Adapalene
Retinoids For Topical Use In Acne
Sold as Differin · CABTREO · TACTUPUMP · DIFFERIN XP · TACTUPUMP FORTE
- Drug class
- Retinoids For Topical Use In Acne
- Availability
- Prescription and OTC
- Routes
- Topical
- Markets covered
- 3
- Products on record
- 61
- FDA reports (12 mo)
- 2,971
Overview
Plain-language summary, compiled from the cited regulatory records
Adapalene is a topical retinoid used for the treatment of acne vulgaris [1]. It belongs to the drug class of retinoids for topical use in acne [1].
Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide gel 0.1% / 2.5% is approved for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 9 years of age and older [1]. This combination product contains adapalene and benzoyl peroxide [1].
Adapalene is available under various brand names, including Differin [1]. In the past 12 months, there have been 2971 adverse event reports associated with this active ingredient [2]. Commonly reported reactions include the drug being ineffective, dry skin, condition aggravation, skin burning sensation, and skin irritation [2].
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Regulatory status by market
| Market | Regulator | Products | Last revision |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB United Kingdom | MHRA | 39 | May 22, 2026 |
| US United States | FDA | 12 | May 19, 2026 |
| CA Canada | Health Canada | 10 | October 1, 2025 |
GBUnited Kingdom· MHRA
39 products
Uses
1). Adapalene + Benzoyl Peroxide Gel is indicated in adults, adolescents and children aged 9 years and above.
How to take
USUnited States· FDA
12 products
Uses
5% is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 9 years of age and older. 5% is a combination of adapalene, a retinoid, and benzoyl peroxide, and is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 9 years of age and older.
(1)
How to take
CACanada· Health Canada
10 products
Uses
DIFFERIN (adapalene) topical cream, gel and lotion, and DIFFERIN XP ( adapalene) topical gel are indicated for: Treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 12 years of age and older. 1 Pediatrics (< 12 years of age) Safety and effectiveness of DIFFERIN and DIFFERIN XP in children below the age of 12 have not been established; therefore, Health Canada has not authorized an indication in children under 12.
2 Geriatrics (> 65 years of age) Safety and effectiveness of DIFFERIN and DIFFERIN XP in geriatric patients aged 65 years and above have not been established; therefore, Health Canada has not authorized an indication in adults over 65 years.
How to take
Drug interactions
Known interactions involving Adapalene. Select one for details. This list is informational and not a complete interaction checker.
Interaction data compiled from DDInter (academic, CC-BY). Severity classification only - this is not a complete interaction checker and not medical advice.
Sources & citations
- [1]MHRA (UK) · PL002892643 · revised May 22, 2026
- [2]FDA DailyMed · 049ea4d9-c60e-44… · revised January 8, 2025 [PDF]
- [3]Health Canada (DPD) · 02148749 · revised March 22, 2025
- [4]OpenFDA adverse-event reports (US), 12 months ending June 4, 2026.
Information on this page is compiled from public regulatory records. Drugvu is not affiliated with any regulator or pharmaceutical manufacturer. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.