Adapalene vs Tretinoin: 5 Things That Make Them Different

The retinoid confusion may quickly set in as you start your hunt for the best retinoid for you when you suddenly realize that some are available over-the-counter, some are prescription, some are indicated for acne only, and the percentages available all seem to be different -- how do you decide?

Two commonly used retinoids are adapalene and tretinoin.

And, while both of these can be good choices for various skin concerns, there are some key differences that may help scoot you in one direction over the other.

Of course, the best start to your retinoid journey is to consult with your healthcare provider or dermatologist first.

But, learning a little more about the choices on your own beforehand can’t hurt and may help you have a more productive appointment.

Below, we will cover some of the most important differences between adapalene and tretinoin to help you become more informed and confident in your skincare regimen.

1. Adapalene may be found over-the-counter while Tretinoin is prescription only

Tretinoin is a prescription-only medication in all strengths. But, you can find the lower strength of adapalene over-the-counter for acne. 

In 2016, adapalene 0.1% was approved for over-the-counter sale by the FDA.

You can find adapalene 0.1% in gel, cream, or lotion formulations over-the-counter at drug stores and grocery stores, or anywhere else that sells general pharmacy products.

However, if you need the stronger 0.3% adapalene gel, that still remains a prescription-only medication and you will need to speak with your healthcare provider for that one.

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Also Read: How Does Tretinoin Cream Improve Your Skin?

2. Tretinoin has been around for much longer than adapalene

Tretinoin has been used for acne vulgaris treatment since 1971.

So, clearly, we have had a long time to learn about the pros, cons, benefits, and long-term use of Tretinoin.

The sheer length of time we have had to study and use this medication gives patients and providers a lot more information on Tretinoin vs the relatively new adapalene.

Adapalene, on the other hand, is a comparatively new addition to the retinoid world.

Adapalene is also a retinoid, meaning that it is also a derivative of vitamin A, but has a different chemical structure than Tretinoin. 

Adapalene was first FDA-approved for acne treatment in 1996, as a prescription-only medication.

Adapalene remained prescription-only for 20 years, until the 0.1% was switched to OTC status in 2016.

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Learn More: Tretinoin For Wrinkles: What You Need To Know

3. Tretinoin and adapalene have different uses

Tretinoin is used for the treatment of acne vulgaris and photoaged skin (skin damage from the sun).

But, adapalene is mainly used for the treatment of acne vulgaris.

Does this mean that adapalene cannot be used for photoaging? Not necessarily.

This just means that we have the studies and FDA approval to back up the indication of using certain commercially available Tretinoin products for photoaging, but that we do not currently have the same data or approval for adapalene. 

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Read Related: Should I Use Tretinoin Every Night? How To Schedule Your Tretinoin Application

4. Tretinoin may be stronger and give faster results than adapalene but may also have a high irritation potential 

In an overview that compares Adapalene 0.1% to Tretinoin 0.05% for acne, the researchers report that Tretinoin may have a greater anti-acne efficacy, although that may come with a higher potential for skin irritation (at least in the beginning). 

Both retinoids have the potential for skin irritation when using the medication, and this irritation may be worse in the beginning but go away with continued use.

The potential irritating effects of retinoids may include skin irritation, redness, burning, stinging, dryness, or peeling.

If you have extremely sensitive skin or want to lower the risk of irritation, adapalene may be a good choice for you, but it is possible that it won’t be as effective for acne as Tretinoin in the long run.

Also Read: Can You Get Tretinoin Over the Counter?

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5. Tretinoin and adapalene are available in different percentage strengths

The different strengths of Tretinoin and adapalene are another thing to note.

Both Tretinoin and adapalene tend to report their strengths in percentage form, but they come in different strengths.

It is important to keep in mind that just because adapalene comes in the highest strength of 0.3%, and Tretinoin comes in the highest strength of 0.1%, adapalene 0.3% is not 3 times stronger than Tretinoin 0.1%: it is not a 1 to 1 conversion.

The commercially available adapalene strengths are:

• 0.1% gel, cream, or lotion (over the counter)
• 0.3% gel (prescription)

The commercially available Tretinoin strengths are:

• 0.025% cream or gel (prescription)
• 0.05% cream (prescription)
• 0.1% cream or gel (prescription)

Strut Health compounded tretinoin formulations online

At Strut Health, we know that skin concerns like acne, scars, or fine lines are extremely common. We also know that these things can be embarrassing to discuss with a healthcare provider face-to-face.

For this reason, we offer compounded tretinoin-containing prescription formulations, all through a discreet telemedicine platform.*

If you are dealing with acne, photoaging, or acne scarring, you can have a free online questionnaire and image-based telemedicine consultation with our U.S. licensed providers today to see if one of our formulations is a good fit for you.

If you are a good candidate for treatment, your medication can be shipped to your front door with our free shipping.

If you have any questions during your treatment, our team and healthcare providers are available for free, unlimited follow-ups.

*Compounded drug products are not approved or evaluated for safety, effectiveness, or quality by the FDA. Rx required.