Product Reviews Rated 3.94 out of 5 stars
212 Reviews
Most Helpful Positive Review please read, i was in the trial For everyone wanting to use, or currently trying this product, I wanted to say a few things. I was actually in the trial group of people that used this product before it was presented to the public without a prescription. It was a group of a few hundred people, we were monitored online, filled weekly surveys and presented pictures and experiences. I have a few tips. First of all, use once and only once a day. Apply a small amount to your entire face, not just your pimples. Use as the last step in your beauty routine. If you need to use moisturizer with it, please wait at least 30 minutes after applying Differin gel to let it absorb. A few days after starting, you will experience tenderness and redness, it's completely normal and fine. During this time, use gentle products on your face, apply sunscreen before going outside, and use a moisturizer often. Remember to moisturize 30 minutes after Differin. This will last a few days, it's called retinization. Remember to continue applying Differin once a day. After this process has passed, continue use once a day, and you will start to notice your face become clearer. It helps with pimples, white and blackheads, and spots and scarring. I'm telling you, if you hang in there and use these tips that I've given, you will start to notice a difference on your face within a couple months. Patience is the key, but if you follow these directions and use Differin only as your only acne treatment from here on out, it will pay off. Also, VERY IMPORTANT, do NOT use any other acne treatment with Differin. Using other acne products with Differin will make your face worse and could cause damage. Use Differin and Differin only. Thanks for reading, hope everyone takes my advice!
Most Helpful Critical Review Oh my god. Uh okay. Believe me when I say it works. Takes a bit but it works. It does burn during that process. For me, and maybe some of you reading this, after using it 2-3 times, your skin begins to dry your skin out severely. You use the product, wait 30-45 minutes to moisturize, but when I say moisturize, go big or go home. I have naturally very oily skin, and after using this product and it drying out my skin, I choose to oil up my skin now, because wow. It works but it burns before it does any good.
Reviewed by 212 customers It works for my skin 5
Trish C from Warren, MI
I was looking for something to reduce my HUGE pores (maskne is an added concern right now). My pores are large from years of hormonal acne, sun damage and age (I'm 50).
Let me say that I've used a TON of high and low end products to reduce or hide the appearance of pores and fine lines-from serums to primers. I've tried them all. And I've done a ton of research on effective skin care ingredients, doctor and influencer recommendations.
I read that this helps by actually clearing congestion, which I hope can lead to longer lasting effects, not just temporarily reduction so my makeup looks good for a few hours. I had been prescribed this product about 30 years ago when my acne first started and was pleased with the results.
I have already seen pretty significant reduction (50%+) with The Ordinary Niacinamide combined with 2% Retinol Emulsion & chemical exfoliation- salicylic acid mask, AHA/BHA peel & glycolic acid toner, but I felt like these had done all that they could do.
I stopped using The Ordinary products (for now) and have been using this for only about a week. I do see an improvement already. My pores are noticeably smaller than when I started. I'm hoping this will continue to improve with more time.
This has a gel texture, goes on smooth, absorbs well, does not leave a greasy film and does not pill. I have not experienced any dry skin or irritation, but I'm quite used to strong acids & retinol. I will update if I see amazing improvement or negative affects over time.
Nothing better for spot treatments! 5
Havok619 from Central Texas
Honestly, of all the products out there nothing beats this one for spot treatments. I use it on my more mature skin that still has the occasional blemish and my teenage son uses it too. He will not go without this product!
GIVE IT TIMEE!! 5
kp from california
this treatment is AMAZING! you have to be patient while using this product, the first month your skin may get worst than it was before but after 3 months of using this consistently you WILL see the benefits of this product, skin skin is now clearer than ever
Never again 1
Liver96 from Salt Lake City, Utah
I bought this product with really high hopes it would help clear up my skin. I'm 22 and still break out quite often and i was just feeling a little sick of my skin not changing from when I was 14. I applied and used the product as directed and it completely destroyed my skin! I broke out more then I ever had before, my skin was incredibly red, peeling and irritated and now my acne was starting to scar! It had never before I started using this product. I did not want to give up though because everyone kept telling me that's part of the process, but after months of that I gave up. It's been about a year now and I've been using a retinol from the dermatologist and my acne has been cured and the dry flaky skin only lasted about 2 weeks. I don't know what it was about this product but it was absolutely terrible.
Will continue to purchase 5
lcp from arkansas
This product paired with the CETAPHIL Daily Facial Cleanser seems to be the only thing that has cleared my acne, and it doesn't break the bank!
It's a no fer me. 2
B from Michigan
Although it did zap my pimple-it dried the living juice out of my skin! Tried it on a few separate occasions to give it a an honest go, but it dried me up like nothing I've ever used before. Had crocodile patches all over and it took time to get that moisture back in my ratchet skin.
So it's a no fer me. ✌🏼
Saved my skin 5
Kay from Earth
This stuff was recommended to me by my doctor, and I'm so glad she recommended it because I haven't seen my skin this clear on years.
Something I DO buy again and again! 5
iammcosmetics from Nashville, TN
I only have to use a thin layer of the product once a day, as the directions state, which makes for an easy, economic way to maintain this step of my skin care routine. I started using it a few months ago at the recommendation of Nicol Concillo for "maskne" and I fell in LOVE! I was breaking out terribly from wearing a mask all the time but a little bit of Differn gel once a day cleared it right up. It took a few weeks of course but you should expect that with anything. Unfortunately, I think it's a little bit on the pricier side, considering the size, both small and large size. Amongst all the many other things we have apart of our skin care regimens- these tiny bottles for $12-24 a piece add up. Definitely worth it though in my opinion! Haven't gone without!
Face flaked off like crazy but skin looks glowy afterwards 4
Cat from Los Angeles, CA
I have combination skin and my face could tolerate clinique's toner, but after using this my face became flaky and extremely sensitive, couldn't even use FAB's repair cream without feeling a strong burning sensation. However, the gel does make my face look incredible, it's almost luminescent. Start slow and use vaseline after applying the gel, this probably will minimize the side effect and give you good results.
amazingggg 5
E from south carolina
works so good for my skin did see more pimples than usual for a little while but started seeing good results in about 3 weeks so good and highly recommend
perfection 5
georgia girl from midwest
this works. period. saw results in a week, not sure about all these other "be patient" reviews. it works fast. this whole line is great. their dark spot corrector is fantastic. an over the counter retinoid at this price that works this fast is straight from heaven.
Use it for the full 90 days 5
Missy from OKC
This is seriously a holy grail acne treatment! If you have stubborn acne that doesn't respond to other stuff TRY THIS STUFF! And give it the full 90 days!
Helps with redness 5
Monica from Lancaster, ca
I use this every night. Helped me reduce the redness in my cheeks.
Works! Takes awhile. 5
Shell from Minnesota
After about 3 weeks my skin became so clear. Very easy to use and so effective!
Saved My Skin 5
KS from Florida
I had been suffering with bad hormonal acne along my jawline for four years. I had spent, no doubt, thousands of dollars on products. Nothing helped except for this. At almost three months my skin is the clearest it has been in years. I have one or two, where I used to have masses of painful cystic bumps. And the seldom few that do come up now are no where near as painful, irritated, and long lasting as the ones before. At night I use a gentle cleanser, this gel, and a simple no fuss moisturizer. My skin is clear and looks radiant.
Yes, you DO have to be consistent. You DO have to follow the directions (read the directions!!!). And you most likely will go through a purging period (mine lasted from about week 3 to week 8) but this stuff WORKS. There is no overnight cure for severe acne. You did not get it in a week and you will not cure it in a week. I can't help but think some of the poor reviews are from people who used this improperly.
Did nothing for me 1
Sahagun19 from Palos Hills, IL
Did nothing for my acne, returned after a few uses
at 4 week, but not feeling it 3
Jenny from Chicago, IL
I decided to start using this product after getting some texture/little bumps all around my chin. I have had acne since I was very young and it has only gotten worse (thanks cysts). the pilll has helped me a lot but even then, i'll get breakouts, hence this weird texture. I thought I could use this product only a couple of days a week and use BHA too on only some of the off days but no don't use anything else. This burned my skin and so I gave it some time off from anything and that seemed to do the trick. BUT then came the purging. I now have a mountain of pimples around my chin/jawline. Granted, this is probably all the little bumps coming to head but honestly, I should've just gone to an esthetician because now it's just so hyper pigmented and full of zits, it's horrible. I'm going to stop and go back to my normal routine and probably going to have to get some chemical peels or something just to get back to where I was before. I'm also on Spiro now so I'll just let that do the trick instead. For those who are struggling with very dry skin from this, I do have some tips! I did experience the dryness at first, but it's minimal now. also this is my winter routine. At night, I use an oil cleanser and follow up with a creamy cleanser (la roche posay), then toner (unscented and alcohol free) the product, wait abt 40 mins or so, then niacninamide and finally fab ultra moisturizer. in the morning, i use toner again the vitamin c serum then a ointment. also, always use sunscreen, whether using this product or not
Great Retinol!!! 5
VNobes from Florida
I decided to try this out after seeing a board certified dermatologist and board certified plastic surgeon recommend. Although I don't have acne, the ingredient in here is a retinol; which is how I use it. I have had incredible results so far. And it's budget friendly!!! I am 49 with super oily skin, some texture, and enlarged pores. This has improved my texture as well as the overall condition of my skin. Use VERY sparingly, and start out using only 2x a week. Build up from there ir you can burn your skin. Highly recommend.
give it time, it works 5
pinkordie from colorado
after watching videos on how to introduce this slowly into my routine, I did just that and have noticed a great improvement. I have dry skin so I think the slow introduction was crucial to my success
Be patient 5
Jess from Michigan
I started using this 3.5 months ago and I am emerging from the purge with the best skin of my life, I am doing double takes in the mirror because I can't believe how clear and bright my face looks. I wanted to give up after 2 months but I'm so glad I didn't.
This is the perfect time to let your skin purge while you keep that mask on in public ;)
I'm having a good experience! 5
Sarah from US
Honestly I have had a great experience with this product. It smooths my skin and has definitely seemed to keep away breakouts. I suffered from hormonal acne and this has reduced the number of cystic pimples I get. I experienced a slight increase in acne at the beginning but not significant
Good for oily skin with large pores 5
Blackhead and Large Pores Person from CA
I have bad blackheads and very oily skin. At the same time it's sensitive and gets red and flakey easily with the occasional breakout. I have tried many, many products to control my oil. This is the only thing that finally helped my skin, along with a good/conservative AM and PM skincare routine. My skin was irritated for I'd say the first 2-3 weeks, but then gradually my oil production DRASTICALLY went down. I don't wake up with a thick layer of oil on my face anymore. Of course, a good skin care routine helped immensely but this is the product that had the most effect on my oily skin. I went from using this after moisturizer every other day (more gentle that way) to applying directly on dry skin before moisturizer everyday. This helped my oil production and my BHA product that I alternate this with helped my blackheads.
My perfect skin secret 5
Lauren from Louisville
The first 3 months you use this, you will have the worst breakouts of your life. After those 3 months, your skin magically becomes super smooth and perfect. I use this nightly on my acne prone oily skin. It also has retinol in it, which is great for preventing fine lines and wrinkles. I swear this is what makes my skin have no fine lines, wrinkles, or blemishes. Just be careful to have sun screen in your daily lotion because it can cause sun sensitivity. I am not kidding, the 3 months of horrible breakouts was totally worth having perfect skin. I don't even wear foundation anymore because my skin is that good. I started this in my mid 20s due to adult acne and continue to use it through my late 20s. If you have adult acne and also want to prevent signs of aging, this is the holy grail. Just stick through the 3 month period. Results do happen and it is worth it.
For my husband 5
Jasmine from Midwest
My husband has some deep frown lines and has been breaking out due to wearing a mask at work all day. Every other night he puts this on with a moisturizer and we can definitely tell the difference in his skin at a few months. It takes time.
Very good for oily acne prone skin 5
Maggie from Los Angeles
I read some comments that it takes a while to notice any real difference on your face, but I noticed a clear difference in about a week. Used it once at night before bed. Skin did get flaky but the acne went away so I didn't really care. I cleansed my face with a moisturizing wash and it was just fine. Also exfoliated with a silicon brush once every two weeks or so just to get a bit of the flaky stuff off. It honestly works.
