TARO Adapalene 0.1% USP Gel, Paraben Free, Retinoid Acne-Prone Facial Treatment for Sensitive Skin, Prescription Strength (0.5 Oz) Review

4.6 (1,800) Amazon rating$11.99

Our verdict

Taro's Adapalene 0.1% Gel offers a fragrance free, oil free, paraben free formula built around the retinoid adapalene, and its 4.6 star average across more than 1,800 ratings shows plenty of buyers stick with it. It's a straightforward option if you want an adapalene gel without added fragrance.

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Best for

People who want a fragrance free, oil free adapalene gel for acne-prone skin and are comfortable easing a retinoid into their routine.

Skip if

You are new to retinoids and want guidance from a dermatologist first, or your skin is currently irritated, since adapalene gels can be drying at first.

  • Priced 40% below the category median ($19.99 across 238 tracked models)

Our scorecard

4.6/5 overall
  • Owner rating4.6/5

    4.6 average across 1,800 owner ratings

  • Popularity3.9/5

    1,800 owner reviews, more than most models here

The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other women's everyday face care: moisturizers, face mists, facial kits, rollers, cleansing brushes and steamers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.

Overview

This gel is built around adapalene USP at 0.1% strength, a retinoid ingredient, in a fragrance free and oil free base. It comes in a jar, is meant for the face, and the brand markets it toward acne-prone, sensitive skin, with the formula also listed as paraben free.

At 0.5 ounces, the jar is on the smaller side, which makes it a reasonable way to try adapalene without committing to a large supply right away. Retinoid gels like this are typically used in small amounts, so a little tends to go a long way even in a compact container.

With a 4.6 star average across more than 1,800 ratings, this gel has built up a large, consistently positive review base over time. No monthly purchase count was reported recently, so it reads as a steady, established pick rather than a product with a current sales spike.

Pros

  • Contains adapalene 0.1%, a retinoid ingredient used in popular over the counter acne gels
  • Fragrance free and oil free formula
  • 4.6 star average across more than 1,800 ratings
  • Compact 0.5 ounce jar is an easy way to start

Cons

  • Small jar size means you will reorder often once you are using it regularly
  • Retinoids like adapalene can cause dryness or peeling as skin adjusts
  • No current monthly purchase count reported, so recent momentum is unclear

Performance notes

Adapalene is a retinoid, and this gel uses it at the standard 0.1% strength found in common over the counter acne formulas. Retinoids typically need a few weeks of consistent use before skin adjusts, and starting with a smaller amount every other night is a common way to ease in without overdoing it. This is general information, not medical advice, so anyone with ongoing skin concerns should also loop in a dermatologist.

What buyers say

With a 4.6 star average across more than 1,800 ratings, this gel has built up a large and consistently positive review base. The lack of a recent monthly purchase figure suggests it reads more like a steady, established pick than a trending bestseller right now.

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More from Taro

Similar women's everyday face care: moisturizers, face mists, facial kits, rollers, cleansing brushes and steamers to consider

Frequently asked questions

What is adapalene?

Adapalene is a retinoid ingredient commonly used in gels formulated for acne-prone skin. This listing does not make specific treatment claims, so if you have questions about how it fits your own skin concerns, a dermatologist is the best resource.

Is this gel fragrance free?

Yes, the formula is listed as fragrance free and oil free, which can make it a gentler starting point for people who are sensitive to added scents in their skincare.

How much should I use at a time?

Retinoid gels like this one are typically used in a small, pea sized amount, since a little goes a long way. Starting with a thin layer every other night is a common way to ease in while your skin adjusts.

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