Adapalene gel

Adapalene gel is a gel-textured base carrying the retinoid adapalene. That base is mostly water with gelling agents, so it spreads thinly, absorbs fast and leaves little residue — one reason it is popular on oily, acne-prone skin and on the back or chest, where creams feel heavy. The active is the same whatever the texture; the vehicle changes how it feels and how drying it can be.

It is applied as a thin layer to clean, dry skin across the whole affected area rather than dabbed onto individual spots, because it works on comedones that are still forming. Many people buffer it with moisturiser before or after application and build frequency up slowly instead of starting nightly.

Gels can feel more drying than cream versions, particularly in winter or on skin that is already dry. Expect flaking and possible irritation early on, use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily because retinoids increase photosensitivity, and avoid it in pregnancy or when trying to conceive unless a doctor advises otherwise. Do not apply it to broken or sunburnt skin.