When it comes to the most clinically effective tools for dealing with acne, retinoids are at the top of the list. Adapalene and tretinoin are two of the most widely used options. Both are derivatives of vitamin A, but they have slightly different mechanisms of action that contribute to their efficacy and how they’re tolerated. 

So which retinoid comes out ahead in the “adapalene versus tretinoin” showdown? Here we’ll explore the differences between the two, along with their benefits, potential risks, and different uses to help you make the best choice for your skin.

Adapalene: a retinoid known to treat acne

Adapalene, also sold under the brand name Differin, is a third-generation topical retinoid with a more stable chemical structure than other retinoids. The stable structure means there’s less chance of photodegradation (when sunlight causes the molecules to break down), so it can be used morning or night (but Curology still recommends reserving certain treatment creams for your nighttime routine). A study showed that using adapalene compounded with benzoyl peroxide (commonly known under the brand name Epiduo) demonstrated significantly greater success.¹

Adapalene works by decreasing comedone formation and exfoliating mature comedones.² Adapalene also exhibits anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects and may also have antibacterial properties (more research is necessary).³

Retinoids aren’t recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so look for a safe alternative if you’re expecting or nursing. People with hypersensitivity to retinoids should also avoid this product.  

What about tretinoin?

Tretinoin (aka Retin-A) has a proven track record in skincare. It’s a first-generation topical retinoid.⁴ Tretinoin reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen production, and it improves skin tone and texture by accelerating skin cell turnover.⁵ Some of the same properties that improve signs of aging also help prevent and treat acne. Tretinoin helps prevent and treat clogged pores and helps potentially reduce the appearance of acne scarring through increased collagen production.⁶

Tretinoin side effects may include increased photosensitivity;⁷ dry, flaky skin;⁸ and a temporary uptick in breakouts. Most of its potential side effects will resolve as your skin adjusts. Some simple guidelines (like finding alternatives to waxing) will help minimize or prevent side effects.

Apply tretinoin at night, and always wear sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 30+ during the day. 

Adapalene vs. tretinoin: What’s the difference?

Long story short? Both retinoids are vitamin A derivatives. Both slough off dead skin cells and treat pimples. But because their chemical structure differs, each has benefits that the other doesn’t share. When comparing adapalene versus tretinoin, aging (or anti-aging, to be precise) will be the deciding factor. Tretinoin is FDA-approved to treat signs of aging and acne.

Here are a couple other things to consider: 

• Tretinoin is available by prescription only. Tretinoin is only available under the care and supervision of a licensed medical provider. Adapalene is available both over the counter and by prescription, however.

• Tretinoin is FDA-approved for photoaging and acne treatment. In 1971, tretinoin became the first retinoid approved by the FDA to treat acne. And in 1995, it became FDA-approved to treat signs of aging—fine wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and tactile roughness of facial photodamage.⁹

But adapalene does win out over tretinoin in some areas. It’s generally a bit easier on the skin, so most people adjust to adapalene without the same reactions experienced with other retinoids. 

Consider this info when weighing adapalene against tretinoin: 

• Adapalene can be found over the counter (under the brand name Differin). Those who aren’t ready to see a healthcare provider can still benefit from the acne-fighting properties of retinoids.  

• Adapalene may be less irritating than other topical retinoids. Because adapalene has a different chemical structure than tretinoin (or other generations of retinoids), it can be easier on the skin. The potential adverse events are much milder, but the symptoms may be similar: photosensitivity, irritation, redness, dryness, itching, and burning.¹⁰ 

• Adapalene is FDA-approved for acne only. Adapalene was FDA-approved in 1996 for the treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 12 years of age and older.¹¹ 

Some studies show that tretinoin tends to be more effective than adapalene in treating acne, but this can vary. Here’s what the research says:

• A 0.05% tretinoin gel exhibits greater anti-acne potential compared to 0.1% adapalene gel. But the potential for skin irritation was higher with tretinoin than with adapalene.¹²

• Adapalene gel 0.1% offers comparable efficacy to tretinoin gel 0.025% but is less irritating. Both reduced inflammatory and noninflammatory lesion counts by 69-74% on average, and more than 70% of the patients in both groups experienced completely or mostly clear skin. (This study was conducted in China and may not hold true for other populations.)¹³

Which one should you choose?

Tretinoin is the “gold standard” for the topical treatment of fine lines, dark spots, and acne. While it can take time for skin to adjust, many people find the adjustment period well worth it.

Both retinoids are effective in treating acne, even though adapalene tends to be less irritating than tretinoin. Adapalene is also available OTC, so it’s easier to give it a try. And switching from adapalene to tretinoin is an option if you decide to go for something stronger or want to include anti-aging products in your skincare regime.

If you need help determining which is best for you, reach out to your dermatology provider. That’s what we’re all about at Curology—working one-on-one with our patients to find solutions to meet their skin goals. 

Be mindful of these potential side effects of retinoids

People often wonder if they can use adapalene and tretinoin together. This is not recommended since they are both vitamin A derivatives, and it is not necessary to use both at the same time. Here are the potential side effects of using either of these two active ingredients individually: 

• Skin irritation. The skin may become dry, red, or flaky, or you may experience a burning sensation. This symptom is usually temporary and resolves once your skin adjusts. 

• Photosensitivity. Topical retinoids have a risk of photosensitivity. Apply them at night, and wear sunscreen during the day. 

• Pregnancy risks. There are conflicting studies concerning pregnancy risks.¹⁴ But most dermatology providers agree—put retinoid use on hold if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. 

Curology is a brand you can trust

Everyone’s skin is unique, but the best way to get advice is to talk to your dermatology provider. Don't have one? Curology's got you covered. Our skincare experts can treat acne, anti-aging concerns, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation. We’re here to help take the guesswork out of skincare. Our licensed dermatology providers work with you to examine your skin, assess your skincare goals, and provide custom treatments for acne, the signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, and rosacea.

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Curology providers can prescribe personalized prescription formulas with tretinoin (if medically appropriate) and other proven ingredients to treat your skin concerns. We believe you should have a partner in skin health, so we’re here to answer any questions and tweak your formula as your skin and goals change.

P.S. We did the homework so you don’t have to:

1. Tolaymat, L., et al. Adapalene. StatPearls. Ibid. 

2. Tolaymat, L., et al. Adapalene. StatPearls. Ibid.

3. Rusu, A., et al. Recent Advances Regarding the Therapeutic Potential of Adapalene. Pharmaceuticals. (2020).

4. Mukherjee S, et al. Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clin Interv Aging. (2006 December).

5. Baldwin, H.E., et al. 40 Years of topical tretinoin use in review. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. (2013).

6. Leyden, J., et al. Why topical retinoids are mainstay of therapy for acne. Dermatology and Therapy. (September 2017).

7. Mukherjee, S., et al. Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clinical interventions in aging. Ibid.

8. Baldwin, H.E., et al. 40 Years of topical tretinoin use in review. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. Ibid.

9. Baldwin, H.E., et al. 40 Years of topical tretinoin use in review. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. Ibid.

10. Tolaymat, L., et al. Adapalene. StatPearls. Ibid.

11. Tolaymat, L., et al. Adapalene. StatPearls. Ibid.

12. Jain, S. Topical tretinoin or adapalene in acne vulgaris: An overview. Journal of Dermatological Treatment. (July 2004).

13. Tu, P., et al. A comparison of adapalene gel 0.1% vs. tretinoin gel 0.025% in the treatment of acne vulgaris in China. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. (2001).

14. Baldwin, H.E., et al. 40 Years of topical tretinoin use in review. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. Ibid.

Donna McIntyre is a board-certified nurse practitioner at Curology. She obtained her Master of Science in Nursing at MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, MA. * Subject to consultation. Subscription is required. Results may vary.

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Donna McIntyre, NP-BC