---
product_id: 165666177
title: "Acne Free Adapalene Gel"
brand: "acnefree"
price: "R850"
currency: ZAR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 8
category: "Acne Free"
url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/165666177-acne-free-adapalene-gel
store_origin: ZA
region: South Africa
---

# Once-daily application 0.1% Adapalene retinoid strength Oil-free, fragrance-free formula Acne Free Adapalene Gel

**Brand:** acnefree
**Price:** R850
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> ✨ Clear skin, zero hassle — your daily glow-up essential!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Acne Free Adapalene Gel by acnefree
- **How much does it cost?** R850 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/165666177-acne-free-adapalene-gel)

## Best For

- acnefree enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted acnefree brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Gentle Yet Effective:** Less irritation than prescription retinoids—perfect for sensitive, oily skin types
- • **Science-Backed Skincare:** Trusted by dermatologists and loved by thousands for consistent acne improvement
- • **Clean & Clear Confidence:** Oil-free, fragrance-free formula that won’t bleach fabrics or clog pores
- • **Effortless Daily Routine:** Just one application a day for effective acne control without complicated steps
- • **Clinically Proven Retinoid Power:** Unclogs pores & smooths skin with dermatologist-developed 0.1% Adapalene gel

## Overview

AcneFree Adapalene Gel 0.1% is a dermatologist-developed, once-daily topical retinoid treatment designed to unclog pores, reduce whiteheads and blackheads, and improve acne-prone skin. This oil-free, fragrance-free gel offers a gentle yet effective formula that minimizes irritation compared to prescription retinoids, making it ideal for sensitive and oily skin. Backed by clinical research and thousands of positive reviews, it supports a streamlined skincare routine that delivers visible results over consistent use.

## Description

What is Adapalene? A derivative of vitamin A, Adapalene Gel 0.1% is a member of the retinoid ingredient family and previously only available by prescription. Retinoids help slow down the accumulation of dead skin cells in the pores, which is a main contributor to breakouts. Retinoids help prevent and improve white heads and blackheads. Studies show that compared to other retinoids, Adapalene gel 0.1% causes less irritation to the skin. Adapalene Gel is Oil-Free, Fragrance-Free and dermatologist developed. Is Adapalene Right For Me? Adapalene Gel is suggested for the treatment of acne blemishes, including blackheads, whiteheads and clogged pores. It only needs to be applied once-daily, which is ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to spend a long time on their skincare routine. This product does not contain benzoyl peroxide, which means it won’t bleach your sheets and towels! What to Expect? Adapalene Gel may take up to 3 months of once-daily use to start seeing smoother and clearer skin. Unlike other OTC topical treatments that dry up acne overnight, adapalene works under the skin to unclog pores and clear up acne pimples. You may also experience some dryness and irritation while your skin is adjusting to the treatment.

Review: You got this! Just be prepared for the ride. And hang on! - Started June 8th, today is July 11, 2025 Tips that are very important if you are starting: Keep away from eyes and mouth! Wait to bring it closer once your face gets use to it. My regimen includes Vanicream facial Daily moisturizer, which is really good. You can use one layer that soaks into skin, or add a second for it to sit on skin. Then I use Versed retinol eye balm to protect my eyes and mouth but still get the retinol. I then use a pea size amount of this adapalene around my face and nose, avoiding EYES and MOUTH. Then I put an another layer of vanicream facial moisturizer still avoiding my eye lids and lips. I made the mistake using it on my eyes and mouth, my eyes felt like they weren’t producing tears for a week, and my lips were peeling so bad, it felt like plastic on my lips that hurt so bad if I smiled. I did have to purchase the Cerave healing balm because that happened, and that balm did speed the healing. But because I over did it, I had to take longer breaks. However it does say on the directions avoid eyes and mouth I believe, and I ignored it lol. I did purge but also still am. My acne is below my skin, my face is bumpy to touch although it’s not much visible, that’s why I started adapalene. I’m glad everything is coming to the surface. And if you have acne like that, you will benefit from this product. During the day I use the vanicream daily facial moisturizer and sunblock. To wash my face, I use Cerave Hydrating face wash. It has no suds but my face can feel tight at times so it’s still the best for where I’m at right now. I’m one month in. And I’m proud of myself for not giving up, my skin is changing and the adapalene isn’t as harsh as it was in the beginning. I’ll update later on progress. Also my skin when I started adapalene was dry acne prone sensitive.. my face is changing to balanced acne prone, sensitive still because of the adapalene, tightness more so but not anything the vanicream can’t fix. I’m still in the beginning of this journey. These products helped me. The Sephora mineral sunblock I got on sale for 5 bucks, it’s really good and moisturizing. I thought people should know an honest experience and that you don’t have to get the trends of skincare, find what works, and what works for your wallet. Update Aug 18th, 2025 My skin is still purging. However, my skin is brighter, and there is a noticeable difference in my acne scars. Texture has improved, pores are smaller, and my skin is no longer very dry. Some days are better than others. If I didn’t take photos, I wouldn’t be able to appreciate it as much as I do with being able to see the changes. I feel the changes in my cheeks when I wash, less bumps inside, but they are still showing up.. which is a good thing. They use to just be stuck in my cheeks. The adapalene speeds up the process for sure. 3 months in, acne has not stopped though. It’s a process for sure. Update Sept 25 2025 September 12 I switched to tretinoin. I was none stop purging with adapalene. The adapalene was an excellent starting point. But I don’t purge with the tretinoin. I started using the Parnell calming line at the same time and I have no more inflammation or itchiness. I think using something calming whether it’s a toner or serum with adapaline is a good idea. Something with centella.
Review: Tried and True - Adapalene is simply a great product. I think people assume it’s not powerful because it’s OTC, but the fact that it’s well tolerated compared to prescription retinols is what makes it more effective. You can use it without major irritation, without totally drying your skin, and consistent use is the key — not strength. I use it every other night before bed. I layer it with a moisturizer. In the winter it can make my skin a little flaky, but even then my skin isn’t dry, it’s just renewing. No flaking in the rest of the year. Unscented. Non-greasy. Non-irritating. I’m 36 and regularly told I look like I’m in my 20s. Have been using adapalene for at least about 8-9 years.

## Features

- Daily Acne Treatment: This once-daily topical retinoid acne treatment, previously only available by prescription, is formulated to unclog pores and clear acne; Dermatologist developed and tested; Oil free and fragrance free
- Dermatology Inspired Care: Our products offer hydration, soothing, detoxifying and mattifying benefits to help ensure your skin looks and feels healthy and help maintain your skin’s balance with consistent use
- Healthy Skin Solutions: We carry a full line of treatment kits, cleansers, moisturizers, detox masks, scrubs, creams, toners and other targeted solutions for sensitive, oily and acne prone skin
- Dermatologist Recommended: Built on a foundation of dermatological science and research, doctors consistently recommend our products to men, women, teens and adults in need of gentle yet effective acne treatment
- AcneFree delivers proven results combining acne-fighting & caring ingredients to treat acne breakouts and balance your skin. AcneFree is committed to deliver quality products for oily & acne prone skin. It does not guarantee that you will be free of acne.

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B07V2BRPVS |
| Active Ingredients | glycolic_acid, lactic_acid, salicylic_acid |
| Brand | AcneFree |
| Brand Name | AcneFree |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 8,755 Reviews |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00850039795091 |
| Item Form | Gel |
| Item Weight | 2.27 ounces |
| Manufacturer | AmazonUs/EMCW9 |
| Material Features | Oil Free |
| Product Benefits | Anti-Acne |
| Scent | Unscented |
| Scent Name | Unscented |
| Size | 1.6 Ounce (Pack of 1) |
| Skin Type | Sensitive, Oily |
| Special Ingredients | Niacinamide |
| Target Use Body Part | Face |
| Unit Count | 1.6 Ounce |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** AcneFree
- **Item Form:** Gel
- **Product Benefits:** Anti-Acne
- **Scent:** Unscented
- **Skin Type:** Sensitive, Oily

## Images

![Acne Free Adapalene Gel - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71SNGEviqbL.jpg)
![Acne Free Adapalene Gel - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61UAN18vgKL.jpg)
![Acne Free Adapalene Gel - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/817iQ8QLIwL.jpg)
![Acne Free Adapalene Gel - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71mJcYkhZHL.jpg)
![Acne Free Adapalene Gel - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/916H61G0D8L.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Size** options.

## Questions & Answers

**Q: does this help with scars?**
A: This absolutely helped fade my acne scars super quickly. I have fairly light skin, so that may be a factor in my scarring and how the adapalene works to help it. But I use this 5 nights a week, 10% azaleic acid 2 nights a week, and 5% niacinamide & at least an SPF40 during the daytime, and my skin is completely transformed & even better than it was before some bad breakouts. I hope this helps!

**Q: Is this vegan?**
A: YES all these ingredients can be made synthetically or extracted from fruit, but note that propylene glycol USED to be made from the glycerine in animal fat. But that is just not done anymore.

**Q: Does it only make skin sensitive to sun while the product is on the skin? can i use it at night and wash out next morning? i don't use sunscreen daily**
A: Its suggested to apply this product x1 daily at night. Wash face in AM as normal. Renoids make your skin sensitive to sunlight even after you have washed product off. Its advised to wear Sunscreen daily during use of product & up to 2 weeks afterwards (Even though it's recommended to wear SPF daily regardless). It takes the outter layer of dead skin cells off, making skin more prone to burn which makes the skin barrier not as strong. And this can result in hyperpigmentation, skin sensitivity and overall increase in irritation to the skin. 

**never use product during the daytime. Moisturize well during use. Apply a vitamin C in AM helps also!

**Q: Is adapalene the same as tretinoin .05% cream used for avoiding wrinkes?**
A: They are both retinoids. Tretinoin is a first generation that targets all 3 retinoic acid receptors (RAR), while Adapalene is a third generation retinoid that targets two (beta and gamma).  4th generation retinoids (Aklief) target just one, gamma, which is more abundant in our skin I believe. Adapalene/Differin has not been studied extensively for its effects on wrinkles and photoaging, so it can't be described as such. But there isn't any evidence it doesn't affect wrinkles. There are anecdotal accounts of it working, and there was one study on 0.3% adapalene (prescription only) that there is an effect, but it was funded by Galderma the maker of Differin and Aklief. So some people discount it's validity.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ You got this! Just be prepared for the ride. And hang on!
*by N***A on July 11, 2025*

Started June 8th, today is July 11, 2025 Tips that are very important if you are starting: Keep away from eyes and mouth! Wait to bring it closer once your face gets use to it. My regimen includes Vanicream facial Daily moisturizer, which is really good. You can use one layer that soaks into skin, or add a second for it to sit on skin. Then I use Versed retinol eye balm to protect my eyes and mouth but still get the retinol. I then use a pea size amount of this adapalene around my face and nose, avoiding EYES and MOUTH. Then I put an another layer of vanicream facial moisturizer still avoiding my eye lids and lips. I made the mistake using it on my eyes and mouth, my eyes felt like they weren’t producing tears for a week, and my lips were peeling so bad, it felt like plastic on my lips that hurt so bad if I smiled. I did have to purchase the Cerave healing balm because that happened, and that balm did speed the healing. But because I over did it, I had to take longer breaks. However it does say on the directions avoid eyes and mouth I believe, and I ignored it lol. I did purge but also still am. My acne is below my skin, my face is bumpy to touch although it’s not much visible, that’s why I started adapalene. I’m glad everything is coming to the surface. And if you have acne like that, you will benefit from this product. During the day I use the vanicream daily facial moisturizer and sunblock. To wash my face, I use Cerave Hydrating face wash. It has no suds but my face can feel tight at times so it’s still the best for where I’m at right now. I’m one month in. And I’m proud of myself for not giving up, my skin is changing and the adapalene isn’t as harsh as it was in the beginning. I’ll update later on progress. Also my skin when I started adapalene was dry acne prone sensitive.. my face is changing to balanced acne prone, sensitive still because of the adapalene, tightness more so but not anything the vanicream can’t fix. I’m still in the beginning of this journey. These products helped me. The Sephora mineral sunblock I got on sale for 5 bucks, it’s really good and moisturizing. I thought people should know an honest experience and that you don’t have to get the trends of skincare, find what works, and what works for your wallet. Update Aug 18th, 2025 My skin is still purging. However, my skin is brighter, and there is a noticeable difference in my acne scars. Texture has improved, pores are smaller, and my skin is no longer very dry. Some days are better than others. If I didn’t take photos, I wouldn’t be able to appreciate it as much as I do with being able to see the changes. I feel the changes in my cheeks when I wash, less bumps inside, but they are still showing up.. which is a good thing. They use to just be stuck in my cheeks. The adapalene speeds up the process for sure. 3 months in, acne has not stopped though. It’s a process for sure. Update Sept 25 2025 September 12 I switched to tretinoin. I was none stop purging with adapalene. The adapalene was an excellent starting point. But I don’t purge with the tretinoin. I started using the Parnell calming line at the same time and I have no more inflammation or itchiness. I think using something calming whether it’s a toner or serum with adapaline is a good idea. Something with centella.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Tried and True
*by A***R on February 18, 2026*

Adapalene is simply a great product. I think people assume it’s not powerful because it’s OTC, but the fact that it’s well tolerated compared to prescription retinols is what makes it more effective. You can use it without major irritation, without totally drying your skin, and consistent use is the key — not strength. I use it every other night before bed. I layer it with a moisturizer. In the winter it can make my skin a little flaky, but even then my skin isn’t dry, it’s just renewing. No flaking in the rest of the year. Unscented. Non-greasy. Non-irritating. I’m 36 and regularly told I look like I’m in my 20s. Have been using adapalene for at least about 8-9 years.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Works well
*by A***E on April 19, 2026*

Great at clearing up your skin & preventing future breakouts

## Frequently Bought Together

- Acne Free Adapalene Gel 0.1%, Once-Daily Topical Retinoid Acne Treatment, Dermatologist Developed, Unclogs Pores and Clears Acne, Prevents and Improve Whiteheads and Blackheads, 1.6 Ounce
- CeraVe Renewing Salicylic Acid Cleanser, Formulated With Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, & Ceramides, Gentle BHA Exfoliating Face Wash Smooths & Softens Skin, Non Comedogenic & Fragrance Free, 16 Ounce

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*Product available on Desertcart South Africa*
*Store origin: ZA*
*Last updated: 2026-05-08*