Adapalene 0.1% gel has low skin irritation potential even when applied immediately after washing

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the difference, if any, in facial skin tolerance of adapalene 0.1% gel applied immediately after washing, compared to delayed application as recommended for the other topical retinoids: tretinoin and isotretinoin. Twenty-five acne patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris were included in this intra individual randomized comparison study where adapalene 0.1% gel was applied immediately after washing on one half of the face and 20-30 min after washing on the contralateral half-face, for 22 consecutive days. No difference between the two regimens was detected by the investigator or by 21 of the 22 patients who completed the study. It was concluded that application of adapalene gel 0.1% is well tolerated even when applied immediately after washing.