Adapalene for Perioral dermatitis

A gentler prescription retinoid that focuses on clogged pores and acne. Better tolerated than tretinoin for most skin.

Why it works for Perioral dermatitis

May help keep the rash from coming back once it has settled down. The Searle 2021 review lists it as an option that still needs more study, and the evidence so far is limited to case reports and reviews. It can irritate skin, so do not start it during an active flare or while your skin barrier is still damaged. Wait until the rash has cleared.

How Adapalene works

Third-generation retinoid that selectively binds retinoic acid receptors to reduce comedones and inflammation.

Evidence

4 citations from our ingredient database. Full citation list on the Adapalene ingredient page.

journal2016

Stein Gold L et al., Moderate and Severe Inflammatory Acne Vulgaris Effectively Treated with Single-Agent Therapy by a New Fixed-Dose Combination Adapalene 0.3%/Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel, American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 2016;17:293-303 — fixed-dose adapalene 0.3%/BPO 2.5% significantly superior to vehicle for moderate-severe inflammatory acne

systematic review2014

Effects of adapalene-benzoyl peroxide combination gel in treatment or maintenance therapy of moderate or severe acne vulgaris: a meta-analysis, Annals of Dermatology 2014;26(1):43-52 — A-BPO combination yields better clinical outcomes (success rate, satisfaction) vs vehicle gel

journal2011

Poulin Y et al., A 6-month maintenance therapy with adapalene-benzoyl peroxide gel prevents relapse and continuously improves efficacy among patients with severe acne vulgaris, British Journal of Dermatology 2011 — adapalene-BPO maintenance delayed relapse by ~17 weeks vs vehicle

review2005

Bikowski JB, Mechanisms of the comedolytic and anti-inflammatory properties of topical retinoids, Journal of Drugs in Dermatology 2005;4(1):41-7 — mechanistic review of adapalene-class retinoids

Products with Adapalene in our catalog

These are the catalog products that list Adapalene as a tracked ingredient.

Differin

Adapalene Gel 0.1%

$16 · Treatment

Full Adapalene guide →Perioral dermatitis overview →