What skin types is Adapalene good for?

Adapalene is best suited for Oily, Combination, Normal skin types.

What can you mix with Adapalene?

Adapalene works well with Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Niacinamide. These combinations are generally safe and can enhance results.

What should you not mix with Adapalene?

Avoid using Adapalene at the same time as Vitamin C, AHA, BHA, Benzoyl Peroxide. These combinations can cause irritation or reduce effectiveness.

Is Adapalene safe to use every day?

Adapalene can generally be used in the evening. Recommended concentration: 0.1% OTC; 0.3% prescription.

Adapalene

Adapalene

Also known as: Differin · CD271

Anti-agingAcne-fightingExfoliating

“A third-generation retinoid available OTC — highly effective for acne and ageing.”

Skin types

Oily, Combination

Pore-clogging

Non-comedogenic

Use when

Evening

Concentration

0.1%

What it does

Adapalene is a synthetic third-generation retinoid that selectively binds to specific retinoid receptors, making it more targeted and less irritating than tretinoin. Originally prescription-only, it is now available OTC at 0.1% (Differin). It is one of the most evidence-backed ingredients for acne and shows strong anti-ageing benefits comparable to tretinoin.

Benefits

Highly effective for acne — reduces comedones, papules, and pustules
Anti-ageing: stimulates collagen and reduces fine lines
Less irritating than tretinoin at equivalent doses
Available OTC at 0.1%

How to layer

🌙 Evening routine

Cleanser

Toner

Serum

Moisturiser

Face Oil

After toning, before moisturiser

Good for

Oily skinCombination skinNormal skin

Works well with

Hyaluronic Acid ›Ceramides ›Niacinamide ›

Avoid mixing with

Vitamin C ›AHA ›BHA ›Benzoyl Peroxide ›

Heads up

⚠Retinoid dermatitis (purging, redness, peeling) especially in the first 4–8 weeks
⚠Photosensitising — use at night only and apply SPF daily
⚠Avoid during pregnancy
⚠Do not combine with other strong retinoids or exfoliants while adjusting

How to use

Apply a pea-sized amount at night to clean, dry skin. Start 2–3x/week and build to nightly. Always use SPF.

Typical concentration: 0.1% OTC; 0.3% prescription