Can You Use Adapalene With Glycolic Acid?

Avoid combining

Differin prescribing information says to avoid it

Differin prescribing information says to avoid AHA and glycolic acid products. A label or strong evidence says not to use these together, or combining them brings no benefit and more irritation.

This verdict matches the rule in our ingredient conflict checker (rule last checked 2026-09-23).

It is best not to. The Differin (adapalene) prescribing information says products containing alpha hydroxy or glycolic acids should be avoided, because they can worsen irritation. Let adapalene handle the exfoliation.

By AcneRid Editorial Team Published

Medical review pending 5 sources

How to use adapalene and glycolic acid

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What to watch for

  • Burning, raw skin or peeling if the two have been combined.
  • AHAs hidden in toners and "glow" products.

Why this verdict

Most ingredient pairings do not come with a direct instruction, but this one does. The prescribing information for Differin (adapalene) gel says moisturizers may be used if necessary, but products containing alpha hydroxy or glycolic acids should be avoided. The OTC Drug Facts label adds that irritation is more likely with products that have a drying effect or with more than one topical acne medication.

The reason is overlapping effects. Adapalene is a retinoid that normalizes how skin cells shed inside the pore; glycolic acid loosens dead cells on the surface. Together they tend to over-exfoliate, which shows up as stinging, peeling and redness, and irritated skin can make acne harder to manage. The Differin label also advises limiting sun exposure, and the FDA says AHAs increase sun sensitivity.

In practice, adapalene already does much of the job people buy a glycolic acid product for. If you still want an exfoliating acid for texture or dark marks, talk to a dermatologist about whether and how to fit it in, rather than adding it on your own.

Lactic and mandelic acid are alpha hydroxy acids too, so the label’s caution covers them as well.

About each ingredient

Adapalene

A retinoid that helps unclog pores and calm inflammation. Adapalene 0.1% gel became available over the counter in 2016 through an FDA new-drug approval (an Rx-to-OTC switch), not through the acne monograph. Higher strengths need a prescription. Retinoids are generally avoided in pregnancy.

OTC acne drug (FDA new-drug approval) OTC at 0.1% via FDA new-drug approval (Rx-to-OTC switch); higher strengths Rx

  • Retinoids are generally avoided in pregnancy. Ask your clinician before using this if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive.
  • Can increase sun sensitivity. Use sunscreen daily.
  • Can cause dryness, peeling or stinging, especially when combined with other actives.
Full guide: Adapalene Gel (Differin): How to Use It, Purging and Results

Glycolic acid

The most common alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It loosens dead skin cells on the surface. The FDA advises sun protection while using AHA products and for a week after. A 2020 Cochrane review found only low-certainty evidence for AHAs in acne.

Some evidence in acne, limited

  • Can increase sun sensitivity. Use sunscreen daily.
  • Can cause dryness, peeling or stinging, especially when combined with other actives.

See all ingredient pairing guides

Your next step

Go deeper Adapalene Gel (Differin): How to Use It, Purging and Results How to apply adapalene 0.1% (Differin) gel, what the first 12 weeks look like, how to get through purging and dryness, and when to see a doctor. Not sure what fits you? Find your treatment path 10 quick questions, about 2 minutes. It runs in your browser and nothing is sent or stored.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a glycolic acid toner with Differin?

The Differin prescribing information says products containing alpha hydroxy or glycolic acids should be avoided. It is best to stop the toner while using adapalene.

What about lactic acid or mandelic acid with adapalene?

They are alpha hydroxy acids too, so the same label caution applies. Ask a dermatologist if you want to use one.

Can I go back to glycolic acid after stopping adapalene?

Yes. Once you have stopped adapalene and your skin has settled, AHAs can be reintroduced slowly, with daily sunscreen.

Sources 5

  1. DIFFERIN (adapalene) gel: prescribing information (opens in a new tab) U.S. Food and Drug Administration , 2012
  2. DIFFERIN (adapalene) gel 0.1%: over-the-counter Drug Facts label (opens in a new tab) DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
  3. Alpha hydroxy acids (cosmetic ingredients) (opens in a new tab) U.S. Food and Drug Administration
  4. Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity (opens in a new tab) Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology , 2010
  5. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris (Reynolds et al.) (opens in a new tab) Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology , 2024

About this page

Medical review pending. This page was researched and written by the AcneRid Editorial Team from the cited sources, but it has not yet been reviewed by a licensed clinician. We update this notice when a review is complete. About our review process.

Written by the AcneRid Editorial Team. Read our editorial policy. Spotted an error? Tell us; we correct mistakes openly.