La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment, 1.6oz

First of all, people who rated this product low--- this product was doing exactly what it was supposed to do. People just don't bother to research how to exactly use it. If you've never used a retinoid (adapalene, tretinoin, retinol, retinal), you have to start slow. Like maybe 1-2x a week, then every other day, then maybe daily. Yes, your skin might purge and will get worse before it gets better. Doesn't mean that the product doesn't work because it's doing exactly what it's supposed to be doing. If your skin is getting really dry, take a break and moisturize. If you're going outside (even if you're only going to be driving), **wear sunscreen** (and no, your makeup that has SPF in it is not enough. You don't apply enough of it to actually get adequate sun protection. And use at least an SPF 30. ). If you're applying adapalene at night, then apply other actives (vitamin C, AHA/BHA's, etc) either during the day or take a night off from adapalene and apply. Otherwise applying both at the same time is just asking to ruin your skin barrier....making your skin raw, flaky, sensitive, etc. Adapalene is used for acne, but it's also a strong retinoid also used for anti aging (I use for anti aging the nights I take a break from tretinoin... and it's working beautifully). Another thing is this may take time to see results. But steady, consistent use will provide results. Just takes some patience. If you experience purging (retinization... happens to most when starting a retinoid), it's OK. It usually gets worse before it gets better. It happened to me with tretinoin (I got break outs when I usually don't experience any) and that's why I started this product because my skin takes to adapalene much better than tretinoin. Anyway, if you're on the fence about this, don't be. Just research the best way for you to use this. I just can't stand when people give a product a low rating for "not working" or "it broke me out", "it dried out my skin", "I used for a week and nothing happened", etc when it's doing **exactly** what it's supposed to. I really like the formulation of La Roche Posay's adapalene the best. My skin absorbs the gel way better than most adapalene creams and gels out there. And I've been using the 1.6oz tube for about 5-6 months. I use this a few times a week (4-5x) and just ordered a new tube. So it'll last you awhile. If you're experiencing a lot of irritation, try applying moisturizer first, then adapalene 15-30min later, then moisturizer again 10-15 min after that. Make sure you have a really good moisturizer (I love Elf Holy Hydration sleep mask only I don't wash it off, or CeraVe moisturizer), use a gentle cleanser (I use one from Cetaphil). And if you go outside at all, use a sunscreen (use the 2 finger rule for measuring how much you need...and SPF 30 at least. I have one from Apostrophe that wears beautifully under makeup. Others are Bondi Sands SPF 50, and I love the Sun Bum spray mist SPF 45 for reapplying over makeup. Works really, really well). And remember to be patient. It's one of the best adapalene gels I've ever tried.

Context: I bought this product after hearing that it helps not just with acne but for hyperpigmentation. For reference, I’ve had acne since my teens, I’m now in my early 30s and still struggle with hormonal cystic acne and pore clogging. I started taking birth control pills a year ago and that was what truly saved my acne, but I was still getting a spot or two every month or so, and would get clogged pores pretty regularly in my t-zone (though the pore clogging on my jaw area completely went away with birth control). I wanted to use a retinol that would supplement my birth control pill for the clogging and occasional breakouts, but also because I wasn’t seeing my scarring fade as fast I wanted. Method & Progress: I started using this adapelene gel about a month ago. I had already been using retinol for about 2 years so my skin is used to it, but I still am only using this every other day without any other acids and always on top of a toner/serum so the adapalene doesn’t go on without some sort of barrier first. And always follow with a thick moisturizer. A few days in, my eyelids and neck were getting pretty sensitive, so I had to put extra moisturizer (I prefer oat-based cream that’s good for eczema or straight up vaseline) on those sensitive areas, and that helped to calm down the dryness and discomfort. The key is also to ALWAYS use sunscreen during the day when using adapalene or you will get rashes or irritation. Results: I can now say that this stuff has basically gotten rid of the rest of my acne that didn’t go away with the birth control pill. The biggest difference I see is in the clogging rate of my pores - I have no blackheads or texture now. Secondly the hyperpigmentation goes away so much faster than with anything I’ve used so far - even my old retinol or any acids I was using. For ex. if I had a dark spot from acne that I had picked, normally it would take at least 1.5-2 months to fade away entirely, but now it takes about 3 weeks-1 month. I really don’t have to wear any make up now. Verdict: Amazing buy if you struggle with acne, clogged pores, and/or hyperpigmentation. Use it right!!

Great product. Directions instruct once a day with a 3 month window for results. My issue was resolved in 3 days. Pricey, but effective.

Been using this for three days and have already noticed the "bumpies" on my skin smoothing out. Honestly didn't think anything ever would! I was on prescription tretinoin years and years ago and had a similar result, so very pleased to see this working as well.

I started using this product about a month now. I did my research before buying any products. I know result takes time. So far I’m liking my result I don’t have big pimples anymore they just kinda shrinking in my opinion. I could say my face did dry up a lot and Sunscreen You Need It. I did the first day without sun screen and my face was really irritated so stay out the sun even if you wear sun screen. But remember everyone skin is different and result take time.

I’ve been using the product for almost a month now and it has done great things for my skin. I have very acne prone skin and this product helps a lot. It does have a purge period because your skin is getting used to it. It made my skin really dry and flaky but since I’ve been using it consistently I’ve had great results. My skin is no longer dry and flaky. My skin looks hydrated and healthy.

This is great. It was suggested by my dermatologist because I got skin tags. Little ones on my face and eyelids. Expensive to have them removed. But, this is a life saver. It works really well. Also, I had acne pretty bad as a teenager leaving little pot marks on my face my whole life. I'm 76 now. My skin is much smoother. It doesn't eliminate all the tags I sometimes get or al the marks but they are very small and much less noticeable and I haven't had any removed since trying this. I've been using this a little over a year now and love it. My face looks nice and smooth now and my confidence is way better. I use it before bed every night and the tube lasts a little over a month. Be careful around the eyes (you only need a small film here) and don't put on the lips. But, you will see the difference. Also, give it a couple of months. You will love it!

Worked okay but wasn’t my favorite. It cleansed my face well and has no noticeable smell, which I liked, but it did leave my skin feeling a bit dry afterward. Decent overall, just not the best for my skin type.

Waiting for a miracle to happen. Kidding aside it makes my skin fresh and smooth.

This works like magic ,you do need to be patient though especially if you have stubborn acne like my hormonal acne ,I started seeing great results after a month of use ,your skin sure dose get worse before it gets better ,it has a peeling effect up it so avoid the eye area and around the mouth ,it’s a life saver!!!

Been using Differin for months and decided to try La Roche-Posay and will continue to do so. The only thing which made me like La Roche-Posay more is that the tube is sealed unlike the Differin.

It has helped me a lot with acne. Get it only if you’ve acne or get breakouts very often.

Bought for my wife and she really likes it, so far its effective