Adapalene (Differin^®) vs. Tretinoin (Retin-A^®): What’s Best for Aging & Wrinkles?

The world of skin care can be overwhelming. That’s why we have reviewed the science behind two powerful treatment options for aging and wrinkles: adapalene (Differin®) and tretinoin (Retin-A®). Both have scientific support for reducing fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage, but which one is right for you?

Learn about both anti-aging treatments, how they compare, and what advantages or disadvantages most align with your skin care needs.

What is adapalene (Differin^®)?

Adapalene, the generic version of Differin®, belongs to a class of medications called retinoids. Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A and are used to treat a wide spectrum of skin conditions, including wrinkles, hyperpigmentation (age or sunspots) and acne.¹

Adapalene works by affecting the growth of cells and reducing inflammation and swelling.² Adapalene affects cell growth and reduces inflammation and swelling. Retinoids, like adapalene, reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing collagen production. They also stimulate the production of new blood cells in the skin, leading to better skin color and the reduction of dark spots.³

Prescription adapalene comes in multiple forms, including gel, liquid solution, lotion, cream and pledget (a one-time use medicated applicator).⁴ Gel and cream are the most commonly prescribed forms and come in 0.1% and 0.3% strengths.⁵

Adapalene should only be applied topically; do not ingest. General usage recommendations are to apply once a day before bed.⁶

What is tretinoin (Retin-A^®)?

Tretinoin (Retin-A®) is a topical skin treatment that also belongs to the retinoid group of medications. It works by speeding up the skin cell turnover process, resulting in the growth of new, healthier skin.⁷ It has been proven useful in reducing the signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and age or sunspots.⁸

Topical tretinoin comes in the form of gel, cream, lotion, or liquid solution, with cream and gel the most commonly prescribed.⁹ Tretinoin cream is available in strengths of 0.025%, 0.05% and 0.1%. Tretinoin gel is available in strengths of 0.01% and 0.025%. Solution and lotion are both available in 0.05% strength.¹⁰

General dosing is a pea-sized amount applied to the skin once a day at bedtime.¹¹ Discuss with your medical provider what dosage is best for your skin.

What’s the difference between adapalene and tretinoin?

While both adapalene and tretinoin are retinoids, they have some key differences. For example, tretinoin is available by prescription only¹² while adapalene 0.1% gel is available over the counter.¹³

In a study of the efficacy of adapalene 0.3% gel versus tretinoin 0.05% gel, both groups showed significant improvement in signs of aging, including photoaging and wrinkles, with little to no differences. The study concluded that adapalene and tretinoin were both safe, effective anti-aging skin treatments.¹⁴

Adapalene has been shown in some studies to be gentler on the skin than tretinoin, especially in the over-the-counter 0.1% strength. In one study, side effects were mild for both retinoids but more often reported with tretinoin use.¹⁵

How effective are adapalene and tretinoin for wrinkles, age spots, and hyperpigmentation?

In studies, adapalene has been effective at reducing signs of aging, including wrinkles and photoaging. In one study, participants saw a reduction of 40% in forehead wrinkles, 52% in eye wrinkles and 29% in mouth wrinkles.¹⁶ In a study about photoaging, 57% of adapalene 0.1% gel users and 59% of 0.3% gel users reported lightening of their sun damage.¹⁷

In an overview of randomized controlled trials of tretinoin, it was noticeably effective in reducing signs of aging, including wrinkling and hyperpigmentation. Reduced signs of aging were reported in multiple variations of treatment length ranging from three months to 24 months.¹⁸

Can adapalene and tretinoin be used together?

Because adapalene and tretinoin are both retinoids with similar mechanisms of function, it is not recommended to use adapalene and tretinoin together.¹⁹

What are the side effects of adapalene and tretinoin?

Side effects of adapalene include:²⁰

• Redness

• Scaling

• Dryness

• Burning or stinging

Side effects of tretinoin include:²¹

• Redness of the skin

• Burning, itching, or stinging

• Chapping or slight peeling of the skin

• Darkening or lightening of the skin color

• Unusual skin dryness or warmness

Are adapalene and tretinoin available over the counter?

Adapalene is available over the counter in 0.1% strength and only by prescription in the 0.3% strength.²² Tretinoin is available by prescription only.²³

Adapalene (Differin^®) vs. Tretinoin (Retin-A^®) Comparison Chart

How RedBox Rx can help

RedBox Rx makes receiving adapalene and tretinoin easy and affordable.

Benefits of RedBox Rx include:

• Transparent, affordable, flat rates for medications starting at $20/month.

• $20 consultation with a U.S. licensed medical professional.

• No insurance required. FSA and HSA eligible.

• No office wait times or scheduling issues typical with physical medical practices.

• FREE shipping directly to you. One-time, monthly, and quarterly subscriptions available.

Get started on your journey toward better skin with our anti-aging assessment.