Gel Adapalene 0.1%
Why this score
Concern55 / 55
- No ingredients carry meaningful, evidence-backed concern.
How much genuine, cited concern the ingredients carry, weighted by how much of each is likely present and whether the product stays on or rinses off.
Transparency20 / 20
- No hidden fragrance blend.
Whether the full ingredient list, and any fragrance, are actually disclosed.
Formulation restraint25 / 25
- No needless irritants or fragrance allergens for this product type.
Needless irritant or allergen load for the product type. A clean, purposeful formula scores well without any "free-from" theater.
Scored by PlainBody Editorial against the PlainScore method · Label checked July 2026
What’s inside
Isopropyl AlcoholGenerally safe
A fast-evaporating solvent used to carry actives and create a light, quick-drying texture in toners and washes. At the concentrations used in rinse-off and brief-contact formulas, it has a well-established safety record, though repeated contact with high-concentration formulas can be drying.
Full ingredient details →WaterGenerally safe
The base most products are built on. It carries the other ingredients and has no safety concern.
Full ingredient details →CarbomerGenerally safe
Carbomer is a synthetic polymer used purely to thicken and stabilize gels and lotions, with negligible skin penetration due to its large molecular size. Safety reviews have found low toxicity and minimal irritation potential even in leave-on use.
Full ingredient details →Poloxamer 184Generally safe
A non-ionic block copolymer surfactant used to solubilize oils and stabilize emulsions in cosmetic formulations. Published data support a favorable safety profile at cosmetic-use concentrations.
Full ingredient details →Disodium EDTACommonly feared, low concern
A chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working properly. It is not a functional skincare "active" and only a very small amount is used, with minimal skin penetration expected.
Full ingredient details →Titanium DioxideCommonly feared, low concern
A mineral UV filter and white pigment used in sunscreens and makeup. It sits on the skin surface rather than being absorbed, and major regulators consider it safe for topical cosmetic use.
Full ingredient details →Citric AcidGenerally safe
Used in tiny amounts to set a product to skin-friendly pH. No concern at those levels.
Full ingredient details →Sodium HydroxideGenerally safe
A strong alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust the pH of cosmetics to safe, skin-friendly levels. At the pH found in finished products, sodium hydroxide is neutralized and well tolerated.
Full ingredient details →Some links are affiliate links. They never change a score.
Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. Concern ratings are evidence-graded and cited on each ingredient page. See how we score.