Data as of Aug 25, 2026 · Based on 1,013 AI responses · Shares cover the last 30 days · See how Parse measures this
Acne Treatment Products
Parse
https://parse.gl
Differin has established itself as the top-recommended acne treatment, frequently cited for its accessible, over-the-counter retinoid adapalene. Across the board, AI responses have shifted from citing general medical advice to recommending specific, shoppable drugstore brands like and .
| # | Brand | What AI says | Mention rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The gold-standard OTC retinoid for preventing and treating most acne types. | 50% | |
| 2 | 34% | ||
| 3 | Often recommended for its Effaclar line, especially in starter kits for teens. | 27% | |
| 4 | Reserved for severe, cystic, or treatment-resistant acne requiring dermatologist supervision. | 14% | |
| 5 | 9% | ||
| 6 | 8% | ||
| 7 | 7% | ||
| 8 | Shifted from a primary source to a secondary reference for general guidelines. | 7% | |
| 9 | 7% | ||
| 10 | 7% | ||
| 11 | Cited for its effective benzoyl peroxide washes for inflammatory acne. | 6% | |
| 12 | 4% | ||
| 13 | 4% | ||
| 14 | 4% | ||
| 15 | 3% | ||
| 16 | 3% | ||
| 17 | 3% | ||
| 18 | 3% | ||
| 19 | 3% | ||
| 20 | 3% | ||
| 21 | 2% | ||
| 22 | 2% | ||
| 23 | 2% | ||
| 24 | 2% | ||
| 25 | 2% |
Who wins on each AI
The same market, seen by two models.
Sources AI cited
mayoclinic.org is the page AI reaches for most here, cited in 50% of analyzed answers.
“An example of the ingredient adapalene” → “A specific, shoppable product like 'Differin Gel,' often with retailer info”
Became the #3 most-cited brand by Mar 2026 after having no presence initially.
Dropped from the #1 cited source in Oct 2025 to #11 by Mar 2026.
Emerged from being unmentioned in Oct 2025 to the #2 rank by Mar 2026.
| Brand | ChatGPT Search | Google AI Mode | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43% | 49% | ||
| 19% | 40% | ||
| 16% | 40% | ||
| 16% | 15% | ||
| 4% | 19% |
The two models disagree most about EltaMD (ChatGPT #8, Google #25).
Across 1,013 AI responses, Differin is mentioned most, named in 50% of them, followed by L'Oréal (34%) and La Roche-Posay (27%).
Parse measures each brand's mention rate — the share of answers naming it — across 1,013 AI responses to this market's buyer questions over the last 30 days. Answers are collected daily and the ranking is re-measured on the same 30-day window.
Brands enter the ranking when AI answers mention them. Parse collects answers daily and publishes the re-measured set weekly, so new brands appear as AI starts recommending them.
AI responses have evolved from listing gentle ingredients like azelaic acid to recommending specific, barrier-friendly products. By Jan 2026, ChatGPT was providing shoppable product carousels featuring brands like CeraVe,
Differin, and
La Roche-Posay, complete with prices and retailers.
My skin is breaking out. What's a good acne treatment for an adult that isn't too drying?
AI responses have evolved from listing gentle ingredients like azelaic acid to recommending specific, barrier-friendly products. By Jan 2026, ChatGPT was providing shoppable product carousels featuring brands like CeraVe,
Differin, and
La Roche-Posay, complete with prices and retailers.
Answers to this prompt consistently begin with lifestyle and skincare advice, referencing medical institutions like the AAD and Mayo Clinic. Over time, responses have incorporated more specific treatments, mentioning prescription options like for severe cases while still emphasizing a foundation of gentle daily care.
Brands mentioned
How can I deal with adult acne?
Answers to this prompt consistently begin with lifestyle and skincare advice, referencing medical institutions like the AAD and Mayo Clinic. Over time, responses have incorporated more specific treatments, mentioning prescription options like
Accutane for severe cases while still emphasizing a foundation of gentle daily care.