Walgreens

Adapalene Gel 0.1%.

Retinoids

About this product

A topical retinoid gel containing 0.1% adapalene, formulated to treat acne and reduce breakouts in acne-prone skin.

Full ingredients

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

Guru Score

84%

Yay

Early verdict · Few reviews so far

2Gurus

2Yay

0Mixed

0Nay

What they liked

Performs like Differin at lower cost
Well-tolerated adapalene formulation
Targets acne-prone skin effectively

What they flagged

Nothing. None of the experts who reviewed it raised a problem.

What the gurus are saying

This Walgreens adapalene performs as well as Differin at a significantly lower price. Experts rank it among the most transformative treatments for acne-prone skin, and side-by-side comparisons confirm the Walgreens version delivers identical results. Preliminary research suggests it may also help with anti-aging, though acne prevention is the primary strength.

Synthesized from 2 expert reviews · most recent take September 2025

Best for

Acne-prone skin

Type

RetinoidsGel

Key actives

Retinoid

Formula notes

Fragrance-freeNo drying alcohol

Where to buy

Amazon → Google →

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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 Yay takes Nay takes Mixed takes Hide sponsored

Dr Dray

2.68M subs

✓Yay

"When it comes to adapalene, you don't have to get the brand name gel. There's the Walgreens version."

AliceintheRabbitHole

59k subs

✓Yay

"My personal retinoid is adapalene, and this is the Walgreens brand adapalene gel. I saw it sitting next to Differin at Walgreens and the box compared itself to Differin, so I compared the two and it held up just as well, so I saved myself some money and went with the Walgreens brand instead. Nothing has ever changed my skin as much as adapalene products, regardless of who makes them, I find them all to be quite similar. It's the retinoid recommended for acne prone skin, and I think it's one of the best things you could add to your routine."

All 3 takes from AliceintheRabbitHole

BEST Affordable Skincare of 2024 (I Like Saving Money)

Anti-Aging AND Acne-Fighting Skincare Routine: How I Use Adapalene!

"We're finishing off this routine with adapalene point one percent, using the Walgreens brand, because I don't like spending money on acne products. It works, it works, the packaging said compare to Differin, so I did, and it's practically the same thing but less money. Nothing has ever changed my skin as much as adapalene. I know there are different retinoids out there, but this is the one that targets acne, and we do have preliminary data that it may help with anti-aging as well. I'm very happy with it."

How I Save Money on Skincare: the PRODUCTS vs the INGREDIENTS I need

"I picked up the Walgreens brand 0.1% adapalene treatment gel, which says on it that it's compared to the active ingredients in Differin gel. This probably won't give me any clout, but I know the active ingredient that I need for my skin, so I'll buy it from Walgreens brand. It's not a big deal to me, I have no loyalty there, I'll buy Walgreens brand as needed."

What the evidence says.

Independent of what the gurus think, this is what the published research supports about the main active ingredients here.

Retinoids

Retinoids are among the best studied ingredients in dermatology, with solid evidence for acne and for the fine lines and rough texture that come from sun exposure. Dryness and flaking in the first few weeks are common and usually settle.

Source: DermNet

Frequently asked.

What is Walgreens Adapalene Gel 0.1%?

A topical retinoid gel containing 0.1% adapalene, formulated to treat acne and reduce breakouts in acne-prone skin.

Is Walgreens Adapalene Gel 0.1% worth it?

Yes. All 2 gurus who reviewed it give it their stamp of approval, for a Guru Score of 84%.

What is Walgreens Adapalene Gel 0.1%'s Guru Score?

Walgreens Adapalene Gel 0.1% holds a Guru Score of 84%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 2 expert reviewers we have collected.