Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Differin vs. Tretinoin

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

Key takeaways

Differin (adapalene) and tretinoin (Retin-A) are both retinoids used for acne, but there are some differences. Differin (adapalene) is a topical medication used to treat mild-to-moderate acne, while tretinoin (Retin-A) is an topical medication used to treat acne in adults and children 12 years and older. Differin (adapalene) is available both over-the-counter and by prescription, and it comes in various forms like creams, gels, and lotions. Tretinoin (Retin-A), on the other hand, is only available by prescription and is available as a cream or a gel. Differin (adapalene) can cause skin irritation, dryness, and sun sensitivity, while tretinoin (Retin-A) can cause skin irritation, redness, and peeling. You should avoid using Differin (adapalene) with other skin products that can cause irritation, and tretinoin (Retin-A) may cause your acne to get worse at the beginning of treatment, but it should get better as you continue using the medication. Differin (adapalene) and tretinoin (Retin-A) are sometimes used off-label for wrinkles, but there is another formulation of tretinoin (Renova) that is FDA approved for this purpose.

  • Differin (adapalene)
    Retin-a (tretinoin)
  • Differin (adapalene)
    Retin-a (tretinoin)

  • Summary of Differin vs. Tretinoin

    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.

    Summary for Retinoid
    Prescription only

    Retin-A (tretinoin) is a retinoid medication that's used to treat acne in adults and children 12 years and older. It's available as a cream or a gel that's applied onto the skin once a day. Side effects include skin irritation, redness, and peeling. Your acne might get worse at the beginning of treatment, but it should get better as you continue using the medication. You must have a prescription for Retin-A (tretinoin) from your primary care provider or dermatologist; this medication isn't available over the counter.

  • Indications of Differin vs. Tretinoin

    Indications for
    •Acne
    Indications for
    •Acne

  • Pros and Cons of Differin vs. Tretinoin

    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
    Pros and Const for Retinoid
    Pros
    •Easy to apply onto your skin
    •Only need to apply once nightly
    •Available in a lower-cost generic form
    Cons
    •Makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight, which can lead to sunburns
    •Can cause your skin color to temporarily become lighter or darker
    •Might worsen your acne during the first few weeks of treatment

  • Common Side Effects of Differin vs. Tretinoin

    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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin peeling or discomfort
    •Warm feeling or stinging after applying
    •Skin redness
    •Sensitivity to sunlight (sunburns)
    •Worsening of acne in the first few weeks of treatment

  • Warnings of Differin vs. Tretinoin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions
    •Sunburn
    •Skin irritation
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sunburns
    •Skin irritation in extreme weather
    •Skin reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Differin vs. Tretinoin

    Learn more about Differin
    Learn more about Retin-a

Compare other Acne drugs

Accutane vs DifferinAczone vs DifferinDifferin vs Benzoyl PeroxideDifferin vs TretinoinErygel vs DifferinRenova vs DifferinZiana vs DifferinAccutane vs EpiduoAccutane vs TretinoinAdapalene vs TretinoinAklief vs TretinoinAzelaic Peroxide vs Benzoyl PeroxideBenzoyl Peroxide vs Salicylic AcidBenzoyl Peroxide vs TetracyclineCabtreo vs Benzoyl PeroxideEpiduo vs Benzoyl PeroxideEpiduo vs ErygelErygel vs RenovaEskata vs Benzoyl PeroxideRenova vs AccutaneRenova vs Benzoyl PeroxideRenova vs ZianaRetin A vs Benzoyl PeroxideSulfacetamide Sulfur vs Benzoyl PeroxideTetracycline vs AccutaneTretinoin vs Benzoyl PeroxideZiana vs AccutaneZiana vs Benzoyl PeroxideZiana vs CleocinZiana vs Tetracycline
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.