Differin (Adapalene)

Prescription medicineOnly Available By Prescription

Top brand choice

Strength Pack Size Qty
Strength
XP Gel 0.3%
Pack Size
Qty
Strength
Cream 0.1%
Pack Size
Qty

Top Generic choice

Strength Pack Size Qty
Strength
Gel 0.1%
Pack Size
Qty
What if I find a lower price with another pharmacy?

We guarantee the lowest price on all of our prescription products. If you find your medications cheaper at any other recognized licensed mail order pharmacy, we will not only match their price, we will beat it by 25% of the difference. It is our 125% price match guarantee!

Example: If you find a product on Canada Drugs Direct for $50.00 and find the same product for $40.00 at another mail order pharmacy, we will provide you with a $12.50 discount, bringing your total to $37.50.

To get the discount please make sure to mention the price match to the customer service team when they call to collect payment for your order. Or call toll free at 1-888-904-8467 to place the order through the phone.

Terms & Conditions of Program

  • Guaranteed lowest price is only valid at the time of sale.
  • We will only match the current advertised price.
  • Products must be identical and in stock at the time of placing an order with a licensed mail order pharmacy. They must be an online Canadian pharmacy with an address in Canada.
  • Products must be authentic in brand and size (same manufacturer, same country of manufacture, same pack size, same strength and same quantity).
  • Products must be new. We cannot match the price of any used, short expiry or expired product.
  • Price match can only be issued over the phone with our customer service team. Please note at this time we cannot offer price matching for the products Ozempic or Saxenda.
What is a Generic Drug?

A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.

Description

Differin, with its active ingredient Adapalene, is a topical medication used in the treatment of acne. Classified as a retinoid, Adapalene helps to clear acne by promoting the turnover of skin cells and reducing inflammation. As a result, it may help prevent the formation and worsening of pimples and promotes quicker healing of acne that has already developed. Differin may be recommended as a first-line treatment for acne.

Fact Table

Formula

C28H28O3

License

US FDA

Bioavailability

Minimal systemic absorption (topical)

Legal status

OTC (0.1%), Rx (0.3%)

Chemical Name

Adapalene

Elimination half-life

~8 hours (limited systemic data)

Dosage (Strength)

0.1% (OTC), 0.3% (Rx) topical gel, lotion, or cream

Pregnancy

Category C – Use only if clearly needed

Brands

Differin, Plixda

Protein binding

>99%

PubChem CID

60164

MedlinePlus

a600012

ChEBI

49511

ATC code

D10AD03

DrugBank

DB00210

KEGG

D01284

Routes of administration

Topical

Directions

Before using Differin, wash your face with a gentle cleanser, rinse well, and gently pat your skin dry. Apply the gel or cream once a day, preferably at night. Use a small amount or thin layer spread evenly over your face and any other areas with acne. Only use enough to lightly cover the skin. After applying, wash your hands to remove any leftover medicine. Differin can cause skin irritation and is for use on the skin only. Avoid getting it in your eyes, lips, or inside your mouth. It’s best not to use other skin products that could irritate your skin while using Differin.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Differin is Adapalene.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using this medication if you have known hypersensitivity to Adapalene or any components of the formulation.

Cautions

  • Before using Differin, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
    • Any existing health conditions
    • Any allergies
    • A list of all medications you are currently taking
    • Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • In rare cases, Differin may cause allergic reactions like swelling of the face, lips, or eyelids, itching, or even a serious reaction called anaphylaxis. If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, stop using the product and get medical help right away.
  • Differin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Try to avoid tanning beds, sunlamps, and direct sun exposure while using this medication. If you do go outside, use sunscreen and wear protective clothing like hats and long sleeves to reduce the risk of irritation or sunburn.
  • Redness, dryness, stinging, and peeling are common side effects—especially during the first month of treatment. These reactions are usually mild to moderate and tend to improve over time. If the irritation becomes too uncomfortable, consider using a gentle moisturizer, applying the gel less frequently, or talk to your doctor about pausing treatment.
  • Avoid putting Differin on cuts, sunburned skin, or areas with eczema. Also, don’t use waxing to remove hair on areas being treated—it could make irritation worse.
  • Differin can increase skin sensitivity, so try to avoid using other irritating products at the same time. This includes exfoliants, alcohol-based toners, strong cleansers, and heavily fragranced cosmetics. Stick to gentle skincare products to reduce the chance of irritation.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Differin Gel include dry skin, redness, itching, skin peeling, and a stinging or burning sensation at the site of application. These reactions often begin within the first few weeks of use and typically improve over time. Using a gentle moisturizer may help reduce dryness, though products with alpha hydroxy or glycolic acid should be avoided. Your healthcare provider may recommend adjusting how often you use the gel if side effects are bothersome.

In rare cases, Differin Gel may trigger serious allergic reactions that require medical attention. Signs include rash, hives, chest pain, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat. If any of these symptoms occur, stop using the gel and seek help right away. Always follow your provider’s instructions to reduce the risk of severe skin irritation or allergic response.

References

  1. Differin Cream 0.1% Product Monograph. San Antonio, TX: DPT Laboratories, Ltd.; 2000.
  2. Differin Gel Highlights of Prescribing Information. Fort Worth, TX: Galderma Laboratories; 2023.


IMPORTANT NOTE: The information provided above is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or veterinary advice. Always consult your physician, pharmacist, or veterinarian regarding the safety, suitability, and proper use of any medication for yourself or your pet.

product-reviews Product Reviews