Drug label · Dermatology
Differin — Adapalene drug label
openFDA · Retrieved 2026-10-13
Differin label record for adapalene. The label lists Galderma Laboratories, L.P. as labeler/manufacturer. Route: topical. Includes selected complete prescribing-information sections from openFDA; consult the linked original label for the complete document.
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Reference details
- Brand name
- Differin
- Generic name
- ADAPALENE
- Active substance
- ADAPALENE
- Labeler / manufacturer listed
- Galderma Laboratories, L.P.
- Route
- TOPICAL
- Product type
- HUMAN OTC DRUG
- Pharmacologic class
- Retinoid [EPC]
- Application number
- NDA020380
- Label version
- 10
- SPL set ID
- 0739d631-171b-42a8-bd55-0022b8df2d8a
- Label effective date
- 2022-12-07
- openFDA dataset updated
- 2026-10-13
Indications and usage
Use For the treatment of acne
Purpose
Purpose acne treatment
Warnings
Warnings For external use only
Do not use
Do not use on damaged skin (cuts, abrasions, eczema, sunburn) if you are allergic to adapalene or any of the ingredients in this product. If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a doctor before use.
When using
When using this product limit sun exposure, including light from tanning beds, and use sunscreen when going outdoors do not wax to remove hair in areas where the product has been applied during the early weeks of use, your acne may appear to worsen before it improves (this is normal); continue using as directed, unless you get irritation that becomes severe irritation (redness, itching, dryness, burning) is more likely to occur: in the first few weeks of use if using more than one topical acne medication at a time but irritation usually lessens with continued use of this product it may take up to 3 months of once daily use to see results avoid product contact with eyes, lips, and mouth. If contact occurs, immediately flush the area with water. wash hands after use
Stop use
Stop use and ask doctor if you become pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant, while using the product you have symptoms of an allergic reaction (such as itching, rash, hives, swelling of the lips, eyelids, and shortness of breath) irritation becomes severe you see no improvement after 3 months of once daily use Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Dosage and administration
Directions Adults and children 12 years of age and older: use once daily clean the skin gently and pat dry before applying the product cover the entire affected area with a thin layer. For example, if your acne is on the face, apply the product to the entire face. do not use more than one time a day. Applying more than directed will not provide faster or better results, but may worsen skin irritation. Children under 12 years of age: ask a doctor Other information store at room temperature 68°-77°F protect from freezing
Keep out of reach of children
Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Active ingredient
Drug Facts Active ingredient Adapalene 0.1% (retinoid)* *read consumer information leaflet
Inactive ingredient
Inactive Ingredients carbomer 940, edetate disodium, methylparaben, poloxamer 182, propylene glycol, purified water and sodium hydroxide. May contain hydrochloric acid to adjust pH.
Information for patients
Patient Leaflet DIFFERIN GEL ADAPALENE GEL 0.1% ACNE TREATMENT Frequently Asked Questions What is Differin Gel and what is it used for? • Differin Gel is a topical retinoid medication used for the treatment of acne in people 12 years and older. • Use only one time a day. What should I know before using the product? • If pregnant or breast-feeding , ask a doctor before use. • Some other retinoid drugs have been shown to cause birth defects. There is no specific evidence that Differin Gel 0.1% causes birth defects in humans when used topically as directed. • Do not use Differin Gel if you are allergic to adapalene or any of the ingredients in this product. • Keep out of reach of children . If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. How often do I apply the product? • Apply this product only one time a day and try to apply the product at the same time each day. How do I apply the product? • Gently clean the affected areas using a mild (non-irritating) cleanser and pat dry. • Apply Differin Gel as a thin layer to the affected areas of the skin only one time a day . For example, if you get acne on the face, clean, dry and apply the product to the entire face. Differin Gel is not a spot treatment and should not be used to treat a single pimple. • Avoid product contact with eyes, lips and mouth. If contact occurs, immediately flush the area with water . • Do not apply product to damaged skin (cuts, abrasions, eczema, or sunburn). • Wash hands after use. How long will it take for Differin Gel to work? • It may take up to 3 months of daily use for results to appear. • Do not use more than one time a day. Applying more than directed will not provide faster or better results, but may worsen skin irritation. DIFFERIN GEL ADAPALENE GEL 0.1% ACNE TREATMENT Frequently Asked Questions (Continued) What do I do if I need to be in the sun? • When possible, limit sun exposure, including light from tanning beds. • When going outdoors, use a sunscreen as labeled. Your skin may be more sensitive when using Differin Gel. If you use this product during the day, allow it to dry before applying sunscreen. Can I use a moisturizer if my skin is dry? •Yes, use of a moisturizer may help decrease dryness and other signs of irritation. Avoid products containing alpha hydroxyl or glycolic acids which may worsen irritation. When is my skin most likely to become irritated? And what do I do? • Irritation (redness, itching, dryness, burning) is more likely to occur: • In the first weeks of use. • If using abrasive skin cleansers, products with drying effects or more than one topical acne medication at a time. You may want to delay starting Differin Gel until any irritation from using the other product(s) has gone away. • Moisturizers may be used. • Irritation usually lessens after 4 weeks of continued use. What do I do if my skin becomes severely irritated? • If irritation becomes severe (overly bothersome), stop use and ask a doctor before using the product again. Can I remove unwanted facial hair by waxing while using this product? • Do not use wax to remove hair in areas where the product has been applied because it may worsen skin irritation. What ingredients are used in Differin? • Differin Gel contains: The active ingredient is adapalene 0.1%. The other ingredients are: carbomer 940, edetate disodium, methylparaben, poloxamer 182, propylene glycol, purified water, and sodium hydroxide. May contain hydrochloric acid to adjust pH. How should I store this product? • Differin Gel should be stored at room temperature [68° - 77°]. Protect from freezing. • Do not use the product after the expiry date marked on the packaging. Other Questions? Where can I get information? Phone: 1-866-735-4137 P56836-0
Sources and reuse
Selected source label sections. Check the original for the complete label, formatting and latest version.
Selected complete plain-text label sections. Tables and images may require consulting the linked original label. This is a reference copy, not prescribing advice.
Source date: 2022-12-07. Retrieved: 2026-10-13. Text has been organized for reading; this import has not been independently reviewed by a clinician. It is not individualized medical advice.