Differin 0.1% Cream For Acne is a topical (applied to the skin) cream which contains the retinoid adapalene, the first over-the-counter active ingredient for acne in more than 30 years. Each gram of Differin cream contains 1 mg (or 0.1%) of adapalene as the active ingredient. Adapalene is a third-generation topical retinoid primarily used in the treatment of mild-moderate acne. Adapalene treats acne deep in the pores at the source, prevents new acne from forming and, as a result of reduced acne, restores your skin’s natural texture and tone. It may decrease the number and severity of acne pimples and promote quick healing of pimples that do develop. Differin cream may be used alone or with other medications.