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Adapalene (Differin) vs. Tretinoin for Wrinkles, Acne, and Scars

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Key points

  • Both adapalene and tretinoin are types of retinoids.
  • Adapalene is generally better tolerated than tretinoin.
  • Tretinoin is available only by prescription, while adapalene at a 0.1% concentration is available over the counter.
  • Both adapalene and tretinoin may be beneficial for wrinkles. However, tretinoin has more research studies supporting its efficacy.
  • Both adapalene and tretinoin can be beneficial for acne and hyperpigmentation.
Tubes of differin gel and Retin-A cream.
Table of Contents

What are retinoids?

Retinoids include various vitamin A derivatives which can be found over the counter like retinol or require prescription like tretinoin. These can help our skin with multiple concerns like acne, photodamaged skin, hyperpigmentation, scars, and so on.

Both adapalene and tretinoin fall under the group “Retinoid”. However, they have unique properties which make them different.

Tretinoin is often known by the brand name Retin-A and adapalene is known by the brand name Differin.

Comparison chart

Below is the comparison chart that shows the differences between adapalene and tretinoin. Further details can be found later in this article.

Chart showing differences between tretinoin and adapalene (Differin).

Differences

In general, retinoids once applied to the skin work straight away if they are in the active form like tretinoin and adapalene, or with some retinoids like retinol, our skin cells need to convert them to active form with the help of enzymes. 

The active form binds to certain receptors in the nucleus called retinoid nuclear receptors which are of two types:

  • Retinoic Acid Receptors (RAR)
  • Retinoid X Receptors (RXR)

When it comes to retinoids in our skincare products, they mainly bind to retinoic acid receptors (RARs – these are of three subtypes: RAR-α, RAR-β, RAR-γ).

They then affect the genes involving the way our skin cells differentiate. This increases our skin cell turnover and can get rid of layers of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. 

1. Binding to receptors

Although both tretinoin and adapalene are in active forms, they don’t bind to the same retinoic acid receptors. 

Retinoic acid receptors are of three subtypes: alpha, beta, and gamma. 

  • RAR-γ: Most abundant receptor in the epidermis or the top layer of the skin.
  • RAR-β: Expressed mainly by dermal fibroblasts.
  • RAR-α: Expressed by both epidermis and dermal fibroblasts.

Tretinoin binds to all the retinoic acid receptors. However, adapalene specifically binds to beta and gamma receptors. 

Skin diagram of comparison between tretinoin and adapalene (differin).

This specificity makes adapalene effective to treat acne with less irritation.

However, since adapalene does not bind to alpha receptors, we may lose some benefits that tretinoin can provide (alpha RARs may play some role in skin aging).

2. Irritation potential

As discussed above, since adapalene binds specifically to beta and gamma receptors, it has lower chances of causing irritation and side effects.

3. Benefits

Tretinoin has a lot of evidence for its efficacy in improving acne, wrinkles, dark spots, and acne scars.

Adapalene has good evidence supporting its efficiency to treat acne and acne scars. However, studies documenting its role for effectiveness in improving photodamage and hyperpigmentation are less.

However overall, both these can be effective for acne and acne scars. When it comes to photodamage, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, tretinoin may be more effective (more details on this below in the article).

4. Stability

Adapalene is more stable than tretinoin. So, one can use adapalene along with some other actives like benzoyl peroxide.

In addition, adapalene can be used during the day although it’s still recommended to use adapalene during night as our skin repairs itself while we sleep.

Newer formulations of tretinoin like micronized or Retin-A micro are considered more stable.

5. Different strengths

Tretinoin is available from 0.01 to 0.1% strength. It can be obtained in a cream, gel or lotion. 

Retin-A, a popular brand has tretinoin in the following strengths:

  • Gel: 0.01% and 0.025% tretinoin concentration.
  • Cream: 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1% tretinoin concentration.

Adapalene is available in two different strengths: 0.1% gel, cream or lotion, and 0.3% gel version.

6. FDA approved  

Tretinoin is FDA-approved for acne and photodamaged skin while adapalene is FDA-approved only for acne.

7. Over-the-counter or prescription

Tretinoin in any form or any strength is available only by prescription. 

Adapalene at a concentration of 0.1% is available over the counter (since 2016) while 0.3% concentration is only available by prescription.

8. Research studies behind each

Tretinoin has been around for almost two decades longer than adapalene. Tretinoin was approved for use in 1971 while adapalene was first approved in 1996. 

So, we have a lot more research data on tretinoin as compared to adapalene. 

Now let’s talk a bit more in detail about how adapalene and tretinoin differ in regard to acne, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and scars. 

Wrinkles and anti-aging

When it comes to improvement in photodamaged skin (fine and coarse wrinkles, roughness, pigmentation changes), tretinoin has a lot of studies backing up its efficacy. 

Adapalene on the other hand has a handful of studies. In one study, both adapalene 0.1% and 0.3% led to improvement in photodamaged skin.

In another study, 0.3% adapalene gel was compared to 0.05% tretinoin cream and both were equally effective in improving photodamaged skin.

So, even though the data is less, adapalene can also be beneficial for aging skin. 

Acne 

We have a lot more comparison data in regard to acne. In some studies, 0.1% adapalene was compared to 0.025% tretinoin and both were found to have comparable efficacy in treating acne.

In a study comparing 0.1% adapalene and 0.3% adapalene, 0.3% adapalene was more efficacious in treating acne.

In another study, 0.1% adapalene, 0.3% adapalene, and 0.05% tretinoin were compared together. Tretinoin 0.05% and adapalene 0.3% were more effective than adapalene 0.1% in reducing acne lesions. Tretinoin 0.05% and adapalene 0.3% were comparable in efficacy in reducing acne.

So, 0.3% adapalene and tretinoin at a concentration of 0.05% or more, seem to be more effective than 0.1% adapalene in improving acne.

Hyperpigmentation 

There are multiple studies that document the role of tretinoin in improving hyperpigmentation. In comparison, adapalene has relatively few studies where it was specifically used for hyperpigmented lesions (like this study). 

However, there is no study comparing both of these ingredients directly for hyperpigmentation.

So overall, tretinoin may be a better choice if you specifically want to target hyperpigmentation. 

Acne scars

Tretinoin can help with scars by stimulating the formation of collagen and also it’s remodeling. There are multiple studies (1,2) where tretinoin improved acne scarring (atrophic scars like ice pick, rolling, and boxcar scars) but they used the iontophoresis method along with its application.

Iontophoresis refers to applying electric current to help penetrate ingredients deeper into the skin. Now, although applying tretinoin without iontophoresis may be somewhat less effective, it can still be beneficial for scars. 

In another study, 0.025% retinoic acid and 12% glycolic acid were used together for 12 weeks. They significantly improved the acne scars. Both retinoic acid aka tretinoin and glycolic acid probably had a synergistic effect on improving acne scars.

Adapalene has also shown promising results as seen in some studies.  

Adapalene 0.3% used for 24 weeks resulted in improvement of atrophic acne scars in one study. In another study, 0.3% adapalene used in combination with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide not only prevented acne scar formation but also reduced atrophic acne scars. 

The lower strength of adapalene (0.1%) may also be beneficial in preventing and improving atrophic acne scars.

So, both adapalene and tretinoin have evidence of effectiveness against atrophic acne scars. However, there is no study directly comparing them.

Can you use them together?

One should not use tretinoin and adapalene together. 

The reason is a risk of extreme skin irritation from using strong active ingredients together.

This can result in skin barrier damage, and inflammation and can leave behind post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Precautions

Both adapalene and tretinoin should not be used by pregnant women since we don’t have enough data or studies showing its safety in pregnant women. So, it’s best to avoid using these.

Which one should you use?

Adapalene is a better choice for someone who has sensitive skin, wants to predominantly treat acne, or is new to retinoids.

Tretinoin can be a better choice if you want more from your retinoid like improving hyperpigmentation and photodamaged skin or using it as a preventative method for wrinkles. 

In most cases, your doctor will decide and prescribe you according to your skin needs.

How to use

Your doctor may give you specific guidelines as to how to use your medication and you should follow them.

In general, below are a few tips to decrease side effects:

  • Start slowly using it just a few times a week.
  • Use just a pea-sized amount to cover your whole face.
  • Use a pH-balanced cleanser to protect your skin’s acid mantle.
  • Use a moisturizer to decrease dryness.
  • Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
  • Do not use strong acid exfoliants and ascorbic acid serums.
  • Be gentle with your skin.
  • Do not manually try to remove peeling skin.

Summary

Both adapalene and tretinoin are retinoids. However, there are a few key differences in how they work.

Adapalene can be a great choice if acne is your main concern. On the other hand, if you want to improve skin tone, texture, and photodamage, tretinoin is a better option.

Both these retinoids can lead to dryness, irritation, burning, and peeling skin. However, adapalene is better tolerated, especially at 0.1% strength.

Using a gentle skincare routine and moisturizer can help in minimizing side effects. Always use sunscreen to prevent further sun damage and skin blemishes.

Read more articles on retinoids

References

Disclaimer: This blog post is for information purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

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