Adapalene
A third-generation synthetic retinoid with high RAR-β/γ selectivity. As effective as tretinoin for acne with significantly less irritation, and uniquely stable when layered with benzoyl peroxide.
Selectively binds RAR-β and RAR-γ receptors in keratinocytes, normalising follicular hyperkeratinisation while sparing the inflammatory pathways triggered by less-selective retinoids.
- Strong acne efficacy
- Lower irritation than tretinoin
- Stable with benzoyl peroxide
- Photostable
- Approved OTC at 0.1%
What the evidence supports.
- Oily
- Combination
- Acne-prone
- Pregnant
- Breastfeeding
- Severe eczema
Later treatment or moisturiser step.
Concentration range in well-formulated products: 0.1%–0.3%
Year-round; preferred summer retinoid due to photostability.
No dietary form; structurally distinct from natural retinoids.
- Stubborn comedones
- Recurrent papules
The only retinoid that can be layered with BPO in the same application. Excellent first-retinoid for teens and acne-prone clients.
- Thiboutot et al. 2006, adapalene 0.3% non-inferior to tretinoin 0.05% for acne
- Stein Gold et al. 2016, adapalene + BPO superior to either alone for inflammatory lesions
The research behind Adapalene.
Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2020
Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 2020
Journal of Advanced Research, 2015
Dermato-Endocrinology, 2011
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1 study from the Intelligence Vault that discuss Adapalene.
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