NOT ALL RETINOIDS ARE CREATED EQUALLY
Only adapalene is FDA-approved to treat acne.
When it comes to treating acne, knowing the facts can make all the difference.
NOW AVAILABLE
Listen to our Retinoid Round Table with Fat Mascara and other exciting guests.
MEET THE GUESTS
JESSICA MATLIN
Fat Mascara Podcast Co-Host & Harper's Bazaar Beauty Director
JENNIFER SULLIVAN
Fat Mascara
Podcast Co-Host
Podcast Co-Host
DR. CAMILLE HOWARD-VEROVIC
Consulting Dermatologist
for Differin
for Differin
SARA TAN
Gloss Angeles Podcast Co-host & Refinery29 Beauty Director
DELINA MEDHIN
It Takes a Village Podcast Host & Celebrity Makeup Artist
Retinoid vs. Retinol
Think they’re the same? Not exactly.
When it comes to treating acne, knowing the facts can make all the difference.
Did you know? Both retinol and adapalene are retinoids, but only adapalene is FDA-approved to treat acne.
Topical retinoids play a crucial role in the treatment of acne. Retinoids like adapalene (the active ingredient in Differin® Gel) regulate skin cell turnover to keep pores from clogging and to control inflammation.
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
Adapalene
Advanced retinoid specifically designed for acne
Retinol
Simple vitamin A
Retinol
Not approved by the FDA to treat acne or any
skin condition
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
Common ingredient found in food like meat and
poultry, and in certain skin-care products
Adapalene
Far more potent than retinol— the only FDA-approved, prescription-strength
retinoid
acne treatment available over the counter (OTC)
Retinol
Common ingredient found in food like meat and
poultry, and in certain skin-care products
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
Retinol
Vitamin A must be broken down by the body
into an active form to become useful
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
