    •Safe to use for acne in children 12 and older
    •The 0.1% gel is available without a prescription.
    Cons
    •Can get sunburns more easily
    •Can make skin dry, itchy, and flaky
    •Can take up to 12 weeks to see full effects
    •Skin might look worse before it starts looking better

  • Common Side Effects of Aczone vs. Differin

    Common Side Effects for

    Dapsone 5% gel (Aczone):

    •Application site reaction (18%)
    •Dryness at the application site (16%)
    •Redness at the application site (13%)
    •Oily or peeling skin (up to 13%)
    •Nose and throat inflammation (5%)

    Dapsone 7.5% gel (Aczone):

    •Dryness at the application site (1%)
    •Itching at the application site (1%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry skin (up to 45%)
    •Scaling or peeling (up to 44%)
    •Stinging or burning (up to 29%)
    •Skin redness (up to 26%)

  • Warnings of Aczone vs. Differin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Blood problem called methemoglobinemia
    •Low red blood cell counts in people with G6PD deficiency
    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions
    •Sunburn
    •Skin irritation

  • Prices with our coupons for Aczone vs. Differin

    Learn more about Dapsone
    Learn more about Differin

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