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Differin (adapalene 0.1%) Gel and cream
from
£21.49
Differin contains adapalene 0.1%, a topical retinoid used to treat mild to moderate acne. It is usually applied once daily in the evening.
Differin (adapalene 0.1%) Gel and cream
Buy Differin online
You can buy Differin online from Chemist Click after completing a short acne consultation. Differin is a prescription-only medicine in the UK, so one of our prescribers will review your answers before treatment is approved.
If Differin is suitable for you, your medicine will be dispensed by our UK registered pharmacy and delivered discreetly. Tell us about any other acne treatments or skincare products you use, and whether you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding, so we can check that treatment is suitable.
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
| Active ingredient | Adapalene 0.1% |
|---|---|
| Medicine type | Topical retinoid |
| Used for | Mild to moderate acne |
| Form | Gel and cream |
| How to use | Apply a thin layer to clean, dry acne-affected skin |
| When to use | Once daily in the evening |
| Prescription required | Do not use during pregnancy or when planning a pregnancy |
| Breastfeeding | Can be used while breastfeeding; do not apply to the chest |
Differin is a topical acne medicine containing adapalene. The questions below explain what it is, how it works and what to expect when you use it.
What is Differin?
Differin is a prescription acne treatment containing adapalene 0.1%. Adapalene belongs to a group of medicines called retinoids. It is used to treat mild to moderate acne where blackheads, whiteheads and inflamed spots are present.
How does Differin work?
Adapalene helps skin cells turn over normally, reducing the build-up of dead skin cells inside pores. This helps prevent pores becoming blocked and can reduce inflammation around acne spots.
How long does Differin take to work, and what should I expect when I first start using it?
Acne treatment takes time. Some people may notice changes within the first few weeks, but it can take around 8 to 12 weeks to judge how well Differin is working. Dryness, redness, stinging or peeling can happen when you first start treatment. Severe or persistent irritation should be reviewed rather than treated as a sign that the medicine is working.
What is the difference between Differin gel and Differin cream, and which formulation may suit my skin better?
Both formulations contain adapalene 0.1%. The main difference is the formulation and how it feels on the skin.
| Differin Gel | Differin Cream | |
| Active ingredient | Adapalene 0.1% | Adapalene 0.1% |
| Formulation | Gel | Cream |
| How often used | Once daily in the evening | Once daily in the evening |
| Main difference | Lighter gel formulation | Cream formulation |
Differin Dosage and How to Use
How to use Differin
Use Differin exactly as prescribed. Applying more will not make it work faster and can increase irritation.
When applying Differin:
- Wash the affected skin gently and allow it to dry.
- Apply a thin layer to the whole acne-affected area.
- Use once daily in the evening unless told otherwise.
- Avoid the eyes, lips, inside of the nose, broken skin and very irritated skin.
- Wash your hands after applying it.
Can I use a moisturiser while using Differin if my skin becomes dry or irritated?
Yes. Use a gentle moisturiser that is suitable for acne-prone skin if needed.
“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
Like all medicines, Differin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects include:
- Dry skin
- Skin irritation
- Burning or stinging
- Redness
Less common side effects include:
- Itching
- Peeling skin
- Skin discomfort
- Sunburn
- Contact dermatitis
- A temporary worsening of acne
Seek urgent medical help
Stop using Differin and seek urgent help if you develop swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat or difficulty breathing.
Differin Warnings
Differin is not suitable for everyone. We check your medical history and other treatments as part of the consultation.
Important precautions include:
- Do not apply to broken, sunburnt or very irritated skin.
- Avoid the eyes, mouth, nostrils and lips.
- Minimise excessive sunlight and UV exposure.
- Tell us if you are using another retinoid or medicated acne treatment.
Can I use Differin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Do not use Differin if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. If you become pregnant while using it, stop treatment and speak to a healthcare professional.
Differin can be used while breastfeeding, but do not apply it to the chest.
Differin Interactions
Interactions with medicines taken by mouth are unlikely because only a small amount of adapalene is absorbed through the skin. However, several irritating skin treatments used together can make redness, dryness and peeling worse.
Tell us if you use:
- Another retinoid or a medicine that works in a similar way to adapalene.
- Benzoyl peroxide, topical antibiotics or other medicated acne treatments.
- Peeling agents, abrasive cleansers, strong drying products, astringents or alcohol-heavy skincare.
Some acne treatments can be used at a different time of day from Differin. Your prescriber can advise based on your current routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Differin is a prescription-only medicine in the UK. You need a clinical assessment before it can be supplied.
No. Differin contains adapalene, which is a topical retinoid. It does not contain an antibiotic.
Differin is normally applied once daily in the evening. If irritation becomes significant, speak to a clinician rather than increasing or changing the frequency yourself.
Some people notice irritation or a temporary worsening of acne early in treatment. Persistent or severe worsening should be reviewed; it should not automatically be treated as proof that Differin is working.
Response is normally assessed over several weeks. The SmPC recommends assessing continued improvement after around three months of treatment.
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.
Written and clinically reviewed by our pharmacists
Differin Gel Reviews
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
Works as expected.
By Na
Best quality product.. fast delivery
By Shobanapriyan Chandrasegaran
Delivery quick and good product
By Cristina BarganCustomer reviews reflect individual experiences and are not medical advice.
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