Versus

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum Versus Galderma Differin Cream

Serum
Prescription
American Brand United States
Swiss Brand Switzerland

Updated on February 03, 2025

Overview

Cool Features

They both contain retinoid

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any common allergens, fragrances or oils

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

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About this product

About this product

At a glance

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Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.

A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.

Preservative

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.

When to use

2,214 Routines
7% use in am
93% use in pm
67% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
226 Routines
7% use in am
93% use in pm
73% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 33 ingredients

3.6 /5
from 42 ratings
Light (12) Absorbs Well (9) Great Value (8)
CentellaAddict's avatar

CentellaAddict

1 year ago
Review

No more acne, very slow at reducing pigmentation tho

#absorbs well
#works well
SkincareSimba's avatar

SkincareSimba

1 year ago
Review

The only retinol my partner's skin can tolerate.
Their skin is extremely reactive and sensitive but this retinol has worked great.

I also use it every other day because I alternate between this retinol and A313.
It works great and is gentle enough to allow me to build tolerance without purging effects (at least on my skin and my partner's)

#great value
#light
#absorbs well
#no scent

Galderma Differin Cream 10 ingredients

4.5 /5
from 4 ratings
Works Well (4) No Scent (3) Absorbs Well (2)
ChienYun_CY's avatar

Chien Yun Ang

9 months ago
Review

This cream is prescribed to me and I LOVE it. It isn't drying for me and I don't suffer any side effects from using it. I only need a fairly thin layer of this cream on my affected areas. It cleared up most possible developing whiteheads for me and leave my skin really bright and even.

#absorbs well
#no scent
#works well
Khang69's avatar

K

3 months ago
Review

I used this as a spot treatment for my stubborn/hidden acne and allergy pimples. It works great and the result might be visible after 1 or 2 days of use. The problem is it burned the area when I applied the cream with redness, it took weeks to get rid of the redness

#great value
#absorbs well
#no scent
#works well