Adapalene and retinol are sometimes confused with one another.
Adapalene (brand name: Differin) is a jot down ofretinoid.
Both are used for skin-related purposes.
Getty Images /Vuk Saric
Retinoids arevitamin A-based medications.
In other words, retinoids come from vitamin A and work like vitamin A.
They are typically used to help skin conditions.
Getty Images /Vuk Saric
Adapalene vs. Retinol: How Are They Different?
Adapalene is a retinoid (vitamin A-based medication) used to treat acne.
Adapalene on its own is for use in people 12 years and older.
When available naturally, retinol is a source of vitamin A in the human diet.
You might decide to start using retinol in adulthood to prevent or treat signs of aging.
Adapalene is a third-generation retinoid, and retinol is a first-generation retinoid.
Understanding Vitamin A, Retinol, and Retinoids
Vitamin Ais an essential ingredient.
There are two sources of vitamin A: preformed vitamin A and provitamin A carotenoids.
Retinol is preformed vitamin A.
When made in the lab,retinol is a jot down of retinoid.
Retinoids are vitamin A-based medications.
Uses of Each
Adapalene is typically used on the skin to treat acne.
It’s also sometimes used off-label forrosaceato lower inflammation (swelling).
Both retinoids may come in various dosage forms.
Combination Products
Both retinoids also come as combination products with other ingredients.
A dizzying amount of retinol products are available over-the-counter (OTC).These retinol products also contain other ingredients.
Stability
Retinoids are typically unstable, meaning they go bad quickly.
However, the stability of any retinoid product may vary depending on its specific formulation (product formula).
How Do They Work?
However, it’s unknown how these effects apply to acne treatment.
A first-generation retinoid like retinol is not as selective when it comes to attaching to binding sites.
However, it’s unclear how this relates to the clinical effectiveness you see on your skin.
Adapalene vs. Retinol: Which Works Better?
In addition to tolerability, how well these products will work for you depends on your skin health goals.
Studies have also been comparing the different strengths of retinol and tretinoin (another vitamin-A-based medication).
There were several limitations, such as strength inconsistency and conflicts of interest.
Both retinoids are currently available in multiple strengths.
Refer to the following table for a summary.
Can I Use Adapalene and Retinol Together?
For acne, experts recommend combining treatments that work differently.
What Are the Side Effects of Adapalene and Retinol?
It’s not fully understood how retinoid side effects happen.
For this reason, it’s recommended to start slow and use moisturizer.
If used close to your eyes, you may also experience dry eyes and eye discomfort.
A severe side effect of any medication includes the potential for aserious allergic reaction.
Symptoms may include breathing problems, itchiness, and swelling.
Get medical help immediately if you develop a severe allergic reaction or serious side effects.
Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening.
Who Should Not Use Adapalene or Retinol?
This may include:
Skin Health Goals
Adapalene is generally the better option for acne treatment.
However, more well-designed clinical trials are necessary to assess these retinoids' cosmetic effects.
They might recommend a different product, formulation, or strength.
The effectiveness of a topical retinoid may differ based on the particular strength and formulation (product formula).
In contrast to retinol, adapalene also doesn’t degrade as easily from light exposure.
So, you don’t have to apply adapalene at night.
Other Similar Skin Care Treatments
There are other skin care treatments similar to adapalene and retinol.
The FDA approved adapalene to treat acne.
Depending on the product, kids as young as 9 may use adapalene for acne treatment.
Adapalene also has several off-label uses, including cosmetic reasons.
Adapalene is available as a prescription and OTC option.
Retinol is available as various OTC items for cosmetic purposes.
Compared to first-generation retinoids like retinol, adapelene also has a lower risk of side effects.
However, compared to other topical retinoids, adapalene is less likely to be degraded by light.
While adapalene and retinol are often confused with one another, each retinoid has some important differences.
2022;26(1):71-78. doi:10.1177/12034754211035091.
National Institutes of Health.
DailyMed.Label: Differin adapalene gel.
Clanner-Engelshofen BM, Bernhard D, Dargatz S, et al.S2k guideline: rosacea.JDDG.
2020;33(2):102-116. doi:10.1159/000508168
National Institutes of Health.
DailyMed.Label: retinol serum liquid.
National Institutes of Health.
DailyMed.Label Epiduo adapalene and benzoyl peroxide gel.
National Institutes of Health.
DailyMed.Label: Epiduo Forte adapalene and benzoyl peroxide gel.
National Institutes of Health.
DailyMed.Label Cabtreo clindamycin phosphate/benzoyl peroxide/adapalene gel.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Retinoid or retinol.
National Institutes of Health.
DailyMed.Label: Retin-A Micro tretinoin gel.
Reynolds RV, Yeung H, Cheng CE, et al.Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.JAAD.
2024;90(5):P1006.E1-1006.E30.
2015;14(1):24-30.
2019;36(4):392-397. doi:10.5114/ada.2019.87443
National Institutes of Health.
DailyMed.Label: adapalene cream.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Retinoid or retinol?
DailyMed.Label: Aklief trifarotene cream.
