About Adapalene Naphthoic acid derivative(a synthetic retinoid like compound), Anti-acne (Acne vulgaris). Indications for Adapalene Acne vulgaris Mechanism of Action of Adapalene Adapalene is a chemically stable retinoid-like compound and is a derivative of naphthoic acid. Adapalene binds to specific retinoic acid nuclear receptors and it normalizes differentiation of follicular epithelial cells resulting in decreased comedones (black and white heads) formation. Adapalene inhibits the chemotactic (directional) and chemo kinetic (random) responses of human polymorphonuclear leucocytes and also inhibits the formation of inflammatory mediators by inhibiting metabolism of arachidonic acid. Adapalene also modulates cellular differentiation, keratinization, and inflammatory processes. Children Related Information Use with caution Below12 years: contraindicated NEONATES: contraindicated