[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › [Dermatological retinoids](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/dermatological-retinoids/) › Adapalene # Adapalene ## Dermatological retinoids? Dermatological retinoids ## Pregnancy: contraindicated? Systemic absorption is negligible and harm is unlikely, but as a precaution topical retinoids are not used in pregnancy or by women planning one. A topical retinoid-like gel for acne that stops new comedones forming. Stable in sunlight and with benzoyl peroxide; it irritates at first. Updated Nov 1, 2026 ## Quick facts **Group** [Dermatological retinoids](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/dermatological-retinoids/) **Target** Retinoic acid receptors RAR-β and RAR-γ **Used for** Acne vulgaris **Key effects** Redness · Brief warmth · Sun sensitivity **Monitor** Irritation during the first weeks **ATC** D10AD03 No doses: the clinician sets them by the current guideline. On this page - The basics Mechanism of action - Indications - Adverse effects - Pharmacokinetics - Memory aid - Clinical What the labels mean - Safety Contraindications - Key interactions - What is monitored - Administration and safety - Pregnancy and breastfeeding - Nursing care - Study Test yourself - Connections Connections ## Mechanism of action ◎**Retinoic acid receptors RAR-β and RAR-γ**Adapalene ⓘ The figure shows the ligand-binding domain of human RAR-γ holding all-trans retinoic acid (tretinoin), whose pocket adapalene also occupies; adapalene itself is not in this crystal. **Target in 3D:** Retinoic acid receptors RAR-β and RAR-γ. PDB structure 2LBD (RCSB PDB, public domain). [View the structure at RCSB PDB](https://www.rcsb.org/structure/2LBD) · Drag to rotate · pinch to zoom Adapalene is a naphthoic acid derivative that resembles retinoic acid in structure and effect and binds mainly RAR-β and RAR-γ. In the follicle it corrects abnormal keratinisation so that microcomedones, the first lesion of acne, stop forming, and it reduces inflammation. Unlike tretinoin it is chemically stable in light and next to benzoyl peroxide, and it is more lipophilic, so it enters follicles quickly. It is usually less irritating than tretinoin. - Adapalene binds RAR-β and RAR-γ in follicle keratinocytes - Follicular keratinisation normalises - New microcomedones stop forming; inflammation falls - Comedones and papules clear over weeks ## Indications - Acne vulgaris (comedonal and inflammatory), alone or with benzoyl peroxide [Acne vulgaris →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/acne-vulgaris/) ## Adverse effects ### Common - Redness, scaling, dryness, burning or stinging in the first weeks - Brief warmth or stinging after application - Early flare of acne as hidden lesions surface - Sun sensitivity ### Serious (rare, important) - Allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the eyes, face, lips or throat ## Contraindications - Hypersensitivity to adapalene or any component - Pregnancy or planning a pregnancy (precaution for all topical retinoids) - Sunburned, broken or eczematous skin until healed ## Key interactions **Benzoyl peroxide** Adapalene stays stable with it, and fixed combinations exist (tretinoin, by contrast, is inactivated). **Harsh, drying or alcohol-containing skin products; hot wax** More irritation; hot wax hair removal is avoided on treated skin. ## What is monitored - Irritation during the first weeks - Response after a few months of regular use ## Administration and safety - A thin film on clean, dry skin, usually at bedtime. - Kept away from the eyes, nose, mouth and mucous membranes. - Not applied to sunburned, broken or eczematous skin. ## Pregnancy and breastfeeding Systemic absorption is negligible and harm is unlikely, but as a precaution topical retinoids are not used in pregnancy or by women planning one. ## Nursing care - Explain that acne may look worse at first and that it is not stopped early. - Teach a gentle cleanser, a moisturiser if dry, and sun protection. - Ask about pregnancy plans before starting. - During breastfeeding it is not applied to the nipple or areola. ## Pharmacokinetics **Absorption** Very little is absorbed through the skin; it penetrates follicles quickly. **Onset and duration** Acne may look worse in the first weeks; full benefit takes a few months. ## Memory aid ADAPalene ADAPts to the sun and to benzoyl peroxide (tretinoin does not). ## Test yourself Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it. ## What practical advantage does adapalene have over tretinoin? It is stable in sunlight and with benzoyl peroxide, and it is usually less irritating. ## Which retinoic acid receptors does adapalene bind mainly? RAR-β and RAR-γ. ## Why does acne sometimes look worse in the first weeks of adapalene? Lesions forming under the surface are brought up early; it is not a reason to stop. [Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/pharmacology/adapalene/) [More Pharmacology questions →](https://durgical.com/en/practice/?f=pharmacology) ## What the labels mean **Pregnancy: contraindicated** Systemic absorption is negligible and harm is unlikely, but as a precaution topical retinoids are not used in pregnancy or by women planning one. ## Connections ## Related drugs 2 - [Isotretinoin](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/isotretinoin/) - [Benzoyl peroxide](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/benzoyl-peroxide/) ## Related conditions 1 - [Acne vulgaris](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/acne-vulgaris/) [← Back to the class: Dermatological retinoids](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/dermatological-retinoids/) Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given. Sources: [Adapalene: MedlinePlus Drug Information](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604001.html) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [Retinoid-containing medicinal products - referral](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/referrals/retinoid-containing-medicinal-products) (European Medicines Agency (EMA), 2018). ## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/adapalene/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/adapalene/