Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Acne Free Adapalene Gel 0.1% versus Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment .
Last updated on August 14, 2023. Published on June 27, 2022
Overview
What they are
These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe . They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain retinoid
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne and anti aging
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain parabens
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Facial Treatment
Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.
Serum
Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Price
Ingredient Info
Acne Free Adapalene Gel 0.1% 7 ingredients
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment 8 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Contains Parabens
Ingredients in this product that are types of parabens:
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Malassezia Safe
This product is free of malassezia feeding ingredients 🎉
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Contains Parabens
Ingredients in this product that are types of parabens:
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Malassezia Safe
This product is free of malassezia feeding ingredients 🎉
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Acne Free Adapalene Gel 0.1% 7 ingredients
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment 8 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Acne Free Adapalene Gel 0.1% 7 ingredients
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment 8 ingredients
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Adapalene is a type of retinoid and common acne treatment.
It has been found to be as effective as other retinoids while causing less irritation. Adapalene helps with anti-aging and acne treatment.
You can buy adapalene over the counter, or in-store, in concentrations of 0.1% in gel form. 0.1% lotion or cream and 0.3% gel are only available with a prescription.
Learn more about AdapaleneAcne Free Adapalene Gel 0.1% contains this as ingredient number 1.
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment contains this as ingredient number 1.
Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.
Carbomer is commonly found in many types of cosmetics products. It is found to be safe in concentrations up to 15%. However, a high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Most products contain 1% of less of carbomer.
Acne Free Adapalene Gel 0.1% contains this as ingredient number 2.
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment contains this as ingredient number 2.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAAcne Free Adapalene Gel 0.1% contains this as ingredient number 3.
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment contains this as ingredient number 3.
Methylparaben is a preservative and is a paraben. It is used to prevent the growth of fungus, mold, and other harmful bacteria. Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives in both cosmetics and food.
Methylparaben can be synthetically created. It can also be found naturally in some fruits, such as blueberries.
Oftentimes, Methylparaben is combined with other parabens to help increase the shelf life.
The safety of Methylparaben is currently being studied. While ongoing studies are looking into the safety of parabens, the results have been very mixed. Some studies have not found Methylparaben to be harmful.
Learn more about MethylparabenAcne Free Adapalene Gel 0.1% contains this as ingredient number 4.
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment contains this as ingredient number 4.
We don't have a description for Poloxamer 182.
Acne Free Adapalene Gel 0.1% contains this as ingredient number 5.
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment contains this as ingredient number 5.
Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may deliver a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolAcne Free Adapalene Gel 0.1% contains this as ingredient number 6.
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment contains this as ingredient number 6.
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideAcne Free Adapalene Gel 0.1% contains this as ingredient number 7.
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment contains this as ingredient number 8.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Acne Free Adapalene Gel 0.1% 7 ingredients
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment 8 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Acne Free Adapalene Gel 0.1% 7 ingredients
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment 8 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Acne Free Adapalene Gel 0.1% 7 ingredients
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment 8 ingredients
BrittBrine
This has probably been the product that has made the most difference in my skin. It's clearing up breakouts and acne that I've had for the longest...
This has probably been the product that has made the most difference in my skin. It's clearing up breakouts and acne that I've had for the longest time. My skin looks and feels so much better and I've only been using it for about 2-3 months now.
jojoswrld_
Works! Doesn’t irritate my skin when used on a dry surface. I hate how my skin looks when it sends all the clogged sebum to the surface of my skin,...
Works! Doesn’t irritate my skin when used on a dry surface. I hate how my skin looks when it sends all the clogged sebum to the surface of my skin, but it clears over time and leaves the skin incredibly firm and smooth. It’s the only not cruelty-free product I use just because it’s benefitted me so greatly and, in my opinion, is indisputably the best prescription-grade retinoid especially for sensitive skin.
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 36 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Acne Free Adapalene Gel 0.1%.
See 36 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 9 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment.
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