• Confidential assessment
  • Reviewed by doctors
  • Same-day collection from your local pharmacy

Product features

  • Helps renew skin cells

  • Works to reduce inflammation and redness

  • Adapalene gel is also known as Differin

What is adapalene gel?

Adapalene gel is an acne treatment for your face, chest or back. It can be effective on its own or in combination with other medications. Adapalene is the active ingredient in Differin gel.

How does it work?

The root cause of acne is pores getting blocked with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. Hormonal changes like puberty can lead to an increase in sebum production. Adapalene gel works to reduce the appearance of acne by unblocking pores and reducing inflammation, mild spots, blackheads, and whiteheads.

Adapalene 0.1% gel is topical, meaning you apply it to your skin. It’s often prescribed in early acne, and it can be 6-8 weeks before you start to see a noticeable clearing of your skin.

How to use adapalene gel

Apply the gel at night before going to bed, unless your clinician has told you otherwise.

  • Wash and dry your face and any other areas you’re going to treat thoroughly.
  • Put on a thin film of the gel with your fingertips to the affected areas and rub in gently.
  • Remember to wash your hands afterwards. 

Ask someone to help apply the gel if you’re applying it to hard-to-reach areas like your back. 

Treatment results

Adapalene can reduce redness and inflammation when you start using it. However, it might take 6-8 weeks before you start seeing signs of your acne clearing up. If you stop using the gel, your acne may flare up again.

Side effects of adapalene gel

As with all medications, some people may experience side effects when using Adapalene gel. These include skin irritation, dryness, a burning sensation or redness. In rare cases the gel can cause a skin reaction in the treated area, from discomfort or itchiness to peeling skin. It can also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. So, try to protect yourself from the sun, use oil-free SPF 50 sunscreen, and avoid sunbeds or sun lamps.

For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.

Medication

Select a medication and complete our simple, confidential online consultation

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A clinician will review your answers and, if suitable, prescribe treatment

Prescription delivery

Choose next-day delivery, or click & collect from your local pharmacy

Adapalene gel acne treatment FAQs

  • How long does adapalene gel take to work?

    It could take 6-8 weeks before you see any noticeable clearing of your skin.

  • Who can use adapalene gel?

    Don’t use this medication if:

    • You’re pregnant
    • You’re planning a pregnancy
    • You’re allergic to adapalene or any other ingredient in this medicine 

  • Can I use adapalene gel while pregnant or breastfeeding?

    While adapalene is only absorbed into the body in small quantities, it’s not safe to use this gel while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. If you think you could be pregnant, we advise taking a test before starting this treatment.

  • Where can I buy adapalene gel?

    As this treatment is prescription only, you’ll need to consult with a clinician before you can buy Adapalene gel, if you’re using an online service.

  • Adapalene gel warnings

    • Don’t apply to cut or grazed areas of skin.
    • Don’t use if you have eczema.
    • Avoid contact with your eyes, mouth, nostrils, or other sensitive areas of the body (wash immediately with warm water if it does happen).
    • If you experience sensitivity or irritation, stop using and tell your clinician (they may recommend applying less often or to pause until the symptoms go away).
    • Avoid artificial UV light like sunbeds or prolonged exposure to sunlight while using this gel. 

    If you’re unsure about any of the above, please speak to your clinician.

  • Does adapalene gel interact with any other medications?

    So our clinicians can prescribe an effective and safe acne treatment, you’ll need to let us know which prescription and over-the-counter medicines you’re taking regularly. This includes any medications for other skin conditions like eczema.

    While using adapalene gel, you should avoid medications that contain tretinoin, isotretinoin or tazarotene. They may increase skin irritation and dryness. If you’re also using any other topical treatments, please let our clinicians know so we can give you the right advice.

  • Alternative acne treatments

    Our clinicians can prescribe a variety of other acne treatments including creams, oral antibiotics and combinations tailored to your needs. Treatment for women with hormonal acne may include the contraceptive pill co-cyprindiol (widely known as Dianette or Clairette). 

Delivery and collection information

  • Standard delivery (Free)

    Packages will be delivered within 2-3 working days of your order being approved.

    You’ll be contacted by your courier when they know when they’ll be delivering your package. You can update your delivery preferences in the Royal Mail app to enable delivery to a neighbour or leave in a safe place if you won't be in.

    If you’re not present when Royal Mail deliver your treatment, they will:

    • Post your parcel through your letter box
    • Deliver to neighbour
    • Deliver to your chosen safe place

    If none of these options are feasible, Royal Mail will attempt to deliver the next working day.

  • Next day delivery (£4.95)

    Mainland UK

    • Orders approved before 5pm Monday-Friday will arrive the next day (Tuesday - Saturday).
    • Orders approved up to 11am Saturday will arrive on Sunday.
    • Orders approved after 11am Saturday and all-day Sunday will arrive Tuesday.

    Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Scottish Highlands, Channel Islands and other offshore UK destinations:

    • Please allow an additional 24 to 48 hours for offshore UK destinations

    You’ll be contacted by your courier when they know when they’ll be delivering your package. You can update your delivery preferences in the Royal Mail app to enable delivery to a neighbour or leave in a safe place if you won't be in.

    If you’re not present when Royal Mail deliver your treatment, they will:

    • Post your parcel through your letter box
    • Deliver to neighbour
    • Deliver to your chosen safe place

    If none of these options are feasible, Royal Mail will attempt to deliver to you the next working day.

  • Click and Collect (Free)

    If your order is approved by 5pm Monday-Friday, you should be able to pick it up the same day from selected pharmacies - provided they have your treatment in stock.

    We suggest you ring your chosen pharmacy before you go to collect your treatment, just to make sure they have it in stock and ready.