Skip to content

Checked

OTC

Differin

adapalene · Differin is a retinoid (over-the-counter) containing adapalene, made by Galderma Laboratories, L.P..

Type
Over the counter
Drug class
Retinoid
Route
Topical
Manufacturers
1

For the treatment of acne

Related recalls

FDA drug recalls that name this drug or its active ingredient

All drug recalls

Active ingredients

Drug Facts Active ingredient Adapalene 0.1% (retinoid)* *read consumer information leaflet

Purpose

Acne treatment

Uses

For the treatment of acne

Directions

Adults and children 12 years of age and older: use once daily clean the skin gently and pat dry before applying the product cover the entire affected area with a thin layer. For example, if your acne is on the face, apply the product to the entire face. do not use more than one time a day. Applying more than directed will not provide faster or better results, but may worsen skin irritation. Children under 12 years of age: ask a doctor Other information store at room temperature 68°-77°F protect from freezing

Warnings

For external use only

Do not use

On damaged skin (cuts, abrasions, eczema, sunburn) if you are allergic to adapalene or any of the ingredients in this product. If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a doctor before use.

When using this product

Limit sun exposure, including light from tanning beds, and use sunscreen when going outdoors do not wax to remove hair in areas where the product has been applied during the early weeks of use, your acne may appear to worsen before it improves (this is normal); continue using as directed, unless you get irritation that becomes severe irritation (redness, itching, dryness, burning) is more likely to occur: in the first few weeks of use if using more than one topical acne medication at a time but irritation usually lessens with continued use of this product it may take up to 3 months of once daily use to see results avoid product contact with eyes, lips, and mouth. If contact occurs, immediately flush the area with water. wash hands after use

Stop use and ask a doctor

Stop use and ask doctor if you become pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant, while using the product you have symptoms of an allergic reaction (such as itching, rash, hives, swelling of the lips, eyelids, and shortness of breath) irritation becomes severe you see no improvement after 3 months of once daily use Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Keep out of reach of children

If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Inactive ingredients

Carbomer 940, edetate disodium, methylparaben, poloxamer 182, propylene glycol, purified water and sodium hydroxide. May contain hydrochloric acid to adjust pH.

Questions?

1-866-735-4137

Forms and strengths

From the FDA NDC Directory · 1 product codes

Dosage formStrengthRouteNDCs
Gel1 mg/gtopical1

Side effect reports to FDA

FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), 181,055 reports that list adapalene, data through 07/30/2026

Anyone can report a problem to FDA, and a report does not mean the drug caused the problem. Reports can be duplicated or incomplete, and counts depend on how widely a drug is used. Do not stop or change a medicine because of this list. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Most often reported reactions

  • Drug ineffective52,992
  • Dry skin45,426
  • Skin burning sensation41,912
  • Acne39,434
  • Erythema38,589
  • Skin irritation26,485
  • Skin exfoliation21,395
  • Inappropriate schedule of product administration16,235
  • Rash15,728
  • Overdose13,210

To report a side effect, use FDA MedWatch.

Manufacturers and labels

1 FDA label

  • Galderma Laboratories, L.P.Shown hereNDA020380 · Label 12/07/2022 · NDC 0299-4910Full label

Differin: common questions

What is Differin used for?
For the treatment of acne
Is Differin a prescription drug?
No. Differin is sold over the counter (OTC) without a prescription.
Are there other products with the same active ingredient as Differin?
Yes. Other FDA-listed products with the same active ingredients include Adapalene, Effaclar, Neutrogena Evenly Clear Retinoid Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment, PanOxyl.
Who makes Differin?
Galderma Laboratories, L.P. lists Differin with the FDA.

Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, openFDA drug label (SPL) and NDC Directory · Last updated 12/07/2022 · Label text is shown as published by the manufacturer. Not medical advice