About this item
At a glance
Highlights
- TARGETS ACNE: Features 0.1% adapalene that helps clear breakouts where they start (works deep into pores in 5 minutes) and helps prevents new acne from forming
- RX-STRENGTH RETINOID: Differin Gel normalizes skin cell turnover to effectively target two primary causes of acne (clogged pores and inflammation) without a prescription
- WORKS CONTINUOUSLY: When used as directed, you could start to see results in as little as 1 week
- RESTORES TONE AND TEXTURE: Helps restore skin’s natural tone and texture as a result of reduced acne
- HOW TO USE: Use once daily after cleansing. Do not rinse off. If going outside, use a sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher. At night, help decrease dryness and other signs of irritation with a non-SPF moisturizer such as Differin Restorative Night Moisturizer
Specifications
Description
Active ingredients
Purpose
Acne Treatment..When using this product
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 worsens 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 if
Stop use and ask a 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.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 degrees - 77 degrees F. Protect from freezing.Inactive ingredients
Question or comments?
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Q: Can this be mixed with niacinamide or benzoyl peroxide?
A: While tretinoin is unstable and cannot be used with benzoyl peroxide, adapalene is stable and can be used with benzoyl peroxide. A combination medication is actually available by prescription (Epiduo). While they can be combined, sometimes benzoyl peroxide is too irritating when used with Differin. Because benzoyl peroxide can bleach pillowcases, some people apply Differin at night and benzoyl peroxide in the mornings. Benzoyl peroxide is available in different strengths, so ask your physician or start with one of the lower concentrations to reduce the chances of irritation.
submitted byAnonymous - 2 years agoA: I was told by my dermatologist that benzoyl peroxide and retinoids basically cancel each other out.
submitted byIlovetarget - 3 years agoA: Hi @tropical. Thanks for your question. Generally we do not recommend mixing Differin Gel with other active ingredients, however we would recommend checking in with your dermatologist who can provide guidance for your unique skin! Hope this helps. Thanks
submitted byGalderma Team Member - 3 years agoBrand expert
Q: I currently use a salicylic acid cleanser, benzoyl peroxide gel (5%), and a moisturizer day and night for light/moderate acne. How do I add this to my current routine?
A: According to the manufacturer of this drug they do not recommend that you use any type of other active ingredients that contain AHA or BHA or Glycolic acids while using Differn Gel. In my opinion, I would let your skin acclimate to Differn for at least 2-3 months and maybe do a few test patches with your favorite products before jumping in full throttle. I can sympathize with you, I just started Differn 2 weeks ago and I hated to give up my favorite gylcolic acid toner and BHA serum, but so far I am seeing far superior results with Differn alone on my stubborn blackheads that have pestered me since my teens and I’m in my mid 40’s. My complexion is also improving in tone and texture as well. Hope this helps!
submitted byBeachbride322 - 4 years agoA: I agree with the other responses, and I'd like to add that if you're currently using AHA or BHA or benzyl peroxide products currently, give your skin a break for about a week before using any retinoid product such as Differin. And I would also not recommend using any other chemical or physical exfoliant products while you use a retinoid if you have sensitive skin, otherwise you run the risk of burning your skin or really irritating it and causing redness.
submitted byavkayes - 3 years agoA: Hi, tmg. Differin Gel is more than just a spot treatment so we recommend applying this product daily to stop new acne from forming.To limit skin irritation or flakiness, try switching to hydrating cleansers every other day to keep skin moisturized during treatment. Hope this helps!
submitted byTarget Beauty Concierge - 5 years agoBrand expert
Q: Would this work as a spot treatment?
A: Actually, retinoids are not to be used as spot treatments. They take time to work and are most effective when consistently used over periods of time. More appropriate spot treatments would be benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
submitted byAnonymous - 2 years agoA: Hi bb1342! This is a fantastic spot treatment. Hope this helps!
submitted byTarget Beauty Concierge - 3 years agoBrand expert
Q: is this good for normal to dry sensitive skin?
A: Differin OTC is the lowest concentration available, and Differin is considered to be the gentlest retinoid. A cream version is available by prescription that some people find more suitable for dry skin. You could also try layering Differin with a gentle moisturizer, whether under or over the Differin. It may be a matter of trial and error.
submitted byAnonymous - 2 years agoA: Hi Briana! This Acne Treatment works well with all skin types, including dry, sensitive skin types! Adapalene is a gentle acne treatment. Hope this is helpful!
submitted byTarget Beauty Concierge - 3 years agoBrand expert
Q: What comes in the container because I think something is missing out of it?
A: the box is weird, it looks likes something is missing because of all the extra space inside, but its just the bottle, its not missing anything...
submitted bygoodkine - 2 years agoA: Hi Keya! This will contain a 15mg tube of the Different Acne Treatment Gel. Hope this helps!
submitted byTarget Beauty Concierge - 4 years agoBrand expert
Q: Does this help teens also or only adults
A: Hi there. Differin Gel has been approved for anyone 12 years and older with mild to moderate acne. If you have severe acne, we recommend speaking with your doctor before using. Hope this helps!
submitted byTarget Beauty Concierge - 5 years agoBrand expertA: I would certainly give this a go before going to see a dermatologist for your teen. Chances are it will help improve the acne, and if it doesn't, you're only out $14 and your teen's skin will have ready had time to acclimate to using prescription strength retioniods. Retin A/ Tretinoin is much stronger and the side effects are brutal in the beginning, some people give up because of the peeling and irritation.
submitted byBeachbride322 - 4 years ago
Q: Although I have an occasional pimple, acne is not a main concern of mine. I have dark spots from sun damage... will this product help if I apply vitamin C serum over it?
A: I'm in my mid 40’s and have the same issues with my skin as you but add a million blackheads to it and so far, I am loving the results! Just after two weeks my blackheads and whiteheads are disappearing rapidly, sunspots are fading, and the all over improvement of texture is unbelievable! I will continue using for at least 6 more months before I make a decision on whether or not it is effective on deeper wrinkles, as these medications take time to see full results. But so far, I am blown away!
submitted byBeachbride322 - 4 years agoA: Hi, Artful. This product is a prescription strength acne medication that specifically targets pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Since your main concern is dark spots, we recommend opting for a serum that contains retinol, which will improve skin texture and fade dark spots over time. Hope this helps!
submitted byTarget Beauty Concierge - 5 years agoBrand expert
Q: Does this also help with black spots on your face due from acne?
A: If you're speaking of blackheads, yes! I have had very stubborn blackheads that completely cover my nose, chin and a some scattered throughout my cheeks. I also have whiteheads that nothing else works on. This is a miracle product on blackheads! Only 2.5 weeks since initial application and I can see a visible difference. They are finally giving way little by little and are waaay less visible!
submitted byBeachbride322 - 4 years agoA: Yes, the active ingredient in Differin also targets dark spots and scars left behind from acne (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation).
submitted byskingenie - 6 years ago
Q: is this product useful for fading sun spots. i've been using retin A and CE Ferulic. but tge sun spots aren't fading
A: Hey Booklady, Retinoids play a crucial role in the treatment of acne by regulating skin cell turnover & reducing inflammation deep in the skin to clear & prevent pimples. Pair this with a daily SPF for the best protection. For real-time answers to all your beauty questions, use the “Chat with a Virtual Beauty Consultant” button on any beauty product page
submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 2 months agoBrand expert
Q: Will this clear up milia around the eyes?
A: Hey Kiki, Topical retinoids also help loosen the keratin plug in existing milia and help them come to the surface so they can go away. 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. For real-time answers to all your beauty questions, use the “Chat with a Virtual Beauty Consultant” button on any beauty product page.”
submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 3 months agoBrand expert
Best acne spot treatment.
Great
Best Product Ever !
Adult acne treatment
OMG! OVERPACKAGED!!
life changing
Love it!
Super Fast
Not for me
The Best
More harm than help, I'm afraid
Highly Recommend
Doing its Job
Horrible!
Not worth thr hype
Five Stars!
It works
A staple product
Great skincare product
Differin Gel