Differin 0.1% Cream/Gel

What is Differin Gel/Cream?

Differin Cream and Gel are both prescription-only medicines that are applied directly to the skin, making Differin a great choice for people who cannot or who do not wish to take oral antibiotics. The active ingredient, Adalpalene, is effective at reducing inflammation, helping to improve the appearance of blackheads, whiteheads, and pustules on the skin.

Differin once daily Cream and Gel are manufactured by Galderma and are available in 45-gram tubes for mild to moderate acute acne. Most people will notice an improvement in their skin in just a few weeks. However, Differin must be used daily for a full 3 months. Adapalene Differin Gel and Cream can be combined with an oral or topical antibiotic for more severe acne.

How does Differin work?

The active ingredient in Differin, Adapalene, is a form of vitamin A, and it works to reduce the growth of keratin surface skin cells that can block pores. Sebum is a natural, oily substance produced by glands just under the surface of the skin called sebaceous glands, needed to keep the skin smooth and supple. Sufferers of acne often produce too much sebum, which can mix with the dead keratin skin cells and cause the pores to become blocked.

Blocked pores can then lead to the formation of spots, blackheads (comedones) and whiteheads. Applying adapalene Differin Cream and Gel to the affected areas will help reduce the amount of keratin skin cells and unblock the pores and sebaceous glands, allowing the sebum to escape. This will result in a reduction of inflammation, whiteheads, comedones and spots.

Differin adapalene 0.1% cream/gel is also beneficial as it increases the natural turnover of the skin cells. This aids the natural exfoliation of the skin’s outer layers. This action will help keep pores unblocked, thus reducing the formation of spots and blackheads.

Alternatives to Differin

Acne is a very common skin complaint that can affect individual people differently, meaning that some people will find certain treatments more effective than others. It is recommended that if you do suffer from acne, you start off by trying over-the-counter treatments. These treatments include:

• Acnecide Gel
• Acnecide Daily Cleanser
• Cetaphil Daily Cleanser

If you have tried over-the-counter treatments and these have not been effective, you should speak to your GP about further prescription-only options.

If you'd like to learn more about different acne treatments, read our Adapalene Vs Tretinoin comparison page.

Sources

• Differin 0.1% Cream, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...
• Differin 0.1% Gel, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...
• NHS (2024). Acne - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/

How to use Differin

• Differin cream/gel should be applied to the affected areas once daily in the evening after washing with a mild cleanser like one of the best acne cleansers from CeraVe.
• Apply a small amount to cover the affected areas using clean fingertips and rub in lightly.
• At the start of treatment with Differin, if it is used correctly, it will produce effects similar to that of mild sunburn, including mild itching, redness and warmth. This is normal and should subside.

To get the best effects from Differin acne treatment gel and cream, it is important that it is for up to THREE months continuously, depending on response. Improvement should be seen after a few weeks. This period is called the ‘Differin purge’.

You may use cosmetics and moisturisers whilst you are using Differin cream for acne. However, you should wait for it to be fully absorbed into the skin before applying anything else. Differin has a drying effect on the skin, so it is important to try to ensure that any toiletries containing alcohol or other skin-drying ingredients are not used.

Differin ingredients

Differin contains the active ingredient: adapalene 0.1%.

Differin Cream/Gel also contains: Carbomer 934P, Macrogol-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate, glycerol (E422), natural squalene, methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216), disodium edetate, methyl glucose sesquistearate, phenoxyethanol, cyclomethicone, sodium hydroxide & purified water.

Differin side effects

Like all topical applications, there is the potential that you may be allergic to Differin. We recommend you do a spot test before commencing treatment of acne.

If you do experience common side effects from Differin cream/gel, they can include:

• a burning, stinging or tingling feeling
• dry skin
• itching or redness
• a rash

See our Differin side effects page for more information, and make sure to read the Patient Information Leaflet enclosed with your medicines for a full list of side effects before applying.

It is usually well-tolerated and gets positive ratings from patients who review Differin.

If you experience any adverse effects from taking your prescribed medicine, it is important to let us know immediately. Please log in to your online account and message one of our medical professionals, or alternatively call us at 0333 2200519. In a medical emergency, you should contact the emergency services or go straight to your local Accident & Emergency.

Differin Warnings

• Do not use this medicine on areas where you have cuts or scrapes or if you have a skin condition called eczema.
• Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth or nostrils, and avoid other very sensitive areas of the body. If accidental contact does occur, immediately wash with warm water.
• Avoid exposure to strong sunlight and artificial UV light. If you experience sensitivity or irritation when applying this medicine, stop using it and tell your doctor. You may be asked to use the gel less often or to stop using it for a short time. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines:

• Other acne products (containing benzoyl peroxide, erythromycin or clindamycin) may be used with Differin, but they must be applied in the morning and Differin at night.
• Cosmetics may be used, but they must not cause blackheads or dry the skin.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Differin should not be used during pregnancy. If you fall pregnant while using Differin, the treatment must be discontinued, and you should inform your doctor as soon as possible for a further follow-up.