Differin (Adapalene): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and Cost in Canada

Differin is an adapalene cream or gel applied once a day for acne in people 12 and older. Learn how to use it, side effects, pregnancy warnings, cost in BC and how to ask a doctor about it.

skin careDoctor-reviewedPrescriptionAvailable in Canada
Illustration of a tube of gel for Differin (adapalene)

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Overview

Differin is a brand name for adapalene, a retinoid medicine that is applied to the skin. It is made by Galderma. Health Canada has authorized it to treat acne in people aged 12 and older.

In Canada, Differin 0.1% is authorized as a cream, gel and lotion (the lotion is not currently marketed), and Differin XP is a stronger 0.3% gel. Both are prescription products in Canada.

Differin needs a prescription. BC residents can speak with a BC-licensed doctor by phone through Avee Health to ask whether it is appropriate for them. The doctor decides based on your health history. A prescription is not guaranteed.

In Canada, Differin and Differin XP are authorized for:

  • Treatment of acne (acne vulgaris) in people aged 12 and older

It is not authorized for children under 12 or adults over 65, because it has not been studied enough in these groups. It is not authorized in Canada for wrinkles or other cosmetic uses. It must not be used on skin with eczema or seborrheic dermatitis.

Generic name

Adapalene

Drug class

Topical retinoid

Category

skin care

Availability

Prescription required

In Canada

Available

How Differin Works

Acne starts when skin cells and oil block the hair follicles (pores). Adapalene acts on the cells lining the pores. According to the Canadian monograph it:

  • Helps the cells lining the pores develop and shed normally
  • Reduces the tiny blocked pores that later turn into pimples
  • Has an effect on inflammation in the skin

Very little adapalene is absorbed through the skin into the body.

Dosage Instructions of Differin

Your doctor sets your dose. The usual directions in the Canadian product monograph are:

  • Apply once a day at bedtime.
  • Wash with a gentle cleanser and blot the skin dry with a soft towel, without rubbing.
  • Apply a thin film over the whole affected area of the face, chest or back. About four pea-sized amounts of cream or gel are usually enough for the whole face. Do not spot-apply.
  • Keep it away from the eyes, lips, the corners of the nose and the inside of the nose and mouth. Do not apply it to cuts, scrapes, sunburned skin or skin with eczema.

Using more does not make it work better or faster. A moisturizer can help with dryness. If your skin becomes very irritated, stop until it settles, then restart by applying it less often.

Improvement is usually clear after 4 to 8 weeks, with more improvement as you keep using it.

Missed dose: do not make it up. Apply your usual amount the next evening.

Storage Instructions

Store Differin at room temperature, 15°C to 30°C. Protect it from freezing and keep the container tightly closed. Keep out of reach of children.

Side Effects of Differin

Most side effects are skin irritation where Differin is applied. They usually appear in the first 2 to 4 weeks and settle in most people with continued use. In clinical trials, side effects linked to treatment were reported with the 0.1% gel and the 0.3% gel (Differin XP) as follows:

  • Dry skin: 4.0% with 0.1% gel, 10.8% with 0.3% gel
  • Unpleasant skin sensations, such as burning: 2.7% and 6.4%
  • Redness: 1.2% and 2.5%
  • Scaling: 0.6% and 2.6%
  • Itching: 0.9% and 1.7%

Irritation is somewhat more common with the stronger 0.3% gel.

Get medical help right away if you have:

  • A rash, itching or hives with swelling of the face, lips or throat, or trouble breathing (stop using Differin)
  • Severe skin irritation, such as very red, swollen, burnt-looking or blistered skin

If Differin gets in your eye, rinse right away with clean warm water.

Important Safety Information About Differin

  • Pregnancy: do not use Differin if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. If you become pregnant while using it, stop and talk to your doctor. If you could become pregnant, talk to your doctor about birth control before you start.
  • Breastfeeding: it is not known whether adapalene passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor first, and do not apply it to the chest so the baby's skin does not touch it.
  • Do not use Differin if you are allergic to adapalene or any ingredient in the product, or on skin with eczema or seborrheic dermatitis.
  • Sun: avoid too much sun and do not use sunlamps. When outside, use a non-comedogenic sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and protective clothing.
  • Weather: extreme cold or wind can irritate treated skin.
  • Waxing: do not wax skin that is being treated with adapalene.
  • Cosmetics: remove make-up by cleansing well before applying Differin. Use water-based, non-comedogenic products and avoid oily make-up or creams.
  • Swallowing: if it is swallowed, contact a poison control centre. Anyone who could be pregnant should have a pregnancy test.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the skin products you use. Points from the Canadian monograph:

  • Products that dry or irritate the skin: avoid abrasive cleansers, astringents and products that contain alcohol while using Differin.
  • Products with sulfur, resorcinol or salicylic acid: use with particular caution. If you have been using one, let its effects on the skin settle before starting Differin.
  • Benzoyl peroxide (up to 10%), clindamycin 1% solution or erythromycin solution: these acne treatments can be applied in the morning when Differin is applied at night.

Brands & DIN Number of Differin

Brand Names

  • Differin
  • Differin XP

Key Takeaways

  • 1Differin is adapalene, a retinoid applied to the skin. Health Canada has authorized it for acne in people aged 12 and older.
  • 2In Canada it is a prescription product. Differin contains 0.1% adapalene and Differin XP is a stronger 0.3% gel.
  • 3Apply a thin layer once a day at bedtime to clean, dry skin. Improvement is usually clear after 4 to 8 weeks.
  • 4Dry skin, burning, redness and scaling are the most common side effects, mainly in the first 2 to 4 weeks.
  • 5Do not use Differin if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
  • 6Treated skin burns more easily, so limit sun exposure and use an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen.
  • 7BC residents can ask a BC-licensed doctor by phone whether Differin is right for them. A prescription is not guaranteed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy Differin over the counter in Canada?
No. Differin and Differin XP are prescription products in Canada, so you need a prescription from a doctor or another authorized prescriber. Rules are different in some other countries.
How much does Differin cost in Canada?
The price depends on the pharmacy, the product and your coverage, so ask your pharmacist for a current price.
Does BC PharmaCare cover Differin?
Coverage depends on your PharmaCare plan and any private insurance, and the rules change. Check with your pharmacist, BC PharmaCare or your insurer.
How do I get Differin in BC?
Differin needs a prescription. You can see your family doctor, or book a phone visit with a BC-licensed doctor through Avee Health. Visits are covered by MSP with a valid BC health card. The doctor reviews your health history and decides whether Differin is appropriate. A prescription is not guaranteed. If one is written, it is sent to the pharmacy you choose.
How long does Differin take to work?
Improvement is usually clear after 4 to 8 weeks of daily use, with more improvement over time. Skin irritation is most likely in the first 2 to 4 weeks and usually settles as your skin adjusts.
What is the difference between Differin and Differin XP?
Both contain adapalene. Differin is 0.1% and Differin XP is a 0.3% gel. In a 12-week trial, total acne spots fell by a median of about 56% with the 0.3% gel, 48% with the 0.1% gel and 36% with a gel that had no medicine. Skin irritation was somewhat more common with the 0.3% gel. Your doctor decides which strength suits you.
Can I use Differin while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do not use Differin if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. If you become pregnant while using it, stop and talk to your doctor. It is not known whether adapalene passes into breast milk, so talk to your doctor before using it while breastfeeding, and do not apply it to the chest.
Can I use Differin with benzoyl peroxide or other acne products?
Benzoyl peroxide (up to 10%), clindamycin 1% solution or erythromycin solution can be used in the morning when Differin is applied at night. Check with your doctor first. Avoid abrasive cleansers, astringents and alcohol-based products, and be careful with products that contain salicylic acid, sulfur or resorcinol, because they can add to skin irritation.
Written By
Avee Editorial

Avee Editorial

Avee Editorial Team

Updated:April 1, 2026