Ingredient decoder

Adapalene: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Adapalene

Acne verdict Acne helper

Helps acne-prone skin

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Retinoid acne treatment that keeps pores from clogging.

  • Anti-acne
  • Skin conditioning

Adapalene in plain English

Adapalene is a retinoid acne medicine that speeds up skin cell turnover and helps stop the clogs that become blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. In the US it is available over the counter at 0.1 percent. Expect possible dryness, peeling and irritation in the first weeks, and use sunscreen because skin can be more sun sensitive. Retinoids like this one are generally not used during pregnancy, so ask a doctor if you are pregnant or planning to be.

Is adapalene bad for acne?

No. Adapalene is on the helpful side for acne-prone skin and is not known to clog pores. Our checker groups it with the anti-acne ingredients. Like most acne actives, it can cause dryness or irritation at first, so start slowly.

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Also called

  • Adapalene
  • Adapalene gel

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Frequently asked questions

Is adapalene comedogenic?

There is no published comedogenic rating for adapalene, and it is not known to clog pores. It is used in products made for acne-prone skin.

What does adapalene do in skincare?

In short: retinoid acne treatment that keeps pores from clogging. In formulas it is used for skin conditioning.

What else is adapalene called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, adapalene can also appear as Adapalene gel.

Sources