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Differin (adapalene 0.1%) Gel and cream
from
£21.49
Differin (adapalene 0.1%) Gel and cream
Buy Differin online
How to get Differin Gel online
- Complete a short online consultation about your skin, your health and any other treatments you use.
- Our UK prescriber reviews your answers and decides whether Differin Gel, or another treatment, is suitable for you.
- If a prescription is issued, our pharmacy dispatches your order in discreet packaging.
Prices for Differin Gel
| Name & Dosage | x1 Tube (50g) |
x1 Tube (60g) |
x2 Tubes (100g) |
x2 Tubes (120g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Differin Gel | £28.49 | £54.98 | ||
| Differin Cream (Parallel Import) |
£21.49 | £39.99 | ||
| Differin Gel (Parallel Import) |
£22.99 | £41.49 | ||
| Differin Cream | £28.49 | £54.98 |
Summary for Differin Gel
| Medication class | Topical retinoid (a retinoid-like medicine applied to the skin) |
|---|---|
| Mechanism of action | Acts on the skin cells lining the pores to reduce the blockages that form blackheads and whiteheads, and has an anti-inflammatory effect |
| Active ingredient | Adapalene |
| Strength | 0.1% w/w |
| Product type | Gel. Differin Cream, at the same strength, is also available |
| Legal category | Prescription-only medicine (POM) |
| Effective within | Improvement is gradual over several weeks. Your progress should be reviewed after 3 months |
| Dosage instructions | Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin on the affected areas once a day at bedtime |
| Maximum dose | Once a day. Using more, or applying it more often, does not work faster and can irritate the skin |
| Manufacturer | Galderma (U.K.) Limited |
| Use with alcohol | No interaction with alcohol is expected. Avoid alcohol-based toners and astringents on treated skin, as they can increase irritation |
About Differin
Key points
- Differin Gel contains adapalene 0.1%, a topical retinoid medicine for acne.
- It treats mild to moderate acne on the face, chest and back. It is not used for severe acne.
- Apply a thin layer once a day at bedtime and leave it on.
- Improvement is gradual, and your progress should be reviewed after 3 months.
- Do not use it if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
- Dry skin, redness, irritation and a burning feeling are common, especially at first
What is Differin Gel used for?
Differin Gel is used to treat mild to moderate acne where blackheads, whiteheads and small red or pus-filled spots (papules and pustules) are the main problem. It can be used on the face, chest and back. It should not be used for severe acne or acne covering large areas of the body, which needs to be assessed by a GP. Differin is licensed only for acne, and we only supply it for acne.
What is adapalene, and is it a retinoid or a retinol?
Adapalene, the active ingredient in Differin, is a retinoid: a medicine that acts on the retinoic acid receptors in the skin, the same receptors as tretinoin, a vitamin A derivative. It is a licensed, prescription-only medicine in the UK. Retinol is a form of vitamin A found in cosmetic skincare products. It is not a licensed medicine for acne, so it is not the same as adapalene.
How does Differin work?
Adapalene changes how the skin cells lining the pores grow and shed, which reduces the blockages that form blackheads and whiteheads (comedones). It also has an anti-inflammatory effect, which helps with red, inflamed spots. Very little is absorbed into the body, so it acts mainly where it is applied.
How long does Differin take to work?
Differin works gradually, and it can take several weeks before you notice an improvement. Keep using it every night as directed. Your doctor or prescriber should check your progress after 3 months. In the first weeks your skin may be dry, red or irritated, and acne can sometimes flare. If your skin is very irritated, or your acne has not improved after 3 months, speak to our prescriber or your GP.
Differin gel or cream: which is right for me?
Differin Gel and Differin Cream contain the same amount of adapalene (0.1%) and are used in the same way, once a day at bedtime. The product information for Differin Cream says it is more suited to dry and fair skin. The gel and cream have different inactive ingredients, which are listed in each leaflet. Our prescriber can help you choose based on your skin and your answers in the consultation.
Is Differin available over the counter in the UK?
No. Adapalene is a prescription-only medicine in the UK, so Differin Gel and Differin Cream cannot be bought over the counter in a pharmacy or shop. You need a prescription, either from your GP or from a prescriber after an online consultation. Our prescriber will only issue a prescription if Differin is suitable for you.
Is there a stronger Differin Gel?
In the UK, Differin Gel and Differin Cream are available in one strength, 0.1%. Adapalene 0.3% is available in the UK only in a prescription combination gel with benzoyl peroxide (Epiduo gel).
How is Differin different from other retinoid treatments?
Adapalene and tretinoin are both topical retinoids used to treat acne, and both are prescription-only in the UK. Adapalene is also available in a prescription combination gel with benzoyl peroxide (Epiduo gel). Combination gels already contain a retinoid, so they are used instead of Differin, not as well as it. Isotretinoin capsules are a retinoid taken by mouth. They are prescribed only by a specialist dermatology team, for severe acne or acne that has not responded to other treatments.
What are the other treatment options for acne?
NICE guidance on acne recommends a 12-week course of treatment, chosen together with your prescriber or GP. Options for mild to moderate acne include:
- A combination gel containing adapalene with benzoyl peroxide (Epiduo gel), tretinoin with clindamycin (Treclin gel), or clindamycin with benzoyl peroxide (Duac gel). These are first-line options in NICE guidance.
- Benzoyl peroxide on its own (Acnecide gel), a pharmacy medicine, if the options above are not suitable or you prefer to avoid a retinoid or an antibiotic.
- For moderate to severe acne, an antibiotic tablet (such as lymecycline or doxycycline) used together with adapalene with benzoyl peroxide, or with azelaic acid.
Once acne has improved, NICE guidance suggests an adapalene and benzoyl peroxide combination gel to keep it under control. If that is not suitable, adapalene, azelaic acid or benzoyl peroxide on its own may be used. Our prescriber or your GP can advise which treatment is right for you.
What else can help with acne?
- Wash affected skin no more than twice a day with a mild, non-alkaline cleanser and lukewarm water.
- Choose moisturisers, sunscreen and make-up that are oil-free and non-comedogenic (do not block pores), and remove make-up at the end of the day.
- Try not to pick or squeeze spots, as this can lead to scarring.
- If acne is affecting your mood or confidence, speak to a GP. Support is available.
Differin Dosage and How to Use
How to use Differin Gel
Apply Differin Gel once a day at bedtime to all of the skin affected by acne, not just individual spots.
- Wash the affected skin gently with a mild cleanser and water, then pat it dry. Make sure your skin is completely dry.
- Use your fingertips to apply a thin layer of gel to all of the affected area and rub it in gently.
- Keep it away from your eyes, lips, mouth, nostrils and the creases of your nose. If it gets in your eyes, wash them straight away with warm water.
- Do not apply it to cuts, grazes, sunburnt skin or skin with eczema.
- Wash your hands afterwards.
- Leave it on. Differin is a leave-on treatment, so do not wash it off after applying it. Wash your face gently in the morning as part of your usual routine.
- Keep sun exposure to a minimum while you are using it. Avoid sunbeds and sunlamps, and use a sunscreen and cover up when you are outdoors.
Using more gel, or applying it more than once a day, will not clear acne faster and is more likely to cause redness, peeling and discomfort. If your skin becomes very irritated, stop using it and speak to our prescriber or your GP. They may advise using it less often or pausing treatment. If you miss a dose, do not worry: carry on as normal the next night, and do not apply extra to make up for it. Differin is for use on the skin only. If anyone swallows it, get medical advice.
Your progress should be reviewed after 3 months. If your acne has not improved, or it gets worse, speak to our prescriber or your GP.
When should you see a doctor instead?
We supply Differin Gel online for mild to moderate acne. See a GP instead of starting treatment online if you have:
- Large, painful lumps or cysts under the skin, or acne covering large areas of your body
- Acne that is leaving scars, or dark or light patches on the skin
- Acne that is making you feel very low, anxious or withdrawn
- Acne that started suddenly as an adult, or acne with irregular periods or extra hair growth on the face or body
- Acne that has not improved after two courses of treatment
Get medical help the same day if severe acne comes on suddenly with a high temperature, feeling unwell or painful joints.
“Adapalene works best when you apply it to the whole area affected by acne, rather than just individual spots. If your skin becomes dry or irritated, use a gentle moisturiser that is suitable for acne-prone skin.”
— Abbas Kanani, MRPharmS
Differin Side Effects
Differin Gel side effects
Like all medicines, Differin Gel can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Most are skin reactions where the gel is applied, and they are most likely in the first few weeks.
Common (up to 1 in 10 people)
Dry skin, skin irritation, a burning feeling and redness of the skin. Redness can be harder to see on black or brown skin.
Uncommon (up to 1 in 100 people)
Contact dermatitis (irritated, inflamed skin), skin discomfort, sunburn, itching, peeling skin and a flare of acne.
Stop using Differin Gel and call 999 or go to A&E if you have
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat that makes it hard to swallow or breathe
- An itchy, raised rash (hives) or feeling dizzy or faint, which can be signs of a serious allergic reaction
Stop using it and speak to our prescriber or your doctor if you have
- Severe irritation, redness, swelling or blistering of the skin
- A burn where the gel was applied
- Irritation, redness or swelling of the eyelids
Frequency not known
Allergic skin reaction, skin pain or swelling, burns where the gel is applied (mostly superficial, but second degree or severe burns have been reported), lightening or darkening of the skin, irritation, redness, itching or swelling of the eyelids, and serious allergic reactions, including swelling of the face, lips or throat (angioedema) and anaphylaxis.
Differin Gel is not expected to affect your ability to drive, cycle or use machinery. The gel contains propylene glycol, which may cause skin irritation, and methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), which may cause allergic reactions, possibly delayed. You can report side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk).
Differin Warnings
Who should not use Differin Gel?
Differin Gel is not suitable for everyone. Our prescriber checks your answers against these points before deciding whether to prescribe it.
Do not use Differin Gel if you
- Are pregnant or planning a pregnancy
- Are allergic to adapalene or any of the other ingredients (see the leaflet for the full list)
- Have severe acne, or acne covering large areas of your body
- Want to apply it to broken skin, cuts, grazes, sunburnt skin or eczema
Tell our prescriber first if you
- Use any other acne treatment, on the skin or by mouth, including other retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotic gels or tablets, or isotretinoin
- Use products that dry or peel the skin, such as exfoliating scrubs, peels, or toners and astringents containing alcohol or perfume
- Have sensitive skin, eczema or another skin condition
- Are breastfeeding
- Spend a lot of time in the sun, or have sunburn
- Have any of the symptoms listed under ‘When should you see a doctor instead?’
Keep sun and UV exposure, including sunbeds, to a minimum while you are using Differin Gel.
Differin Interactions
Can you use Differin Gel with other acne treatments?
Very little Differin is absorbed into the body, so it is not expected to interact with medicines taken by mouth, including antibiotics and contraceptive pills. The main risk is extra irritation when it is used with other products on the skin. Always list everything you use in your consultation, including skincare products.
| Medicine or product | What it means |
| Other retinoids, such as tretinoin, or combination gels that contain adapalene | Do not use together with Differin |
| Isotretinoin capsules | Do not use Differin while taking isotretinoin unless your specialist advises it |
| Benzoyl peroxide gel, such as Acnecide Gel | Water-based benzoyl peroxide gels can be used alongside Differin. Apply the benzoyl peroxide in the morning and Differin at night |
| Clindamycin or erythromycin solutions or lotions (antibiotics applied to the skin) | Can be used alongside Differin if prescribed. Apply them in the morning and Differin at night |
| Peeling agents, exfoliating scrubs and acids, strong drying products | Can add to irritation. Avoid unless advised |
| Toners and astringents containing alcohol or perfume | Can add to dryness and irritation. Use a mild cleanser instead |
| Lymecycline or doxycycline (antibiotic tablets for acne) | No interaction expected. NICE recommends that antibiotic tablets for acne are used together with a treatment applied to the skin, such as adapalene with benzoyl peroxide. Doxycycline can also make skin more sensitive to the sun |
| Co-cyprindiol and contraceptive pills | No interaction expected. Differin is not expected to affect how the pill works |
Can I use Differin with lymecycline or doxycycline?
Yes, if your prescriber has advised it. No interaction is expected, and NICE guidance recommends that antibiotic tablets for moderate to severe acne are taken together with a treatment applied to the skin. Doxycycline can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so keep sun exposure to a minimum, use sunscreen and avoid sunbeds.
Can I use Differin with co-cyprindiol or a contraceptive pill?
Yes. No interaction is expected between Differin and co-cyprindiol or other contraceptive pills, because very little adapalene is absorbed into the body, so it is not expected to affect how the pill works. Tell our prescriber about all the medicines you take in your consultation.
Differin Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Can you use Differin while pregnant?
No. Do not use Differin Gel if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. If you become pregnant while using it, stop using it and contact your doctor straight away. If you could become pregnant, our prescriber will ask about this in your consultation. Your GP or midwife can advise on acne treatments that can be used in pregnancy.
Can you use Differin while breastfeeding?
Yes, Differin Gel can be used while breastfeeding, as very little is absorbed into the body. Do not apply it to your chest or breasts, so that your baby does not come into contact with it. Tell our prescriber if you are breastfeeding.
Read the leaflet before you start treatment. The leaflet in your pack is the version for the product you receive.
Frequently Asked Questions
It can. Worsening of acne is an uncommon side effect, affecting up to 1 in 100 people, and dryness, redness and irritation are common. If your acne gets noticeably worse, or your skin is very sore, speak to our prescriber or your GP.
No. Differin Gel is a leave-on treatment. Apply it at bedtime and leave it on overnight, then wash your face gently in the morning as part of your usual routine.
Differin Gel is applied once a day at bedtime, unless your doctor or prescriber tells you otherwise. If you also use a benzoyl peroxide or antibiotic gel, that is usually applied in the morning.
Yes. Choose moisturisers and make-up that are non-comedogenic (do not block pores) and do not dry the skin. A moisturiser can help with dryness. Remove make-up before you apply Differin at bedtime.
Differin is not used to treat dark spots or marks left by acne. Lightening or darkening of the skin has been reported as a side effect, but how often this happens is not known. If you notice changes in your skin colour, speak to our prescriber or your GP.
No. Differin is licensed only to treat acne, and we only supply it for acne.
How long you use it depends on how your acne responds. Your progress should be reviewed after 3 months. Once acne has improved, NICE guidance suggests an adapalene and benzoyl peroxide combination gel to keep it under control, or adapalene, azelaic acid or benzoyl peroxide on its own if that is not suitable. Our prescriber or your GP can advise on this.
Yes. Differin Gel can be used on the face, chest and back. If you are breastfeeding, do not apply it to your chest.
Keep it out of the sight and reach of children, in its original tube, below 25°C. Do not freeze it, and do not use it after the expiry date on the pack.
Written and clinically reviewed by our pharmacists
Differin Gel Reviews
Product rated 4.8/5
after fifty years, I have finally found a product that works for me, my skin is looking the best it ever has
By Julian Walden (via Reviews.io)
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
Works as expected.
By Na
Best quality product.. fast delivery
By Shobanapriyan ChandrasegaranCustomer reviews reflect individual experiences and are not medical advice.
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