.%20It%20has%20the%20power%20of%20a%20prescription%2C%20yet%20it%20is%20the%20first%20and%20only%20topical%20retinoid%20available%20over%20the%20counter%20to%20fight%20acne.&url=https://differin.com/learn/retinoid-vs-retinol "Share on Pinterest")
Retinoid, Retinol and Adapalene —
a closer look
Retinoid [ret-n-oid] n.
A generic word describing a variety of products that
have a form of vitamin A activity.
Retinol:
Simple vitamin A
Retinol:
Simple vitamin A
Adapalene:
Advanced retinoid specifically designed for acne
Retinol:
Common ingredient found in food like meat and poultry, and in certain skin-care products
Retinol:
Common ingredient found in food like meat and poulty, and in certain skin-care products
Adapalene:
Powerful, acne-fighting active ingredient in Differin® Gel, previously available only by prescription
Retinol:
Not approved by the FDA to treat acne or any skin condition
Retinol:
Not approved by the FDA to treat acne or any skin condition
Adapalene:
Far more potent than retinol—the only FDA-approved, prescription-strength retinoid acne treatment available over the counter (OTC)
Retinol:
Vitamin A must be broken down by the body into an active form to become useful
Retinol:
Vitamin A must be broken down by the body into an active form to become useful
Adapalene:
Active from the get-go; starts working once you put it on your skin
Adapalene:
Treats
acne deep in the pores
Prevents
new acne from forming
Restores
skin’s natural tone and texture as a result of reduced acne
