Adapalene Gel 0.3%
Adapalene Gel 0.3%
Product Description
Encube Adapalene Gel 0.3% is a prescription-strength, fragrance-free topical retinoid gel formulated with the maximum 0.3% concentration of adapalene โ a third-generation retinoid best known under the brand name Differin. This minimalist 9-ingredient gel targets stubborn acne, clogged pores, post-acne marks, uneven texture and early signs of ageing, while staying oil-free and fungal-acne safe.
โจ Texture & Feel
Maximum Retinoid Strength
At 0.3%, this is triple the 0.1% strength sold over the counter โ the highest adapalene concentration available, reserved for prescription use.
Fungal-Acne Safe
Contains no esters, fatty acids, polysorbates or fermented ingredients, so it won't feed malassezia (fungal acne).
Bare-Bones Formula
Just 9 ingredients โ no fragrance, oils, silicones, sulfates or drying alcohols to irritate compromised skin.
Clinically Proven
In trials, adapalene 0.3% cut total acne lesions by roughly 49% at 12 weeks and outperformed the 0.1% strength.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Not recommended. As a retinoid, adapalene is contraindicated in pregnancy in the EU and is FDA Category C. Discontinue and consult a doctor if pregnant or trying to conceive.
Free of the esters, oils and fatty acids that feed malassezia, making it a safe retinoid choice for fungal-acne-prone skin.
Retinoids make skin more sun-reactive. Use at night and apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning, without exception.
Erythema, dryness, flaking and a possible breakout flare are common in weeks 2โ4, peaking around day 7 and easing with continued use.
Avoid pairing on the same night with AHAs/BHAs, vitamin C or other retinoids while adjusting, to limit irritation. Benzoyl peroxide pairs well (adapalene is stable with it).
Preserved with methylparaben. Well-tolerated by most, but worth noting if you specifically avoid parabens.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐งฌ Adapalene 0.3% Proven
A third-generation synthetic retinoid and the sole active. It normalises skin-cell turnover, unclogs pores, calms inflammation and stimulates collagen โ addressing acne, post-acne marks, texture and fine lines in one step.
- Trial data: Reduced total acne lesions ~49% at 12 weeks vs 39% for 0.1% and 27% for vehicle.
- Global improvement: ~75% of users achieved a โฅ2-grade improvement in acne severity by week 12.
- Beyond acne: 0.3% used for 6 months significantly reduced wrinkles; >80% of users reported smoother texture/scars at 24 weeks.
- Tolerability: Better tolerated than tretinoin and photostable, so it degrades less in light than older retinoids.
๐ฆ Propylene Glycol Proven
A humectant, solvent and skin-conditioning agent that draws water into skin to offset retinoid dryness, while keeping the adapalene evenly dissolved and stable.
- Safety: The CIR Expert Panel confirms it is non-toxic at cosmetic levels with no sensitisation in clinical studies.
- Low allergy risk: A 15-year study of 6,751 patients found a positive reaction in only ~0.31% of cases.
๐ง Carbomer Proven
A high-molecular-weight acrylic-acid polymer that gives the product its smooth gel texture and keeps the formula stable and evenly spreadable.
- Inert & safe: Its large molecular size means minimal skin penetration; it stays on the surface.
- Used sparingly: Typically present at 1% or less to avoid product pilling.
๐ก๏ธ Disodium EDTA Promising
A chelating agent that binds stray metal ions from water and packaging, protecting the formula's stability and helping preservatives work efficiently.
- Tolerability: Clinical patch testing showed no significant irritation at typical use levels.
- Note: It is a mild penetration enhancer, which can help actives absorb but may intensify them for very sensitive skin.
๐งช Methylparaben Promising
A preservative that protects the water-based gel from mould, fungus and bacteria, helping maintain a safe, stable product through its shelf life.
- Function: A widely used, effective preservative that also occurs naturally in some fruits like blueberries.
- Context: Research on parabens has been mixed; many studies have not found methylparaben to be harmful at cosmetic concentrations.
9 ingredients
Adapalene 0.3% (active), Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Poloxamer 182, Propylene Glycol, Water (Aqua), Sodium Hydroxide, Hydrochloric Acid.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use at night only. Wait until skin is fully dry after cleansing before applying to reduce irritation, and always finish your morning routine with sunscreen.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse Gently
Wash with a mild, non-medicated cleanser in the evening and pat skin dry. Wait a few minutes until completely dry.
Apply a Pea-Sized Amount
Spread a thin film over the entire affected area โ not just spots. A pea-sized amount covers the whole face.
Start Slow
Begin 2โ3 nights a week, then increase frequency as tolerated. Avoid the eyes, lips, nostrils and broken skin.
Moisturize & Protect
Follow with a moisturizer to buffer dryness. Every morning, apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ to protect sensitised skin.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have persistent mild-to-moderate acne or clogged pores
- OTC 0.1% adapalene stopped working and you want more strength
- You're targeting post-acne marks, texture or early fine lines
- You have oily or combination, fungal-acne-prone skin
- You prefer a short, fragrance-free ingredient list
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive
- You have very dry, eczema-prone or rosacea-prone skin
- You want instant results (retinoids take 8โ12+ weeks)
- You can't commit to daily sunscreen
- You specifically avoid all parabens
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Oil-free gel base regulates turnover and helps reduce shine and breakouts without adding grease.
Lightweight texture works across the T-zone; pair with moisturizer on drier cheeks.
Non-comedogenic and fungal-acne safe โ a gold-standard active for clearing and preventing breakouts.
Effective but drying. Buffer with moisturizer and reduce frequency to manage flaking.
Gentler than tretinoin, but 0.3% is potent. Patch test, start slow, and avoid if rosacea-prone.
๐ Results Timeline
Adjustment Phase
Skin begins acclimating. Dryness, flaking and mild stinging are common and usually peak around day 7.
~10โ40% experience irritationPossible Purge
Increased cell turnover can push out underlying congestion, causing a temporary breakout before clearing.
Common but temporaryVisible Clearing
Lesion counts noticeably drop and skin starts looking calmer and more even as the formula takes hold.
Significant lesion reductionMajor Improvement
Total acne lesions reduced by roughly half in trials, with most users seeing a clear improvement in severity.
~75% achieved โฅ2-grade improvementTexture, Scars & Anti-Ageing
With continued use, post-acne marks fade, texture smooths and fine lines soften thanks to boosted collagen.
>80% reported smoother textureโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Maximum-strength 0.3% adapalene โ more effective than OTC 0.1%
- Clinically proven for acne, scars, texture and wrinkles
- Better tolerated and more photostable than tretinoin
- Fragrance-free, oil-free, fungal-acne safe
- Affordable generic from an established Indian pharma maker
โ Criticized
- Causes dryness, flaking and an initial purge for many
- Not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Requires daily sunscreen and a lot of patience
- Contains methylparaben
- Prescription status varies by country
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Same active, OTC and no prescription needed. One-third the strength, so gentler but slower โ a great starting point before stepping up to 0.3%.
OTC adapalene 0.1% in a slightly more cushioned, pharmacy-grade base. Lower strength but easier to find without a prescription.
A gentle cosmetic-grade retinoid, not a drug retinoid. Much lower irritation and no prescription, but less proven and slower for acne.
A cosmetic-grade adapalene derivative sold without prescription. Gentler and more accessible, but with less clinical backing than true adapalene gel.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Encube Adapalene 0.3% Gel (This Product)
$ BudgetDifferin Adapalene 0.1% Gel (OTC)
$15โ30Galderma Aklief (Trifarotene 0.005%)
~$530Generic Tretinoin 0.05% Cream
~$30โ140๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
Approximately 12 months after opening; do not use past the printed expiry date.
Store in a cool, dry place below 25ยฐC, away from direct sunlight. Keep the cap closed.
Sealed tube, which protects the photo-stable gel and limits air exposure.
Yes โ the small tube is well under the 100ml cabin-baggage limit.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
No. Adapalene is a retinoid, and topical retinoids are contraindicated in pregnancy in the EU and classed as FDA Pregnancy Category C. Although skin absorption is very low, the safety profile during pregnancy has not been established, so it should be discontinued if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive. Always consult your doctor.
Yes. The formula contains no esters, fatty acids, polysorbates or fermented ingredients that feed malassezia yeast, so it is considered fungal-acne safe. In fact, retinoids like adapalene are often recommended to help manage fungal-acne-prone skin alongside antifungal care.
Avoid layering it on the same night with other retinoids, vitamin C or AHAs/BHAs while your skin is adjusting, as this raises irritation. Once acclimated, you can alternate them on different days or use vitamin C in the morning. Benzoyl peroxide is a good partner โ adapalene is stable with it and the two are often combined.
It performs best on oily, combination and acne-prone skin thanks to its oil-free gel base. Dry, sensitive, eczema-prone or rosacea-prone skin can still use it but should patch test, start slowly and buffer heavily with moisturizer, since 0.3% is a potent strength.
Patience is essential. Many people see a temporary purge in weeks 2โ4, clearer skin around weeks 8โ12 (trials showed roughly a 49% reduction in lesions at 12 weeks), and continued improvement in texture, marks and fine lines over 6 months and beyond.
Use it at night only. Cleanse, wait until skin is fully dry, apply a thin pea-sized layer of the gel, then follow with moisturizer. In the morning, always finish with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ since retinoids increase sun sensitivity.
No โ it is non-comedogenic with a comedogenic rating of about 1/5. Adapalene actively unclogs pores and prevents new comedones from forming, and the oil-free, silicone-free gel base won't contribute to congestion.
Around 12 months after opening when stored correctly in a cool, dry place. Always check the printed expiry date on the tube and do not use the product beyond it.
Verdict: Encube Adapalene Gel 0.3% delivers maximum-strength, prescription-grade retinoid power in a clean, fragrance-free, fungal-acne-safe formula at a generic-friendly price. It is one of the most proven actives for clearing acne, fading post-acne marks and smoothing texture, and is better tolerated than tretinoin. The trade-offs are the usual retinoid ones โ an adjustment period of dryness and purging, mandatory daily sunscreen, a methylparaben preservative, and a strict no during pregnancy. For committed, oily or acne-prone users who can be patient, it's an excellent, results-backed step up from OTC 0.1% adapalene.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinโs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging ยซpromisesยป it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Adapalene
|
Ache-fighting
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Texture
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
Carbomer
Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
|
|
|
| 1 |
Disodium EDTA
Viscosity Controlling, Chelating Agent
|
|
|
| 4 |
Methylparaben
Fragrance, Preservative
|
|
|
| 2 |
Poloxamer 182
Surfactant, Emulsifying
|
|