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Compare Differin vs. Tretinoin

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

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

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