After looking over the information on the product Differin I can not see that it is much different from what all the others claim.   Most of the side effects are the same.  Dryness, scaling, sun sensitivity, burning, irritation, etc..  I think the thing that put Differin ahead of the other products is the fact that the differin product is more clear about what is going on during an acne breakout.  The do not push some miracle herb or berry.  They do not claim that every thing is going to be better in a matter of days.  There was no high pressure sales pitch.  I did find the package insert difficult to read.  I think they need to simplify the language on the insert.  Not every one is a chemist and can understand all the medical jargon.   The instruction say that the patients using the product should read the package inserts.   Well, unless that teenager is a collage honers student they are not going to be able to understand it either.  I do feel safer with this product because you have to see a doctor and get a prescription for it.  So it is regulated by the FDA.  Which means what they state ahas to be close to the truth.