Retinoid (Vitamin A-based skin treatment)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Adapalene is a skin cream or gel made from a form of Vitamin A that works by speeding up how fast your skin renews itself, unblocking pores and reducing swelling to help clear up pimples.
Binds to retinoic acid receptors (RARs) on skin cells, promoting cell turnover, normalizing keratinocyte differentiation, and reducing sebum production and comedone formation. Also decreases skin inflammation by suppressing inflammatory cytokines involved in acne pathogenesis.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Wash your face with a mild cleanser and pat dry. Apply a thin layer of the gel (like Epiflin 1 mg Gel) to the affected area once a day at night before bed. Use only a pea-sized amount for your whole face — do not overdo it. It may take 4 to 8 weeks before you see clear improvement, so be patient.
If you forget to apply it at night, just skip that night and apply it as normal the next evening. Do not apply extra the next day to make up for it.
Your skin may look worse before it gets better in the first 2 to 4 weeks — this is normal, so don't give up. Always use sunscreen during the day because adapalene makes your skin very sensitive to sunlight, and Nigerian sun is strong. Buy from a reputable pharmacy — products like Epiflin Gel should come properly sealed, not from roadside vendors or open market sellers.
Avoid using other strong skin products like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid toners, or harsh scrubs at the same time unless your doctor says so, as they can cause serious irritation. Do not use products containing sulphur or resorcinol together with adapalene. Waxing on treated skin areas can damage the skin — avoid it.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Adapalene with your other drugs?
Do not use adapalene if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding — it belongs to a class of Vitamin A products that can be harmful to your baby.
Store at room temperature below 30°C. Keep the tube tightly closed and away from direct sunlight and heat — do not leave it on a window ledge or in a hot car. Keep out of reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Adapalene?
Clinical tools built for Nigerian pharmacists — launching soon.