Adapalene — UK price comparison
What adapalene costs from UK pharmacies and online skin services: typical prices for Differin-type treatment, consultation rules, and how it compares with tretinoin.
Prices checked: 9 July 2026· Indicative treatment-service prices, not quotes
At a glance
- Typical private cost: £15–£40 per month depending on strength and service model
- Some adapalene gels are pharmacy medicines after a pharmacist check; others need a prescription
- Used mainly for acne; milder than tretinoin for many people but still a medicinal retinoid
- Must not be used in pregnancy or when trying to conceive
- Daily SPF is advised because retinoids increase sun sensitivity
- Only buy from GPhC-registered pharmacies
Typical private cost
£15 – £40/month
per month; pharmacy-medicine packs and prescription clinic plans both common
Compare Adapalene treatment services
All providers listed are GPhC-registered pharmacies or their linked online prescribing services. Prices are the pharmacy's own current service prices — where we haven't verified a price, check it on the pharmacy's site. Ordering is always subject to the pharmacy's own consultation.
| Pharmacy | Service price | What's included | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
| BootsGPhC premises no. 1096181View profile & rating | Check current price | Pharmacist suitability check · In-store or online supply | Visit pharmacy |
| Superdrug PharmacyGPhC premises no. 9010736View profile & rating | Check current price | Pharmacist advice · In-store or online supply | Visit pharmacy |
| Dermatica | Check current price | Photo consultation · Personalised plan · Delivery | Visit pharmacy |
| Skin + Me | Check current price | Photo consultation · Personalised formulation · Delivery | Visit pharmacy |
Pick My Pharmacy is an independent comparison service and not a pharmacy. Where a listing is a referral partner we may earn a commission when you visit them — this never changes prices you pay, ratings, or the order providers appear. Affiliate links use rel="sponsored" and are labelled “Ad – Affiliate”. For Prescription Only Medicines we promote the pharmacy’s clinical service, not a specific medicine, in line with the MHRA Blue Guide. See our affiliate compliance.
What the price covers
High-street and online pharmacies often sell adapalene gel as a pharmacy medicine after a short suitability check, with the shelf price covering the pack itself. Online skin clinics may bundle adapalene into a monthly acne plan with photos, clinician review, and delivery — which looks more expensive but includes ongoing support. Compare the strength and pack size, and check whether you are paying for a one-off gel or a subscription.
Adapalene vs tretinoin
Both are topical retinoids used in acne care. Adapalene is often better tolerated for everyday acne treatment; tretinoin is stronger and more often used in photoageing protocols through prescription skin services. Which is appropriate depends on your skin and goals — a pharmacist or prescriber decides, not a price table. Cosmetic retinol creams are weaker still and are not interchangeable with either medicine.
How to get it safely
For pharmacy-medicine adapalene, expect questions about pregnancy, eczema, and other skin treatments. For prescription strengths or combinations, expect a photo consultation. Avoid unregulated sites selling prescription retinoids with no checks. If acne is severe, scarring, or sudden, see a GP — online gels are not a substitute for dermatology where needed.
Safety
Dryness, redness, and peeling are common while skin adjusts. Do not use in pregnancy. Use sunscreen daily. This page compares typical treatment-service and pack prices — it is not medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a prescription for adapalene?▼
Not always. Some adapalene gels are pharmacy medicines a pharmacist can supply after a suitability check. Higher strengths or clinic combinations may still need a prescriber.
Is adapalene the same as Differin?▼
Differin is a brand of adapalene. Generics contain the same active ingredient when matched for strength.
Adapalene or tretinoin — which is cheaper?▼
Adapalene packs are often cheaper than tretinoin subscription clinics, but they are not always clinically interchangeable. Compare the service you actually need.
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