from
£21.49
Differin (available as a gel or cream) is an acne treatment that helps to clear and prevent pimples, blackheads, whiteheads and clogged pores as well as reducing soreness and irritation. Differin can be used on the face, chest or back.
You can buy Differin gel or Differin cream online from Chemist Click. You cannot buy Differin over the counter, so you will need to complete a short consultation, for one of our pharmacists to review. It will then be dispatched from our UK pharmacy. Next day delivery options are available.
Name & Dosage | x1 Tube (45g) |
x1 Tube (60g) |
x2 Tubes (90g) |
x2 Tubes (120g) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Differin Cream Tube (45g) |
£24.49 | |||
Differin Cream Tubes (90g) |
£47.49 | |||
Differin Gel Tubes (90g) |
£47.49 | |||
Differin Gel Tube (45g) |
£24.49 | |||
Differin Cream (Parallel Import) Tube (60g) |
£21.49 | |||
Differin Cream (Parallel Import) Tubes (120g) |
£39.99 | |||
Differin Gel (Parallel Import) Tube (60g) |
£22.99 | |||
Differin Gel (Parallel Import) Tubes (120g) |
£41.49 | |||
Medication class | Retinoid |
---|---|
Mechanism of action | Increases the turnover of skin cells |
Active ingredient | Adapalene |
Strength | 0.1% |
Effective within | 2 weeks |
Dosage instructions | Apply a thin layer at night, to the affected area(s) |
Manufacturer | Galderma |
Use with alcohol | N/A |
Differin is a prescription only medication used to treat acne. It is primarily used for acne that is on the surface of the skin, such as blackheads and whiteheads. The active ingredient in Differin is called adapalene. Adapalene is a retinoid, which is a class of medicine that is derived from vitamin A. It works by regulating cell turnover, ensuring that pores do not get clogged up and form acne. Increasing skin cell turnover allows the skin to naturally exfoliate, ensuring that oil and dead skin cells do not block pores and form blackheads or whiteheads. Adapalene also serves as an anti-inflammatory, reducing the redness and swelling that accompanies acne, helping to restore skin tone and texture. Unlike other acne treatments, Differin gel does not contain any antibiotics, therefore it should be used to treat mild-moderate acne.
It can take anywhere between 2-8 weeks for Differin to work. It usually takes around 12 weeks for the full benefit to be seen.
Differin may not work, or may stop working for several reasons, for example, if you have severe acne, or you have developed an infection. If you have not seen an improvement after 3 months, you should visit your doctor for additional or alternative treatment.
Important note: Differin should be used at night before bed. This is because adapalene can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Differin results can be seen from as early as 2 weeks. The best way to assess results, is by taking progress pictures, so that you can assess week by week improvements.
Here is what you can expect week by week:
You may start to experience redness and irritation to your skin. This is normal, and a sign that Differin is working. The treatment is helping to push out dirt and bacteria from under your skin to the surface. This is known as skin purging. It usually lasts for 2-3 weeks, and you should continue to use Differin.
The purge should have settled, and you should start to notice that your acne is clearing, and your skin should start to look noticeably clearer.
You should notice a significant improvement to your acne after 3 months. Do not stop using Differin or reduce the frequency of application.
The differin purge is when your skin becomes irritated and inflamed. You may even notice acne breakouts. This is because Differin is helping to push dirt and bacteria from underneath your skin to the surface. It is a sign that the treatment is working. The Differin purge usually starts from the second week of treatment and lasts for up to 10 days. You should continue to use Differin during this period. You may use a hypoallergenic moisturizer during the day, to help relieve symptoms.
Active ingredient: Adapalene 0.1%
Inactive ingredients: Carbomer 934P, macrogol-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate, glycerol (E422), disodium edetate, natural squalane, methyl glucose sesquistearate, sodium hydroxide, phenoxyethanol, cyclomethicone, propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216), methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) and purified water.
Apply a thin layer at night, to the affected areas.
Side effects of Differin include:
Common (affecting up to 10% of users)
Uncommon (affecting up to 1% of users)
Avoid using Differin if you are:
Do not use Differin if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. It can cross the placenta and affect the development of the baby’s bones and teeth.
Differin is safe to use whilst breastfeeding.
No, Differin is a retinoid, a stronger version of a retinol. Retinols are mainly used for anti-aging, whilst retinoids such as Differin, as used to treat acne. Differin is more effective than retinols for acne.
No, Differin is a prescription only product in the UK. You can fill out a consultation with Chemist Click, to receive Differin the next day.
Yes, retinoids, including Differin, are commonly used as an anti-ageing treatment to prevent and treat wrinkles. Differin stimulates the production of collagen, helping to improve skin elasticity and hydration. This can help to reduce wrinkling.
Yes, Differin encourages the turnover of skin cells, exfoliating older skin. This helps to reduce skin pigmentation.
The usual course is 12 weeks, but Differin can be used long-term to help prevent acne and keep skin clear.
Yes, you can safely use Differin every day. It is common for Differin to be used every day, as part of a long-term plan for treating and preventing acne.
You should use Differin for 12 weeks. If it is not working, you should see your doctor for advice.
Yes, you can use Differin at night, and a gentle moisturiser during the day. If you want to use a moisturiser after applying Differin, wait 30 minutes for Differin to dry.
product rated 4.8/5
It’s great. But not a miracle cure. I use differin in combine with cutting out foods that trigger my acne. Definitely helps reduce the amount of acne I have. I highly recommend to those with moderate acne.
By Sue (via TrustPilot)Works as expected.
By Na (via TrustPilot)Best quality product.. fast delivery
By Shobanapriyan Chandrasegaran (via TrustPilot)Delivery quick and good product
By Cristina Bargan (via TrustPilot)Superintendent Pharmacist
Written by Chemist Click
First created 22nd April 2025
Last reviewed 1st October 2025
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By Neil FranklinPimples, blackheads and other forms of acne are very common on the face, but can occur anywhere on the body. Some people with severe or long-term acne experience breakouts in many places at once.
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