Adapalene and retinol are both retinoids (vitamin A derivatives), but they have key differences in strength, purpose, and how they work on the skin.

🔬 1. Chemical Structure & Potency

Adapalene is a synthetic retinoid, specifically designed to treat acne. It's more stable and potent than retinol.
Retinol is a natural retinoid precursor — your skin must convert it into retinoic acid (the active form), so it’s weaker and works more slowly.

🎯 2. Main Uses

Product	Common Use
Adapalene	Acne (blackheads, whiteheads, clogged pores)
Retinol	Anti-aging (fine lines, texture, tone), mild acne

Adapalene is FDA-approved for acne, while retinol is mostly used for wrinkles, dullness, and early signs of aging.

⚡ 3. Strength & Irritation

Adapalene (0.1–0.3%) is stronger than most OTC retinols and may cause more dryness or irritation at first — but it’s also more effective for acne.
Retinol is gentler but may still cause irritation, especially in high concentrations.

🧪 4. Stability & Performance

Adapalene is photostable — it doesn’t break down in sunlight, so you can use it during the day (but most still use it at night).
Retinol is unstable in light and air — usually comes in dark, airtight packaging and must be used at night.

🛒 5. Availability

Adapalene 0.1% is available over the counter (e.g., Differin Gel in many countries).
Higher strengths (0.3%) need a prescription.
Retinol is widely available OTC in serums and creams in varying strengths.

✅ Summary:

Feature	Adapalene	Retinol
Type	Synthetic retinoid	Natural vitamin A derivative
Strength	Stronger	Gentler
Main use	Acne	Aging + texture
Conversion	Active form (no conversion)	Needs conversion in skin
Irritation risk	Moderate	Mild to moderate
Photostable	Yes	No
OTC availability	Yes (0.1%)	Yes

Tip: If your main concern is acne, go for adapalene. If you're focused on fine lines, dullness, or aging, try retinol — or ask about prescription retinoids for a stronger effect.