Skip to content
ppharmaranks
Menu

DIFFERIN vs RETIN-A

Independent side-by-side comparison.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 13, 2026·How we rate

Possible drug interaction. DIFFERIN and RETIN-A are different prescription medicines. Combining or switching between them can cause interactions — talk to a pharmacist or prescriber before making changes. This page is not medical advice.

Rating

New
70/100

Pharmacy pays

$0.51 /g
$1.05 /g

Type

RX
RX

Active ingredient

ADAPALENE
TRETINOIN

Dosage forms

Topical
Topical

Drug class

Retinoid
Retinoid

Boxed warning

None
None

Treats

Acne Vulgaris
Acne Vulgaris, Facial Dermatoses, Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia

Get retin-ahigher-rated option

Advertising disclosure: Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This never affects our independent ratings.

Get treatment online

Licensed online providers — consult & get prescribed if eligible.

Frequently asked questions

Which is cheaper, Differin or Retin-A?

Differin costs pharmacies less to acquire — about $0.51 vs $1.05 per gm, per the CMS NADAC survey. That gap is in the pharmacy's cost of goods, not necessarily in what you pay: your price is set afterwards by your insurer and the pharmacy.

What is the difference between Differin and Retin-A?

Differin contains Adapalene, while Retin-A contains Tretinoin — they have different active ingredients.

Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data. This comparison is for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional before choosing or switching a medication.