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acne-treatment

Differin Gel is a medication used in the treatment for acne. Differin contains the active ingredient adapalene, which cures acne by unblocking pores and reducing inf

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10/30/2025 1:01:02 AM

acne-treatment/differin

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Differin 0.1% Cream/Gel

From £26.99

A topical acne treatment that helps unclog pores and reduce inflammation, containing adapalene as its active ingredient.

Medication features:

  • Reduces inflammation
  • Clears the acne and stops further development of spots
  • Heals scarring

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UK Pharmacy Registration Number 9011460

Differin Prices

  • Medicine prices
  • Delivery Information
Differin 1 Cream Tube 45g 2 Cream Tube 45g 3 Cream Tube 45g 1 Gel Tube 45g 2 Gel Tube 45g 3 Gel Tube 45g
0.1 Cream £26.99 £51.99 £72.99
0.1 Gel £26.99 £51.99 £72.99

Prices include free private prescription.

Delivery charges

Royal Mail 1st Class | £3.95

  • Delivered within 1-3 working days.
  • Excludes bank holidays. 

Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed before 1pm | £6.95

  • Delivered within 1 working day before 1pm.
  • Excludes Sundays and bank holidays.  
  • A tracked service with signature required on delivery.

Click here to find out more about our delivery service.

Refunds and returns – Read further information on return and refunds.

  • Overview

  • Directions

  • Cautions

Buy Differin Online UK

You can order Differin online in the UK from our registered pharmacy. Complete the online medical assessment to be reviewed by one of our prescribers. If approved, your medication will be dispensed by our pharmacy team for next day delivery to your address. 

About Differin

Acne affects the oil glands and hair follicles within the skin, usually on the face but sometimes on other areas of the body too such as the neck and back. The pores, which connect to oil glands produce sebum, a substance which carries dead skin cells to the skin’s surface, but sometimes the oil and skin cells plug the pore instead. The bacteria, which usually live harmlessly on the skin contaminate the plugged follicle and this can cause an infection which develops into acne. There are a number of different forms that this infection manifests itself as including papule, pustules, cysts and nodules but all fall under the term Acne.

Due to the infection being the main cause of acne, it is crucial you treat it as you would any other infection, with a medication such as Differin which works to clear the acne and stop further development of spots, whilst healing and decreasing any chance of scarring.

Differin Summary Information

Type of medicine

Acne treatment

Use

Treats acne vulgaris

How it works

Helps unclog pores and reduce inflammation

Active Ingredient

Adapalene

Directions of use

Apply a thin layer to affected areas once daily

Available strengths

0.1 Cream 0.1 Gel

Side effects

Common side effects include Skin irritation, Dryness, Redness, sensitivity to sunlight

Generic

Yes

The information provided in the summary table is for reference only. It is important to consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any acne treatment, including Differin.

How effective is Differin gel?

Differin is an effective treatment for reducing inflammation making it especially beneficial for anyone suffering from black or whiteheads as well as pustules.

In fact, adapalene, the active ingredient in Differin, is a retinoid which has been found to have a number of benefits which acne fighting ingredients in other products, such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, cannot claim to offer, such as:

  • its ability to balance the skin cell production
  • being a once a day only application
  • being anti-inflammatory
  • being non-staining for clothing and sheets.

Differin has been proven to prevent acne from forming if used daily as recommended, and it is oil-free, meaning your face will not be slick or sticky. It also helps to restore your skin’s natural texture and tone by fighting acne deep down within the pores where the infection starts.

What is contained in Differin gel?

Differin contains the active ingredient adapalene, a retinoid medicine which is derived from vitamin A.

The inactive ingredients are carbomer 940, poloxamer 182, propylene glycol (E1520), disodium edetate, Phenoxyethanol, methyl para-hydroxybenzoate (E218), sodium hydroxide and purified water.

How does Differin gel work?

The active ingredient in Differin increases the turnover of skin cells, creating a natural exfoliation-type process to the surface layer. This unblocks pores and the sebaceous glands which produce the oil allowing this sebum (oil) to be released. This helps to decrease blackheads and oiliness. Adapalene also gives an anti-inflammatory effect too, lowering redness, heat and swelling.

This page is written and reviewed by:
Name Jana Abelovska
Role Superintendent Pharmacist
GPhc Number 2220953

How should I use Differin gel?

Adapalene is for topical use only and not to be swallowed. Wash your hands prior to use, followed by washing your face using a mild cleanser and patting the skin dry. Using the fingertips, apply a thin layer of Differin gel to the affected area or areas. Do not apply to the inside of your lips or inside the nose or mouth.

Typically you would use it once daily in the evening, though follow the guidance given to you by your doctor. Using more gel than required or for longer than recommended will not make the medication work more quickly and may result in irritating or painful side effects.

How long can I take Differin gel for?

Your doctor at Click Pharmacy or GP will let you know the amount of time you should use Differin. It will begin to work from the first application, but whereas some people will see the benefits after one to two weeks, others may find it takes a month or two.

For the first few weeks, it may feel that your skin is appearing to get worse, but this is not the case. During this time, the medication is dealing with the issues under the surface, so be patient and continue to use your gel for as long as recommended to ensure you get the full benefit of it.

What are the side effects of Differin gel?

As with any medication, some patients may experience side effects, whereas others may not.

The most common side effects of Differin include irritation, redness and dryness to the area of application as well as a slight burning sensation. These tend to be due to your skin getting used to the medication and can ease after a couple of weeks as it begins to tolerate it.

If you experience major irritation, then speak to your doctor, who may recommend you apply it less often or take a break from it.

Other warnings to consider

Make sure you tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking or using to ensure they will not interfere with one another or make one or both of them less effective or even dangerous.

There are certain products which are to be avoided whilst using Differin:

  • other retinoids
  • peeling agents such as glycolic or salicylic acid
  • powerful cleansers or exfoliates
  • products containing astringents and alcohol
  • treatments which contain vitamin A

Due to the medication potentially causing sensitivity to UV light, it is important you avoid spending an excessive amount of time in the sun and apply a block every day to avoid irritation and burning.

Always read the patient information leaflet before starting your treatment. The patient information can be found here.

Differin Reviews

Price £26.99

Expected Delivery: Thursday

If you order within: 12h36m

X

Available strengths:

0.1 Cream 0.1 Gel

Quantity:

Price £26.99

Includes free private prescriptions

In stock

2024/10/30 2024/10/31

Order before 15:00pm (Monday to Friday) for next day delivery