Adapalene

Last updated 25 Nov 2025 | 09:34 AM (UTC)

Adapalene Uses

Adapalene is used in the treatment of acne.

How Adapalene works

Adapalene is a form of vitamin A which treats acne (pimples). It works by preventing accumulation of the sebum (skin’s natural oil) which unblocks the pores and allows natural exfoliation of the outer layers of skin.

Common side effects of Adapalene

Erythema (skin redness), Burning sensation, Xerosis, Scaling

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Medicine brands for Adapalene

Adaferin

Galderma India Pvt Ltd

₹346 to ₹346

1 variant(s)

Deriva

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹387 to ₹387

1 variant(s)

Apgel

Hegde and Hegde Pharmaceutica LLP

₹182 to ₹182

1 variant(s)

Adiff

Ipca Laboratories Ltd

Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹135 to ₹135

1 variant(s)

Adapan

Panzer Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd

₹114 to ₹114

1 variant(s)

Admark

Unimarck Healthcare Ltd

₹84 to ₹84

1 variant(s)

Adcon

Catholicon Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd

Expert advice for Adapalene

Adapalene helps treat mild to moderate acne.
Apply it to the affected area once a day at bedtime.
Avoid exposure to strong sunlight and artificial UV light. Use of sunscreen products (non-comedogenic) and protective clothing over the treated area is recommended.
Avoid getting it in your eyes or mouth. If this happens, rinse with water immediately.
Do not apply to broken, sunburnt or sensitive areas of skin. Inform your doctor if you notice unusual dryness, redness and peeling of the skin.
Avoid getting any cosmetic procedures done without consulting your doctor first.
Do not use Adapalene if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.

Frequently asked questions for Adapalene

Q. My skin is getting dry because of applying Adapalene. How do I manage it?

Adapalene can cause skin dryness at the site of application. To minimize this dryness, you can apply moisturizer to your skin in the day time. However, make sure that you are using a non-comedogenic moisturizer, which is less likely to clog your pores and increases the severity of your acne.

Q. Can I undergo cosmetic procedures while taking Adapalene?

Your doctor will decide whether you can continue taking or stop taking Adapalene before cosmetic procedures. Please ensure that your doctor knows about all the medicines you are taking before any cosmetic procedure.

Q. Is it safe to use Adapalene?

Yes, Adapalene is safe to use when used according to your doctor's advice. However, like all medicines, even this medicine has some side effects, but it is not necessary that anyone who is taking these medicines might get all of the side effects. Please talk to your doctor if you get any unpleasant effects while taking this medicine.

Q. What is the best time to apply Adapalene?

It is best to apply Adapalene before bed-time because Adapalene increases the skin's sensitivity to sunlight and can cause skin irritation when exposed to sunlight. Therefore, applying this medicine in the day time requires the user to take several precautions to avoid direct exposure to sunlight. Hence, it is best to apply this medicine before bed-time.