Acne Free Adapalene Gel

Life saver! Helps my skin and clears acne within a day. I use it twice a day after washing my face and works really well. Highly recommend!

I usually buy a different store-brand adapalene gel, but when it was sold out at several locations, I decided to give AcneFree a try. I’m happy to report that it works just as well as the other brand I’ve been using. The ingredients are identical, there’s no added fragrance, and it keeps my skin clear and healthy. Since I’ve been using adapalene gel for years, I was able to jump straight into using this once daily. This 1.6-ounce tube is a great value and an excellent alternative to other brands. If you’re familiar with adapalene or looking to start using it, this product is a reliable and affordable option. I’ll definitely keep it in mind the next time I need a refill.

This doesn’t pretend to moisturize. It’s a clear gel intended to be a vehicle for the retinoid, which one study found to be as effective as prescription Tretinoin (Retin-A). It’s marketed as an anti-acne treatment, but it works as an anti-aging treatment very well. All retinoids irritate sensitive skin, and this one, being prescription strength, will irritate more than most. If you have skin that’s at all sensitive, use once at bedtime and wait a few days to see how you react. Gradually increase frequency. My skin is cast iron, and I can tell that it struggles a little with this. For me, that’s very mild temporary burning; for others, it’ll be much more. I’ve had a considerably stronger reaction to adapalene than to products with retinol. I have oily skin and only recently learned that we need moisturizers, too. Even prior to that crucial discovery, I would have used a moisturizer after this. It will dry you up. At least some dermatologists recommend this over retinol for anti-aging, if you can tolerate it. It’s the same strength as Differin Gel, but considerably cheaper.

I almost gave up. In the beginning I had a lot of peeling, some itching and sensitivity. I never had more than one pimple at a time but upon using this product I suddenly had tons of little pimples popping up. Never looked this bad my whole life! The good thing is the pimples go away faster than without treatment and ddidn't hurt/inflame much. However at 6 weeks I still have some. I do notice that the area on my chin is now smooth and less pink than before treatment. The skin there looks nice and smooth. The area around my nose is still the "battleground", but it's getting calmer and just waiting for the last batch of pimples to disappear. I will give it 2 months time. I like to continue using this product because it seems to "normalize" the skin. Note: if you keep on getting pimples, that's because the cream/lotions you use during the day is causing the problem. I now use nothing, and no cleanser/soap. It's the only way to avoid pimples in the first place.

Started June 8th, today is July 11, 2025Tips that are very important if you are starting:Keep away from eyes and mouth! Wait to bring it closer once your face gets use to it.My regimen includes Vanicream facial Daily moisturizer, which is really good. You can use one layer that soaks into skin, or add a second for it to sit on skin. Then I use Versed retinol eye balm to protect my eyes and mouth but still get the retinol. I then use a pea size amount of this adapalene around my face and nose, avoiding EYES and MOUTH. Then I put an another layer of vanicream facial moisturizer still avoiding my eye lids and lips.I made the mistake using it on my eyes and mouth, my eyes felt like they weren’t producing tears for a week, and my lips were peeling so bad, it felt like plastic on my lips that hurt so bad if I smiled. I did have to purchase the Cerave healing balm because that happened, and that balm did speed the healing. But because I over did it, I had to take longer breaks. However it does say on the directions avoid eyes and mouth I believe, and I ignored it lol. I did purge but also still am. My acne is below my skin, my face is bumpy to touch although it’s not much visible, that’s why I started adapalene. I’m glad everything is coming to the surface. And if you have acne like that, you will benefit from this product. During the day I use the vanicream daily facial moisturizer and sunblock. To wash my face, I use Cerave Hydrating face wash. It has no suds but my face can feel tight at times so it’s still the best for where I’m at right now. I’m one month in. And I’m proud of myself for not giving up, my skin is changing and the adapalene isn’t as harsh as it was in the beginning. I’ll update later on progress. Also my skin when I started adapalene was dry acne prone sensitive.. my face is changing to balanced acne prone, sensitive still because of the adapalene, tightness more so but not anything the vanicream can’t fix. I’m still in the beginning of this journey. These products helped me. The Sephora mineral sunblock I got on sale for 5 bucks, it’s really good and moisturizing. I thought people should know an honest experience and that you don’t have to get the trends of skincare, find what works, and what works for your wallet.

Use for minimum of 3 months before you see results but I have noticed my skin is much clearer and more even

I had high hopes for this product. It was recommended for not only blemishes but also dark spots such as Melasma. I wanted it for melasma and used it daily as directed. It’s been months and honestly I cannot tell a difference. I really hoped it would work but there’s no change. I don’t think it’s a bad product and maybe it works great for acne. I don’t know. I thankfully don’t suffer with acne.