adapalene at a glance
Medicine class
Topical retinoid
Licensed use
Mild to moderate acne with blackheads, whiteheads and inflamed spots
Where it is used
Acne-affected areas of the face, chest or back
Key precaution
Minimise strong sunlight, artificial UV and sunbed exposure
What is adapalene used for?
The selected cream and gel products are licensed for topical treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris.
Acne in which comedones—blackheads or whiteheads—predominate
Acne with papules and pustules
Affected areas on the face, chest or back
How does adapalene work?
Adapalene binds to retinoic-acid receptors in skin cells. It normalises cell development within hair follicles, reducing formation of the microscopic plugs that become comedones, and also has anti-inflammatory effects.
How to take adapalene
Adapalene is for external use only. Follow the product directions and prescriber’s instructions.
Wash the treatment area and allow it to dry.
Spread a thin film over the acne-affected area rather than individual spots.
Avoid the eyes, lips, mouth, angles of the nose and other sensitive areas; rinse accidental eye contact with warm water.
Wash your hands afterwards.
Do not apply to cut, abraded, sunburnt or eczematous skin.
Choose non-comedogenic, non-astringent cosmetics and protect treated skin from strong sunlight and artificial UV.
adapalene side effects
Common or expected effects
- Dry skin
- Skin irritation or redness
- Burning or stinging at the application site
Get urgent medical advice
- Facial, lip or throat swelling, breathing or swallowing difficulty, hives or dizziness suggesting a severe allergic reaction
- Severe application-site burning or blistering
- Marked eyelid swelling or severe eye-area irritation
adapalene in pregnancy
Do not use adapalene during pregnancy or while planning a pregnancy. Skin absorption is usually very low, but risk cannot be excluded; stop treatment and contact the prescriber if pregnancy occurs. Accidental exposure does not normally require additional fetal monitoring beyond routine antenatal care, although it should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
adapalene while breastfeeding
The selected products can be used during breastfeeding because maternal systemic exposure is expected to be negligible. Do not apply adapalene to the chest, and prevent the infant’s skin from contacting treated areas.
adapalene interactions
Systemic interactions are unlikely because little adapalene is absorbed through the skin. Local combinations can nevertheless increase irritation.
Other topical retinoids or retinoid-like treatments
Do not use concurrently because their similar actions may increase adverse effects.
Peeling agents, abrasive cleansers, astringents and strongly drying or alcohol-containing products
Using them on the same skin may add to dryness, burning and irritation.
Common questions about adapalene
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is adapalene an antibiotic?
No. It is a topical retinoid that reduces blocked follicles and inflammation rather than killing bacteria directly.
Can adapalene be used for blackheads?
Yes. The selected products are licensed for acne where comedones, including blackheads and whiteheads, predominate.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.