Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment | Unbiased Science-Based Efficacy Review

Review

Does Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment Work?

According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment has to offer:

✅ A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 0.2 out of 10.

Key Benefits of Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment

These are the key benefits you can expect from using Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment:

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 0.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product is purely humectant, but with a low Humectancy of 0.3 out of 10. It has zero Occlusivity as we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list.

This type of product provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to overall moisturizing efficacy when used as part of a skincare routine, alongside another moisturizer.

📌 Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment

CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment to your skincare routine:

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Adapalene, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Adapalene provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Adapalene may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment

Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:

🟩 Pros:

✅ Provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine

⭕ Cons:

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Summary: Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment

Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment

, as a moisturizer, provides relatively light hydration on its own but can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine.

That said, there are some things about Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment worth noting.

If one of your main reasons for considering Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

Fragrance
Preservative
Formula helpers

Other

Est. % The Estimated % is our algorithm-based assumption about an ingredient's concentration in a formula. Learn more The Estimated % is our algorithm-based assumption about an ingredient's concentration in a formula. Learn more	Ingredient	Origin	Functions
80	Water The most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients. Water The most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.	Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water.	Formula helper Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients. Formula helper Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients.
20.7	Carbomer A synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer. Carbomer A synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.	Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.	Formula helper Emulsion stabilizing – increases the stability of a formula. Gel-forming – helps to create a gel by swelling. Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product. Formula helper Emulsion stabilizing – increases the stability of a formula. Gel-forming – helps to create a gel by swelling. Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product.
0.3	Disodium EDTA A synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions. Disodium EDTA A synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.	Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.	Formula helper Chelating – deactivates harmful heavy metal ions. Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product. Formula helper Chelating – deactivates harmful heavy metal ions. Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product.
0.3	Poloxamer 182 Poloxamer 182		Cleansing, Cleansing ingredients, also known as surfactants, clear dirt and buildup from the skin. Cleansing, Cleansing ingredients, also known as surfactants, clear dirt and buildup from the skin. Formula helper Emulsifying – helps to mix water and oil together. Solubilizing – helps ingredients dissolve. Formula helper Emulsifying – helps to mix water and oil together. Solubilizing – helps ingredients dissolve.
0.3	Propylene Glycol A clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin. Propylene Glycol A clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.	Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.	Moisturizing (Humectant), Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Moisturizing (Humectant), Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Formula helper Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients. Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product. Formula helper Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients. Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product.
0.3	Sodium Hydroxide An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin. Sodium Hydroxide An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.	Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.	Formula helper Denaturant – turns alcohol undrinkable. pH adjuster – alters the pH level of a formula. Formula helper Denaturant – turns alcohol undrinkable. pH adjuster – alters the pH level of a formula.
0.3	Methylparaben A preservative that keeps a product unspoiled. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding parabens, although the concentrations found in cosmetic formulations are generally considered to be safe. Methylparaben A preservative that keeps a product unspoiled. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding parabens, although the concentrations found in cosmetic formulations are generally considered to be safe.	Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.	Antimicrobial, Antimicrobials prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms on the skin. Antimicrobial, Antimicrobials prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms on the skin. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Preservative Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Preservative Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product.
0.1 Verified concentration of an ingredient as indicated on its package, in the ingredient list, or on the official website. Verified concentration of an ingredient as indicated on its package, in the ingredient list, or on the official website.	Adapalene Adapalene		Anti-Wrinkle, Anti-wrinkle ingredients prevent the formation or reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Anti-Wrinkle, Anti-wrinkle ingredients prevent the formation or reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Anti-Acne Anti-acne agents treat acne blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads. Anti-Acne Anti-acne agents treat acne blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads.

Water

Function:

Origin:

20.7

Carbomer

Function:

Origin:

0.3

Disodium EDTA

Function:

Origin:

0.3

Poloxamer 182

Function:

Origin:

0.3

Propylene Glycol

Function:

Origin:

0.3

Sodium Hydroxide

Function:

Origin:

0.3

Methylparaben

Function:

Origin:

0.1

Adapalene

Function:

Origin:

Ratings

Propylene Glycol

0.3

Benchmark

None

Benchmark

Moisturizing rating

0.2

Ingredient		Est. %	Benchmark Sciense based points to which we compare all humectants and all occlusives in a product to calculate its Humectancy and Occlusivity. Sciense based points to which we compare all humectants and all occlusives in a product to calculate its Humectancy and Occlusivity.	Raiting
Humectancy	All humectants	0.3	10	0.3
	Propylene Glycol A clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin. Propylene Glycol A clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.	0.3
Occlusivity	All occlusives	0.0	20	0.0
	None
Moisturizing rating				0.2

Ingredient	Est. %	Benchmark According to various studies, a formula made up of 10% humectants will significantly increase skin hydration. Some studies also suggest that any further icrease in the consentration of humectants does not translate inty any more hydration and may even be dehydrating. To achieve maximum Humectancy, the product should have humectants with a total score of 10 and more. According to various studies, a formula made up of 10% humectants will significantly increase skin hydration. Some studies also suggest that any further icrease in the consentration of humectants does not translate inty any more hydration and may even be dehydrating. To achieve maximum Humectancy, the product should have humectants with a total score of 10 and more.	Humectancy
Propylene Glycol A clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin. Propylene Glycol A clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.	0.3
All humectants	0.3	10	0.3

Propylene Glycol

0.3

Benchmark

Ingredient	Est. %	Benchmark The most occlusive product possible is 100% petrolatum (hello Vaseline Jelly). According to studies, hovewer, even 10% petrolatum can achieve almost the same mosturizing effect. The occlusive properties of petrolatum are at least twice as superior as other occlusive ingredients. This is why, in order to match the moisturizing efficacy of 10% petrolatum, a product needs to contain at least 20% of other occlusives. Our benchmark for maximum Occlusivity is 20 (and the petrolatum score is always doubled). The most occlusive product possible is 100% petrolatum (hello Vaseline Jelly). According to studies, hovewer, even 10% petrolatum can achieve almost the same mosturizing effect. The occlusive properties of petrolatum are at least twice as superior as other occlusive ingredients. This is why, in order to match the moisturizing efficacy of 10% petrolatum, a product needs to contain at least 20% of other occlusives. Our benchmark for maximum Occlusivity is 20 (and the petrolatum score is always doubled).	Occlusivity
None
All occlusives	0.0	20	0.0

None

Benchmark

Ingredient	Ingredient anti-wrinkle power Shows on a scale of 0-10 how effective an ingredient is at reducing wrinkles. Both the Reported Efficacy of the ingredient and the Strength of Evidence are taken into account. Shows on a scale of 0-10 how effective an ingredient is at reducing wrinkles. Both the Reported Efficacy of the ingredient and the Strength of Evidence are taken into account.	when present at, %	in this formula est. %	Rating
Adapalene Adapalene	n/a This ingredient is marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of this ingredient provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, this ingredient do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating. This ingredient is marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of this ingredient provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, this ingredient do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.	-	0.1	-
Total				0

Adapalene

Ingredient anti-wrinkle power

n/a

when present at, %

in this formula, est. %

0.1

Anti-wrinkle rating

Ingredient	Est. %	Benchmark It differs from one antioxidant ingredient to another, but, on average, the research suggests that topically applied antioxidants are effective in consentrations of 3% or above. Any product with a total antioxidant score of 3 or more is considered to be reach in antioxidants. It differs from one antioxidant ingredient to another, but, on average, the research suggests that topically applied antioxidants are effective in consentrations of 3% or above. Any product with a total antioxidant score of 3 or more is considered to be reach in antioxidants.	Rich in Antioxidants
None
All antioxidants	0	3	No

None

Benchmark

Ingredient	Est. %	Benchmark The effective concentration of soothing ingredients varies, but we consider a product rich in soothing ingredients if their estimated concentration is equal to or higher than 5%. The effective concentration of soothing ingredients varies, but we consider a product rich in soothing ingredients if their estimated concentration is equal to or higher than 5%.	Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing	0	5	No

None

Benchmark

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %	80
Function	Solvent Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients. Solvent Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients.
Origin	Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water.

The most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.

Carbomer
Est. %	20.7
Function	Emulsion Stabilizing, Emulsion stabilizing – increases the stability of a formula. Emulsion Stabilizing, Emulsion stabilizing – increases the stability of a formula. Gel-Forming, Gel-forming – helps to create a gel by swelling. Gel-Forming, Gel-forming – helps to create a gel by swelling. Viscosity Controlling Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product. Viscosity Controlling Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product.
Origin	Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.

A synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.

Disodium EDTA
Est. %	0.3
Function	Chelating, Chelating – deactivates harmful heavy metal ions. Chelating, Chelating – deactivates harmful heavy metal ions. Viscosity Controlling Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product. Viscosity Controlling Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product.
Origin	Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.

A synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.

Poloxamer 182
Est. %	0.3
Function	Cleansing, Cleansing ingredients, also known as surfactants, clear dirt and buildup from the skin. Cleansing, Cleansing ingredients, also known as surfactants, clear dirt and buildup from the skin. Emulsifying, Emulsifying – helps to mix water and oil together. Emulsifying, Emulsifying – helps to mix water and oil together. Solubilizing Solubilizing – helps ingredients dissolve. Solubilizing Solubilizing – helps ingredients dissolve.
Origin

Propylene Glycol
Est. %	0.3
Function	Moisturizing (Humectant), Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Moisturizing (Humectant), Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Solvent, Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients. Solvent, Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients. Viscosity Controlling Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product. Viscosity Controlling Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product.
Origin	Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.

A clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.

Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %	0.3
Function	Denaturant, Denaturant – turns alcohol undrinkable. Denaturant, Denaturant – turns alcohol undrinkable. pH Adjuster pH adjuster – alters the pH level of a formula. pH Adjuster pH adjuster – alters the pH level of a formula.
Origin	Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Methylparaben
Est. %	0.3
Function	Antimicrobial, Antimicrobials prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms on the skin. Antimicrobial, Antimicrobials prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms on the skin. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Preservative Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Preservative Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product.
Origin	Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.

A preservative that keeps a product unspoiled. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding parabens, although the concentrations found in cosmetic formulations are generally considered to be safe.

Adapalene
Est. %	0.1
Function	Anti-Wrinkle, Anti-wrinkle ingredients prevent the formation or reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Anti-Wrinkle, Anti-wrinkle ingredients prevent the formation or reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Anti-Acne Anti-acne agents treat acne blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads. Anti-Acne Anti-acne agents treat acne blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads.
Origin