Adapalene Gel in Pakistan 2026: Adapco, Differin and Other Options Compared (With Prices)

If you search for acne treatment in Pakistan, you'll keep running into one name: Adapco gel. It's adapalene, a retinoid that dermatologists often prescribe as the first long-term acne treatment, and the local version costs less than a face wash.

Here's what adapalene does, which version to buy, and how to use it so you get clear skin instead of a red, flaky face.

What is adapalene?

Adapalene is a third-generation retinoid, part of the vitamin A family along with tretinoin and retinol. It was designed to be more stable and less irritating than tretinoin while still working on acne.

It does three things:

• Unclogs pores and stops dead skin from blocking them, so fewer blackheads and whiteheads (kil) form.
• Calms inflammation, which helps red pimples settle.
• Speeds up skin renewal, which slowly fades the dark marks pimples leave behind.

Because it prevents acne rather than drying out single pimples, it works on the whole face over weeks, not overnight. In the US it has been sold without a prescription at 0.1% since 2016, which says a lot about how well it's tolerated.

Adapco gel and other adapalene options in Pakistan

Adapco gel 0.1% (Rs 298) is the one most dermatologists and pharmacists will hand you. Mimpal (Rs 257) and Gallet (Rs 298) are adapalene in a cream base, which feels more comfortable on dry or normal skin. Gel suits oily skin better.

What about Differin? Differin is the original international brand of adapalene. The Differin gel sold in Pakistan is listed on Derma.pk as adapalene 0.1% with benzoyl peroxide 2.5% (about Rs 495), which is stronger and more drying than adapalene alone. Check the box before you buy so you know which one you have.

Bensolene (Rs 325) also combines adapalene with benzoyl peroxide. These combinations work faster on red, inflamed pimples, but expect more dryness.

0.1% or 0.3%: which strength should you use?

• Start with 0.1% (Adapco, Mimpal, Gallet, Adiff). It's effective for most people and much easier to tolerate.
• Adapco Forte 0.3% is stronger and more irritating. It makes sense for stubborn acne, oily skin that has already adjusted to 0.1%, or acne on the back and chest. Ideally step up on a dermatologist's advice.

Higher strength doesn't mean faster results if the irritation makes you stop.

How do you use adapalene gel?

1. Wash your face at night with a gentle face wash and pat dry.
2. Wait a few minutes until your skin is fully dry.
3. Use a pea-sized amount for the whole face. Spread a thin layer over all the areas where you break out, not just on the pimples you can see. Adapalene prevents the next pimples.
4. Avoid the eyes, lips and corners of the nose.
5. Moisturise afterwards if your skin feels tight.
6. Use sunblock every morning. Retinoids make skin more sensitive to sun, and sun makes acne marks darker. Our sunblock for oily skin guide has light, non-greasy options.

How often: every other night for the first two to four weeks, then every night if your skin is comfortable.

How long does adapalene take to work?

• Weeks 1 to 4: dryness, mild peeling, sometimes a breakout as hidden clogs come to the surface.
• Weeks 8 to 12: noticeably fewer new pimples and blackheads.
• Months 3 to 6: smoother texture and faded marks.

Give it at least 12 weeks before deciding it doesn't work. Once your skin is clear, many dermatologists suggest continuing a few nights a week to keep acne from coming back.

Side effects of adapalene

• Dryness, peeling and tightness: the most common. Use a plain moisturiser and cut back to every other night.
• Redness and stinging: usually mild and temporary.
• Sun sensitivity: use sunblock and avoid long midday sun.
• Initial breakout: usually settles within four to six weeks.

Stop and see a doctor if you get swelling, blisters or a spreading rash.

Who should not use adapalene?

• Pregnant women or anyone trying to conceive. Retinoids are avoided in pregnancy.
• People with eczema or very sensitive skin, unless a dermatologist advises it.
• On sunburnt, broken or freshly waxed skin.

Adapco vs Acdermin vs Skin-A

People often compare these three, but they're different medicines:

Acdermin should be a short course. Using antibiotic creams for months lets acne bacteria become resistant. If you're on it, a dermatologist will usually move you to adapalene or benzoyl peroxide for maintenance.

For more on tretinoin, read our Skin-A cream guide.

What can you combine with adapalene?

• Benzoyl peroxide: works well with adapalene (that's why combination gels exist). Use benzoyl peroxide in the morning or as a wash. Our acne face wash guide lists options.
• Niacinamide: helps oil control and marks, and is gentle enough to use alongside.
• Moisturiser and sunblock: always.

Avoid using AHA/BHA exfoliants, scrubs or another retinoid on the same night.

How we wrote this guide

We checked the product names, strengths and prices on Derma.pk on 8 November 2026 and based the usage advice on standard dermatology guidance for topical adapalene. We don't take payment from any brand mentioned. If your acne is painful, leaves deep scars or doesn't improve after three months, see a dermatologist; you may need a different treatment. Our best acne cream in Pakistan guide covers the other options.