Galderma Differin 0.1% w/w Cream Versus Proactiv Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment
Updated on June 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, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain parabens
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Ingredient Info
Galderma Differin 0.1% w/w Cream 12 ingredients
Proactiv Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment 7 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Galderma Differin 0.1% w/w Cream 12 ingredients
Proactiv Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment 7 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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.
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 EDTASodium 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 HydroxideAdapalene is a third-generation topical retinoid and is best known for treating mild to moderate acne. It’s also commonly as for its brand name, Differin.
Adapalene has some great benefits:
You can buy over-the-counter adapalene at 0.1% gel strength. Higher concentrations require a prescription.
Oleyl adapalenate is a cosmetic-grade derivative of adapalene that does not require a prescription since it is considered a cosmetic ingredient.
Learn more about AdapaleneIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Galderma Differin 0.1% w/w Cream 12 ingredients
Proactiv Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment 7 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
