Top reviews from the United States

• 

  logan

  5 out of 5 stars

  Verified Purchase

  It works (so far)

  Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2026

  Style: TubeSize: 180 Day Supply (90g)

  This works really well (so far). I’ve had acne since I was in middle school and I thought once I hit 18 or so that it would go away but sadly it did not.

  For the first 7-8 weeks using this my acne was pretty bad and my face was really sensitive. Entering now my 9th week of using this, my acne is almost completely gone and my skin is no longer sensitive. Pretty much a night and day difference. I’m going to continue to use this and see how it goes but for right now I feel amazing and am extremely surprised at the effectiveness of this. I’m hoping with continual use and continual face washing that my acne will disappear completely.

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  6 people found this helpful

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• 

  daniel spivey

  5 out of 5 stars

  Verified Purchase

  This actually works!

  Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2026

  Style: TubeSize: 60 Day Supply (30g)

  This product is amazing. My wife recommended it to me, and I'm so glad I tried it. I work daily in dirt and grease, and in the blistering heat, I always develop persistent acne bumps on the back of my shoulders and arms. No matter how vigorously I scrubbed or even used alcohol wipes, these blemishes wouldn't disappear unless I took an extended break from my work environment. This product, however, has been incredibly effective. Within just a few days of use, I noticed positive results, and after a week of applying it once daily, my shoulders and back have completely cleared up, even while I continue to work in the same conditions.

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  2 people found this helpful

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• 

  lkwilson06

  5 out of 5 stars

  Verified Purchase

  The only thing that has cleared my adult cystic acne

  Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2018

  If you don't read any further in my review, please know this: IT GETS A LOT WORSE before it GETS MUCH BETTER. HANG IN THERE.

  I'm posting this in hopes this helps someone. First, some history: I've struggled with moderate acne from my teenage to adult years. In my early and mid 30s, my acne has turned into painful cysts that predominantly cover my cheeks, jawline and neck. I also have breakouts on my shoulders, back and chest, though they aren't anything like my face. The areas I break out in would lead me to believe it's hormonal. Since I've also had hair loss and have had cysts on my ovaries, there was a thought it was PCOS, but dozens of blood tests and expensive doctor visits later, that was ruled out.

  I spend COUNTLESS, and I mean COUNTLESS hours researching about acne. It's ruined my self-esteem and confidence, I never feel attractive, and I even have trouble looking at people sometimes. My skin is PAINFUL due to the deep cysts and inflammation. So much so, some days I just wanted to cut my skin off. It's been hard not to pick, but of course even if I don't, my skin is left with red marks that are just has hard to cover up as the inflamed bumps.

  I've tried EVERYTHING over the years. You name it, I've tried it, and that includes Acutane (but I wouldn't stay on it due to concerns over liver damage). The only thing I haven't tried that I heard could work is Spirnolactane. I was actually prescribed it but decided not to take it, again, over concerns about what it would due to my health. I don't even know how many dermatologist, primary care and OB/GYN appts I've had to discuss the matter. One derm went so far as to tell me, "If you still have acne at this age, you'll always have acne." In other words, I'm hopeless. I hated that guy. That was told to me when I was around 22 and I've never forgotten it 13 years later.

  Recently, I moved to a new town and got a facial. The woman that was treating me suggested Differin Gel. She mentioned she'd seen some success with it and that it was a fairly new OTC product. I figured, what in the heck do I have to lose. Desperate, I ordered it from Amazon.

  And after using it for the first time, I BROKE OUT EVERYWHERE, particularly my forehead. It was AWFUL. My only patch of clear skin was now what seemed to be infinite whiteheads. Every pore was a whitehead. It was awwwwwful!!! I immediately quit the product, and was so angry that another thing failed me. It took WEEKS for the whitehead breakout to clear up.

  While I waited, I kept researching it. I don't know why. And I read how people talked about it "purging" the skin so people get a bad initial breakout. Ok. Well, I don't know if it was out of frustration or a little nagging gut feeling, I decided to try it again.

  AND MY SKIN GOT SO RED AND DRY AND BURNED SO BADLY. I mean, excruciatingly painful. And it turns out that's just because I was coating on a thick layer of it all over my skin. How embarrassing showing up for work and my whole face is just red and massive FLAKES.

  But after all that flaking and peeling, and using non-stop aloe on it (also borrowed my husband's thick Aveeno Eczema lotion... it seems to really work!), I had.... clear skin. I can't believe I'm typing this. It's been weeks, and my skin has cleared up 98% (I did have a couple neck and jawling cysts this period cycle, though - but they're not as hidden under the surface as they used to be). My skin doesn't get nearly as oily (overcompensating for the dryness of Differin) or as flaky (because I'm using a little bit for the whole face with a little more added onto my problem areas). It seems to have finally balanced out.

  I really just can't believe it, and I am so unbelievably happy and feeling so much more confident than I have in a long time. I truly hope this helps someone. Shoot me a question on here if you have one and I'll be happy to answer.

  For the record, after a ton of my own research, I believe I have a sensitivity to DHT. My blood test DHT levels are normal, but as I understand it, sensitivity to DHT cannot be measured, and I believe that may explain my female hair loss and cystic acne. I recently purchased Saw Palmetto Extract to see if that can help -- though it made me feel very faint so I stopped after a third day.

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  333 people found this helpful

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• 

  Private Profile

  4 out of 5 stars

  Verified Purchase

  Some important things to know before starting....

  Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2018

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  Here is what I did to avoid the fate of purging and negative skin rashes.....

  Don't:

  1) Don't use on raw EXFOLIATED skin. Wait a couple days after exfoliating.

  2) Don't use a SUDSING cleansing soap prior. Use a mild hydrating Cleanser.

  3) Don't use after getting your skin waxed or shaved.

  4) Avoid hot water and steam before use.

  5) Do NOT go stand in the sun after applying (retin works by thinning the top layer of your skin which is usually used for protection against the sun). Don't take your chances!

  6) do not apply to eyelids or neck or other thin skin areas including the inside of your wrists. You can apply Vaseline to these areas if needed to protect them.

  7) don't freak out if your face flakes and don't scrub the flakes off. Moisturizer is your friend.

  8) don't scratch at your skin if itches or burns, stay calm, rinse it off with cool water. Apply a gentle cream and then apply a cool wash cloth. Consider diluting before using again.

  9) don't assume because your neighbor next door can use twice a day on fresh scrubbed skin with no adverse effects, that the same will be true for you. Adverse skin reactions can take weeks or months to heal from.

  10) do NOT apply generously all over your skin. Pea size only on face.

  Do:

  1) plan on using once or twice a week at first for the first month. Remember "sparingly" is your motto.

  2) Have a natural moisture barrier on your face first. Be sure you have not scrubbed your skin raw or clean prior and make sure face is danp prior to applying.

  3) if you have ultra sensitive skin, apply a gentle moisturizer FIRST before applying differin. Allow to dry before applying differin.

  4) do apply a creamy moisturizer after if needed. Wait five minutes before you do.

  5) do also apply sunscreen RELIGIOUSLY if you will be outdoors. So important!!!!

  6) do research "purging" and what you can do to minimize or avoid it.

  7) do remember that this product is a MEDICATION and not your typical OTC cream. Use sparingly and with caution.

  8) do remember that moisture is your friend. After cleansing, avoid drying your skin with towels. Avoid air drying as well.

  9) do remember that with this product "less is more". It is potent stuff! Once or twice a week treatments alone will make a difference.

  10) keep a good repair Cream on hand in possible event of harsh reaction or irritated skin. I recommend "first aid beauty ultra repair cream". This stuff is amazing. Hydrocortisone cream can also be used.

  MOST IMPORTANTLY: it takes 6-12 weeks of patient and measured use before seeing positive long term results for acne. It can take up to a year before seeing positive results for aged and wrinkled skin.

  MY RESULTS:

  I started out at a twice a week and had no reaction except for mild redness, itching and tingling the following two days afterwards. When I tried to increase to three days a week, I started having issues. The solution to this was to revamp my skin care routine (listed below). After that, I was able to switch pretty rapidly to nightly use. The GAME CHANGER was adding First Aid Ultra Hydrating Cream.

  I've included my before and six week after photos. My acne is gone and my pores most definitely shrunk. I used the same room and lighting and I notice that my skin has become much brighter and lighter. My guess is in removing the thing top layer of skin, we no longer see the old tanned skin I had. So far, I am happy with the results.

  I am 38 years old. My long term goal is to prevent deep wrinkles and shrink my pores and hopefully reduce white Milia bumps under my eyes as well as all random acne and age spots. I know from researching this can take months and years so I'm feeling patient.

  MY CURRENT DIFFERIN APPLICATION:

  My morning routine:

  - CereVe Hydrating Cleanser

  - After rinsing, I apply Timewise Vitamin C Serum with the added F acid.

  - Then, I apply a thin layer of Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios with Mexoryl SX

  OR CeraVe SPF 30.

  *note: I believe the Vitamin C Serum helped with quicker skin cell turnover rate to prevent purging.

  In the evenings:

  - I double cleanse: first I use Yes To Coconuts Uktra Hydrating Creme Cleanser. After I rinse that off, I cleanse with CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser.

  - I allow skin to stay damp.

  - I then apply a pea size amount of differin to my face (never on neck or eyelids).

  - after about minutes, I follow that with First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream.

  - I apply CeraVe Skin renewing Serum to my eyes and neck and chest.

  - note: I only use retin A products at night to decrease sun sensitivity. In the mornings, I use all my other acids and Vitamin C.

  Be aware that most of the negative reviews on here are mostly due to user error and lack of knowledge in the product. There is no reason to have terrible breakouts or harm your skin. I'm horrified people are using this on their NECK right away. Poor skin! This is a potent product.

  Good luck!

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  2,109 people found this helpful

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• 

  Biryani

  5 out of 5 stars

  Verified Purchase

  It works if you're patient!

  Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2018

  I have been using Differin for over a year now (around 14 months giver or take) and did not publish a review until now. If you want an in-depth review, read on. For the tl;dr version: it works, just stick with it. Btw, I was not paid for this nor was I sent this product (although they should be sending it, given how many tubes I've bought).

  I had the MOST TERRIBLE acne. No, I'm not talking about a small tiny excuse of a blemish that your friend with great skin complains about when she has her "bad skin" days. My face was RED and PAINFUL. My cheeks were COVERED all the time, and I had no area on my face where acne wouldn't pop up. Nose, brows, chin, jaw, underneath the jaw, you name it. I had tried Curology and while my skin got amazing for the first 6 months, my acne returned with a VENGEANCE. I had tried so many things, clay masks, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, other AHAs and BHAs, sulfur, rosehip oil, and even supplements like zinc and milk thistle, you name it. Nothing worked at all. I was so so embarrassed of my skin, but I couldn't wear makeup either since makeup made my acne SO MUCH worse.

  I heard about Differin and I figured "well, might as well give this a try cause it can't get any worse". Boy, I was wrong. It did get worse. Much worse. Suddenly I had SO much more acne and I felt like crap. I couldn't believe my skin could get worse, but it did. Differin was the only thing I was using so I knew this was it. I was depressed but I stuck with it, cause I wanted to test it for at least 4 months. I thought I might as well test the claim, since my skin is so bad already.

  The first month was really really bad. It brought all underlying acne to the surface i.e. the purge phase. It did the purging for 3-4 months, but the first month was THE WORST. Not gonna lie to you, that first month will probably be the worst skin you've had in your life. Your skin will become SO SENSITIVE! Anticipate that! My skin has never been sensitive to products but while using this, my regular moisturizers and masks would sting like crazy (get stuff with no fragrance/alcohol or acids!). It didn't affect my skin in any other way, it just stung a lot. Oh, and I used to get my upper lip and brows waxed. Not with this you can't, the wax will tear off your skin since it gets much more sensitive. I learned the hard way. ONLY do threading!

  However, after I waited out the terrible, terrible first month, I slowly began to see improvements. Marginal, though. I had acne, but I probably had just a tad less. And it continued that way, it kept improving. Eventually, my skin was so much clearer than before! I still had acne, mind you, it's not a miracle drug, but it was few and far in between. There would be times when I had no active acne, which was HUGE for me!! My face usually looked like a connect the dots game. However, I did hit a plateau. This worked phenomenally at reducing my ugly acne all over my face to a few zits here and there, however, my issue was deeper than that. Eventually, I went to a doctor and got on spironolactone.

  Now, I am both on my Spiro and this. The combo of these two have made my skin so clear! I could have never imagined this day! I still need to use this, I have noticed my Spiro is not enough to keep zits at bay and if I skip a couple of nights putting on differin, new zits come up. I am so much happier now that I don't have zillions of gross zits on my face. I still get zits if I eat sugar or near my period but man, I am a long way from before! I have a few blemishes left over from before but I honestly don't care, my skin looks wayyy better. I can hide my blemishes with a sheer foundation of spot concealing if I want.

  So if you've read till the end, the lesson is: be PATIENT and be realistic! Your acne did not appear overnight and will not disappear overnight. If you stick with this, it WILL work. However, your mileage may vary. My acne was extremely bad, so after I hit my "acne plateau" I went to the doctor. If your acne is not as bad, it's likely differin is all you need for clear skin! If you're on the fence, confused, depressed, frustrated and/or can't afford a doctor, it's worth a shot! Just be patient and gentle with your skin!

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• 

  Morgan

  5 out of 5 stars

  Verified Purchase

  READ!!! TRUST THE PROCESS

  Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2026

  Style: TubeSize: 30 Day Supply (15g)

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  I don’t even know where to start with this because this product honestly changed my skin completely, but it was not an easy journey at all.

  For years my skin was always rough, bumpy, and just uneven overall. I constantly had texture, random breakouts, and my skin tone never looked smooth or clear no matter what I tried. I finally decided I needed to actually commit to something long term instead of switching products every few weeks. Around January, I started using Differin consistently and also made it a priority to wear sunscreen every single day.

  I specifically chose to start in the winter because I knew if I went through a bad purge, I could just hide out a little and deal with it without stressing about events or being outside as much.

  And I’m not going to sugarcoat it, I purged BAD. Way worse than what most people talk about. I’ve seen people say purging lasts a week or two, but mine lasted closer to 4 to 5 months. It was honestly really discouraging at times and there were multiple points where I almost quit because my skin looked worse than it ever had.

  But I kept reminding myself that this is part of the process and I stuck with it.

  Then one week, it just… stopped. No new breakouts, my skin started calming down, and the texture I had dealt with for YEARS started smoothing out. The pigmentation from old acne started fading, and my skin tone became so much more even.

  Fast forward to about a year later and I am so glad I didn’t give up. My skin is smoother, clearer, and more even than it has ever been. I ended up getting a prescription for the 0.3% after seeing how well this worked, and I still think starting with this was the best decision I could have made.

  Every time I look at my skin now I’m honestly just grateful I stuck it out and didn’t let the purging scare me off.

  If you’re thinking about trying this, just know that results take time and consistency. The purge can be tough, but for me it was 100% worth it. This is the only product that has ever made a real, lasting difference in my skin.

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  33 people found this helpful

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• 

  K

  3 out of 5 stars

  Verified Purchase

  Listen To Your Body

  Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2026

  Style: TubeSize: 30 Day Supply (15g)

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  Differin also known as adapaline, is always the standard that dermatologists recommend when you start. It's a retinoid, but it also stronger on the skin... for most people, this is enough and really helps the skin, it is popular and recommended for a reason...

  My dermatologist told me to use it on my face and body. She said to expect a skin purge, some irritation, and a bit of peeling at first, but I would adjust to it...

  I'm stubborn, and at first it kind of hurt on my face and neck, but I expected that. Then it started getting worse instead of better. I should have listened to my body and stopped when it wasn't getting better. But I didn't, and I ended up with a chemical burn and she had to write an rx for Triamcinalone cream to deal with it, mostly on my neck it had a hard time healing and it stung... a lot. And took a long time to fully heal, now it is fully healed and you can't tell it happened.

  On my body, it was fine and remained fine (though, my body has developed a resistance to it and it no longer works so I'm only using it every so often if the acne on my back is particularly bad.

  Like I said, it is recommended for a reason and most people it is successful in helping. But absolutely do a spot test, and even then, if it starts feeling worse more than better, stop using it rather than trying to push through.

  Also note, if you are using it. Don't forget sunscreen. It makes you more sensitive to the sun. And also if you are using it on your face and body, a 90 day supply is a good option because it lasted me about 30 days.

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  4 people found this helpful

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• 

  PeanutButter92

  5 out of 5 stars

  Verified Purchase

  Great product!! But there are side effects you should prepare for.

  Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2018

  This is a great product! But there is a side effect you should make sure you're ready for.

  I'm almost 26yrs old & I've been struggling with acne since I was a teen. I had been using Aveeno Clear Complection face wash for years & it usually kept it under control. The past few months my skin just kept getting worse & worse (no change to my diet, skin products, etc.) & no idea what caused my skin to have such horrible breakouts. I decided to look into Proactiv to help. I know a few people who have been on it & half loved it & half hated it. But all of them hated the price & how difficult it was to unsubscribe. That made me not want to get Proactiv. I did more research & found this product, Differin. It has the exact same amount of Adapalene Gel .1% as the ProactivMD Acne Treatment gel. It's basically the same product, they just charge you 2x or 3x the cost for it, depending on the size you order.

  With that in mind, I order the Differin gel & Differin Gentle Cleanser. Now I did read the reviews on the Differin gel. I knew it would cause dry skin. But I didn't worry about it because I knew I had a pretty good moisturizer (Bio Oil is not meant to be used as a moisturizer but I accidently discovered it makes an awesome one) that I've been using for at least a year.

  However, when I started using the Differin products, my beloved moisturizer did Not stand a chance. I switched to an Aveeno face moisturizer & Nope, that didn't work either. My skin felt Raw. It was so dry, it started to peel which then made my skin feel raw, itchy & so red. I started shopping around buying different face moisturizers & every one I used made my skin feel like it was set on fire. It burned. I guess because it was raw, I'm not sure. I didn't want to stop using the Differin product because I had read in other reviews that the dryness & peeling was normal & a good sign that the product is working (hard to believe, I know), all I had to do was use a good moisturizer.

  So I did some more research for what I could use for very dry & itchy skin. A few websites suggested a number of things that I already wasted money on except petroleum jelly (aka Vaseline). I know... Vaseline? On my face? It's really thick, won't it clog my pores? I had given just about everything else a try & my skin was screaming for relief. A website said the thickness of it helps prevent waterloss in the skin. So I decided to give it a try.

  Oh my goodness.... It worked!! After a couple of days the dryness, peeling, & itchiness was almost completely gone. After a little over a week, no more redness, no more rawness & no more anything. Well I still had acne, lol. The greasy texture takes some getting use to. I apply small dabs & rub it in, leaving a thin layer to soak in.

  Okay, I found an excellent moisturizer to combat the drying side effect of the Differin products. Since I've been using all three; Differin gel, Differin Gentle Cleanser, & Vaseline. My skin is looking Amazing.

  I started using the gel daily but it was/is too much for my skin. So instead I use it every other day but I use the cleanser & moisturize daily & nightly. You will go through a "purge" phase. This is normal for most acne products, even Proactiv. So don't be scared away when this happens. Think of it like it's digging out all of the built up junk that's been lying under your skin, waiting to pop up at the most inconvenient time like a date or job interview.

  For me, it's been about a month. I battled the dry skin side effect & patiently waited out the purge phase & now my skin is truly looking amazing & so much better. I still have acne but only about 50% of what I had when I started. Your skin might take longer or less time to purge before clearing up. Just be consistent. Be patient. Don't chicken out. And be realistic, this is not a one week or one month cure. It'll take time & you'll have to continue using it even when you're acne is gone. Or else it'll come back. So you might as well buy the 2 large bottles. I've already order again & plan on using these products long term.

  My advice.... Buy this product!! You won't regret it. Just make sure you have a really good moisturizer.

  I would add a photo of my skin now but it wouldn't mean much because there's no before photo so you would have no idea of how bad my acne was when I started. Just know, I'm very impressed after one month.

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