5 Adapalene Side Effects to Know About

GoodRx Health

If you've ever had acne, you may have talked to your healthcare team about ways to improve your skin. One of the best treatment options for acne is a topical medication called adapalene (Differin). It comes in many different forms, such as a gel, cream, or lotion. And in 2016, an adapalene 0.1% gel formulation became available over the counter (OTC).

Adapalene is an effective treatment for acne and it's usually well-tolerated. It's also commonly used off-label for wrinkles. But even topical medications have risks. However, many side effects can be avoided or minimized by applying them correctly.

Adapalene side effects at a glance

Most adapalene side effects are mild. Others can be more serious, though these are rare. In general, skin-related side effects are more likely to happen during the first month of treatment with adapalene. These include:

• Dry skin

• Redness

• Increased skin sensitivity

• Burning or stinging sensation

• Skin pain

• Increased risk of sun sensitivity and sunburn

• Itchiness

• Peeling

• Temporary worsening of acne

Rare but serious adapalene side effects include:

• Severe skin irritation, including severe redness, peeling, or dryness ("retinol burn")

• Severe sunburn

• Eye infection

Severe allergic reactions, although rare, can also occur with adapalene. Symptoms include face, lip, or eye swelling.

Below, we'll discuss five adapalene side effects to be aware of, and ways to prevent or manage them if they happen to you.

1. Dryness

Adapalene is part of a group of medications called retinoids. These medications are related to vitamin A. They're known for causing dry skin. In fact, prescription adapalene gel causes mild dryness in almost 50% of people who use it.

Dryness is often mild, but it can sometimes cause irritation and skin peeling. However, there may be ways to help manage it. And if you can't prevent dryness entirely, you can often minimize how severe it is.

When starting adapalene, a few tips to reduce dryness include:

• Start slowly. Apply adapalene every other day or every 2 days. If you're tolerating it well, you can work your way up to nightly use.

• Moisturize your skin. This helps prevent dryness. If your skin is dry from adapalene, you can even apply adapalene on top of your moisturizer.

• Apply a small amount. You only need a small amount of adapalene when you apply it. In general, a pea-sized amount is enough for your entire face.

Talk to your healthcare team about the other products you use. Several other skincare products - including over-the-counter (OTC) products containing retinoids, alcohol, or acids - can cause skin irritation as well. Some of these may be safe to use with adapalene, but it's best to check with your dermatologist or other healthcare professional first.

If dryness continues despite trying these tips, talk to a healthcare professional. They can make sure you're using adapalene correctly and help you decide if it's safe to continue.

2. Redness

Skin redness is another common adapalene side effect. About 25% of people using prescription adapalene gel experienced mild redness during clinical studies. Redness can also be severe.

You may be more susceptible to side effects like redness if you have sensitive skin. But the same tips that can prevent dryness from adapalene can also help prevent, or minimize, redness. This includes starting adapalene slowly (don't use it every day) and using only a pea-sized amount for your whole face. Additionally, you can try using a cold compress to soothe any irritation or redness.

If your symptoms aren't going away or they get worse, it may be a sign of something more serious, like an allergic reaction. If you experience severe symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of your face, lips, or eyes, or difficulty breathing, seek emergency care.

3. Burning or stinging

Burning or stinging is another common adapalene side effect. But the sensation is usually mild.

Burning can also be a symptom of a retinol burn. This isn't a true burn, but rather a term that describes skin irritation associated with retinoids. Your skin may be pink, dry, or flaky.

A retinol burn can take a couple weeks to heal, so avoid using any retinoid products (including adapalene) during this time. Use moisturizer liberally to help the skin heal and apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. Then, talk with your dermatologist or other healthcare professional before resuming adapalene. They can talk to you about how to restart it safely.

If your symptoms are mild, they'll likely go away on their own as your skin gets used to adapalene. In the meantime, using a cold compress can help. But if the burning is severe, or it doesn't improve over time, let your prescriber know. They may recommend you use adapalene less often, or stop using it entirely in some cases.

4. Sunburn

Adapalene is one of many medications that makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. This makes you more likely to get a sunburn. Ways to protect your skin from getting sunburned include:

• Minimizing how much time you spend in direct sunlight and avoiding sunlamps or tanning beds.

• Using sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 every day. Make sure it covers UVA and UVB rays. It's best to reapply it every 2 hours, especially if you're going to be outside in the sun.

• Wearing protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses, over exposed skin areas.

If you feel like you have a serious sunburn or worsening skin irritation after sun exposure, let your healthcare team know. They can recommend effective ways to treat your symptoms.

5. Face or lip swelling

Face or lip swelling is a sign of an allergic reaction from adapalene. Allergic reactions aren't true side effects, but they're worth discussing because they may require emergency care.

Stop using adapalene and seek emergency care if you experience:

• Swelling of the face, eyes, or lips

• Chest pain

• Shortness of breath

• Severe rash

• Severe Itching or hives

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