# Adapalene in Nigeria

- Source: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/adapalene/
- Drug class: Topical retinoid (acne treatment) (Dermatology)
- Also known as: Differin, Adapalene gel, Epiflin
- Prescription required: no
- Last updated: September 2026

## Price in Nigeria

Our sampled online listings held no stable adapalene price this cycle, so we quote none. It sells as a 15–30g tube of 0.1% gel from pharmacies, with price varying by brand and import route. Ask a licensed pharmacy, and check the tube's NAFDAC registration before paying — acne products are a common target for unregistered imports.

## What is Adapalene?

Adapalene is a topical retinoid — a vitamin-A-derived gel applied to the skin to treat acne. It works by normalising how skin cells shed inside pores, so blackheads and whiteheads stop forming, and by calming the inflammation that turns blocked pores into angry pimples. In Nigeria it sells as a 0.1% gel; internationally the best-known brand is Differin, and NAFDAC-registered equivalents here include Epiflin and Norbacare.

It is a treatment for the coming weeks' skin, not tonight's pimple: adapalene prevents new spots from forming, and the visible payoff arrives over 8–12 weeks of nightly use. Many people's skin looks slightly worse in weeks 2–4 before it looks better — a known settling-in effect, not a sign the gel is fake or failing.

Unlike the steroid combination creams widely sold in Nigerian markets, adapalene is actually meant for acne. Triple- and quadruple-action steroid creams make acne worse with continued use; adapalene is the evidence-backed alternative for pimples.

## What is Adapalene used for?

- Mild to moderate acne — blackheads, whiteheads and inflamed pimples on the face, chest or back
- Keeping acne-prone skin clear with continued nightly use
- As the retinoid half of combination acne treatment (with benzoyl peroxide or an oral antibiotic) for more severe acne

## Dosage

Always follow a doctor's or pharmacist's instructions; this is general reference information.

- Adults: Apply a thin layer to the whole acne-prone area (not just individual spots) once daily at night, on clean, dry skin. A pea-sized amount covers the face. Wash hands after applying. Expect 8–12 weeks of nightly use before judging whether it works; do not apply more often to speed it up — that only increases irritation.
- Children: Suitable for teenagers with acne (12 years and older). Not for younger children except on a doctor's advice.
- Elderly: Acne is uncommon after middle age — if new 'acne' appears later in life, see a pharmacist or doctor to check what it actually is before treating it.

Use a moisturiser (adapalene dries the skin, especially in the first weeks) and sunscreen or sun avoidance — treated skin burns more easily. Do not apply to broken skin, eczema or sunburn, and keep it away from eyes, lips and nostrils.

## Side effects

Common: Dryness, peeling, mild burning or stinging where applied — usually worst in weeks 1–4, then settles; Redness and skin irritation; Temporary worsening of breakouts in the first month (the settling-in flare); Increased sensitivity to sunlight.

Serious (seek medical help immediately): Severe irritation, blistering or swelling — stop and see a pharmacist or doctor; Allergic reaction: spreading rash, itching, swelling of the face.

When to see a doctor: See a pharmacist or doctor if irritation is severe or not settling after the first month, if there is no improvement at all after 12 weeks of nightly use, or if acne is deep, scarring or cystic — that grade needs more than a gel.

## Warnings

Do not take if: Known allergy to adapalene or any component of the gel; Broken, eczematous or sunburnt skin; Pregnancy — as a retinoid, adapalene is not recommended during pregnancy; tell your pharmacist if you are pregnant or planning to be.

Interactions: Other drying or peeling products (strong soaps, alcohol-based toners, salicylic acid scrubs) — the irritation adds up; introduce one thing at a time; Waxing treated skin can tear it — avoid waxing areas under treatment.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Not recommended in pregnancy: although very little topical adapalene reaches the bloodstream, retinoids as a class are avoided while pregnant. While breastfeeding, avoid applying it on or near the chest and use only on a pharmacist's or doctor's advice.

## Brands in Nigeria

Well-known NAFDAC-registered brands: Epiflin (Akso Pharmaceutical Nigeria Limited, made in China); Norbacare (Norbarc Pharmaceutical Limited, made in India).
Full searchable brand list: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/adapalene/brands/

## How to verify it is genuine

1. Check the tube and carton for the NAFDAC registration number — Epiflin gel carries A4-101036, Norbacare A4-100668
2. Enter the number in our free NAFDAC checker and confirm it matches the product and maker printed on the pack
3. Buy from a registered pharmacy — imported 'Differin' with no NAFDAC number on the pack cannot be verified here
4. Be wary of any acne product that promises visible results in days: genuine retinoids take weeks, and the products that promise otherwise usually contain undeclared steroids

Verify any NAFDAC number free (no login): https://ogbogwu.com/nafdac-checker/

## FAQs

### Is Epiflin gel NAFDAC approved?

Yes — Epiflin 1 mg (0.1%) adapalene gel, registered to Akso Pharmaceutical Nigeria Limited, carries NAFDAC registration A4-101036, recorded as Active in our copy of the register. Confirm the number printed on your tube matches in our free NAFDAC checker before you buy.

### How long does adapalene take to work?

Plan for 8–12 weeks of nightly use before judging it. Many people see their skin get slightly worse in weeks 2–4 — a known settling-in effect as pores clear — before steady improvement. Applying it more often does not speed this up; it only adds irritation.

### Can I use adapalene instead of a triple action cream for pimples?

Yes — and you should. The steroid combination creams widely sold for 'everything' actually worsen acne with continued use and thin the skin. Adapalene is designed for acne, works without steroids, and is safe for the months-long use acne treatment takes.

## Sources

- NAFDAC Greenbook (official register of approved products in Nigeria)
- British National Formulary (BNF)
- Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health)