Acids

Adapalene: Comedogenic Rating & Safety Profile

Also known as: Differin

A third-generation retinoid available over the counter (in the US, UK and EU) at 0.1%. Targets acne with less irritation than tretinoin.

Comedogenic

0/5

Safe

0 = won't clog pores · 5 = highly pore-clogging

Irritancy

3/5

Moderate Risk

0 = inert · 5 = often irritating

Function

Acids

Pregnancy

Generally considered safe

Vegan

Typically yes

Also Known As

Differin

Quick verdict

Adapalene is a acid with a safe comedogenic profile (0/5) and moderate risk irritancy (3/5). A third-generation retinoid available over the counter (in the US, UK and EU) at 0.1%. Targets acne with less irritation than tretinoin.

What is Adapalene?

Adapalene is a third-generation synthetic retinoid available over the counter at 0.1% in the US, UK and EU (branded as Differin or Epiduo Plus when combined with benzoyl peroxide). Unlike retinol, adapalene does not need to be converted by the skin — it binds directly to retinoid receptors. It is more photostable than retinol and tretinoin and is generally better tolerated than tretinoin.

Comedogenic Rating: What 0/5 Means for Your Skin

Adapalene is rated 0/5 comedogenic. Like other retinoids, early use can cause 'purging' — a temporary surge of breakouts as previously hidden microcomedones surface. This typically settles within 6–8 weeks of consistent use.

Benefits for skin

More photostable than retinol or tretinoin
Anti-inflammatory action on acne
Tolerated better than tretinoin
Available OTC

Potential side effects & who should avoid it

Adapalene has a 3/5 irritancy rating. Common side effects include dryness, peeling, redness and stinging during the first 4–8 weeks of use ('retinisation'). Adapalene is not safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding — switch to azelaic acid during this period. Avoid layering with strong AHAs/BHAs on the same evening for the first 8 weeks.

Best for

Acne-prone
Oily
Combination

Avoid if

Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Active eczema

How to use Adapalene safely

Pea-sized amount on dry skin every other night for the first 4 weeks, building to nightly. Sandwich between two layers of moisturiser to reduce irritation. Daily SPF 30+ is mandatory.

Commonly found in

Adapalene is in over-the-counter acne gels (0.1%) and prescription combination products with benzoyl peroxide (0.3% adapalene + 2.5% BPO).

Found Adapalene in your skincare?

Paste the full ingredient list into our INCI Analyser to see how this ingredient interacts with everything else in the formula.

Frequently asked questions

Is adapalene comedogenic?

No — 0/5. Early purging is not the same as pore-clogging.

Is adapalene safe for sensitive or acne-prone skin?

Acne-prone yes. Sensitive skin should start at every-other-night and build very slowly.

Can I use adapalene every day?

Eventually yes, but build up over 4–8 weeks.

Is adapalene safe in pregnancy?

No — all retinoids should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Other acids to know

Retinol

A Vitamin A derivative that accelerates cell turnover, boosts collagen and is the gold-standard ingredient for reducing wrinkles and acne.

Salicylic Acid

An oil-soluble exfoliant that penetrates into pores to dissolve sebum, dead skin and the plugs that cause blackheads and acne.

Glycolic Acid

The smallest AHA molecule, derived from sugarcane. It exfoliates the surface of the skin to reveal smoother, brighter, more even-toned skin.

Benzoyl Peroxide

An over-the-counter antibacterial that kills C. acnes bacteria and reduces inflammation. Often the first-line treatment for inflammatory acne.

Want the full picture on pore-clogging ingredients? Read our complete guide to comedogenic ingredients for the dermatology research behind the 0–5 scale and the full list of high-risk ingredients to avoid.

Sources

Written by ScanSkinAI Cosmetic Science Team · Last updated June 2026

This information is for educational purposes only. Always patch-test new products and consult a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns.