Index / La Roche-Posay / Adapalene Gel
La Roche-Posay

Adapalene Gel.

La Roche-Posay Adapalene Gel
Retinoids

About this product

A topical retinoid gel containing adapalene, a synthetic vitamin A derivative designed to treat acne by reducing inflammation and regulating sebum production and pore function.

Best for

Oily skinAcne-prone skin
Retinoids

The Guru Index verdict

89%

Approved

Approved · 89%
4Reviewers
4Approved
0Mixed
0Skip

What the gurus are saying

Gurus consistently praise adapalene as one of the most effective over-the-counter acne fighters, particularly for comedones and skin texture. They note it works better on acne than standard retinol because it targets acne-specific receptors more efficiently. The key caution across reviews is not to layer or double-dose adapalene with retinol; dermatologists recommend alternating them on different nights instead. The 0.1% OTC formula is considered potent but weaker than the prescription 3% strength.
Synthesized from 4 expert reviews

Key actives & flags

RetinoidFragrance-freeAlcohol-free

Full ingredients

Adapalene 0.1%, Carbomer Homopolymer, Edetate Disodium, Methylparaben, Poloxamer 182, Propylene Glycol, Purified Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Adapalene

Every take, in full

What the gurus are saying.

Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.

All takes Approved only Skip only Mixed only Hide sponsored
Approved
"Derms are huge fans of retinoids, so starting an adapalene is also great too."
Approved
"Works better on acne than retinol even though they're both vitamin A derivatives. This newer synthetic adapalene actually works better on the receptors that control acne inflammation and the sebum or the pore lining. It keeps the pores clean more effectively than retinol. I would not layer adapalene with retinol. You can have adapalene and retinol but I would alternate them by the day. Use one night adapalene, a pea-size amount to the entire face, and then the next day you can do your retinol. Don't double up and do it either twice a day of the same product or layer the two. You're just going to run into trouble and cause a bad contact dermatitis."
All 2 takes from Dr. Daniel Sugai
Skincare Secrets to Manage Crepey Skin from a Dermatologist
"I'm going to use the Adapalene from La Roche-Posay. You get a pea-size amount of your retinoid, dab it on the back of your hand, and then start making your dots. I always start at the forehead, the cheeks, the nose for sure, you do not want to forget, and then you can lighten up around the mouth where yes you could have acne here but this is very sensitive skin. Then you can also bring it down to your neck. You can spread the love down to the neck, the chest, and then rub the excess to the back of your hands, bring it down to your forearms, and then connect the dots on your face. You don't have to break these up and do it different times of the day, just do it all when you're about to go to bed."
Unlocking The Secrets Of Layering Skincare Serums: Dermatologist's Layering Serums 101 Guide
"Works better on acne than retinol even though they're both vitamin A derivatives. This newer synthetic adapalene actually works better on the receptors that control acne inflammation and the sebum or the pore lining. It keeps the pores clean more effectively than retinol. I would not layer adapalene with retinol. You can have adapalene and retinol but I would alternate them by the day. Use one night adapalene, a pea-size amount to the entire face, and then the next day you can do your retinol. Don't double up and do it either twice a day of the same product or layer the two. You're just going to run into trouble and cause a bad contact dermatitis."
Approved
"Adapalene, particularly good retinoid for acne prone skin. La Roche-Posay actually sells one that you can get without a prescription. Retinoids can be very beneficial here for brightness and smoothness of the skin, and they're particularly helpful for controlling acne and inflammation. I do suggest building at least one into your skincare routine."
Approved
"Adapalene gel is a phenomenal acne ingredient. It's probably the most powerful acne ingredient you can find over the counter. It's incredible for those open and closed comedones and it's going to really improve the texture of your skin, short of getting a prescription medication from your dermatologist. This is definitely on the best list, but I don't think that it is superior to any of the other options out there, so if you can find it for a good price I highly recommend it. The over-the-counter version is 0.1% adapalene, which is a lower concentration than the prescription strength 3% version that exists."
Top Pick: over-the-counter acne ingredient
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