Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment Versus Dermatica Custom Formula (Adapalene 0.1%, Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%, Niacinamide 4%)
Updated on May 20, 2024
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
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
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment 8 ingredients
Dermatica Custom Formula (Adapalene 0.1%, Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%, Niacinamide 4%) 32 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment 8 ingredients
Dermatica Custom Formula (Adapalene 0.1%, Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%, Niacinamide 4%) 32 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Adapalene 0.1%
Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%
Niacinamide 4%
Smoothing
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Isohexadecane
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientC13-15 Alkane
SolventDimethicone
Emollient
Propanediol
SolventPolyacrylate-13
Polyisobutene
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Polyurethane-39
Phenoxyethanol 0.6%
Preservative
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Cholesterol
Emollient
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Citrate
BufferingDiethylhexyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
CleansingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingAdapalene 0.1%, Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%, Niacinamide 4%, Water, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Panthenol, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Isohexadecane, Isododecane, C13-15 Alkane, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20, Polyurethane-39, Phenoxyethanol 0.6%, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Citrate, Diethylhexyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Hydroxide
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.
Retinoids are the gold-standard for anti-aging due to the decades of research backing up their benefits:
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 AdapaleneCarbomer 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.
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 develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolWater. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterSodium 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 HydroxideIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment 8 ingredients
Dermatica Custom Formula (Adapalene 0.1%, Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%, Niacinamide 4%) 32 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment 8 ingredients
Honestly I was skeptical because it took my skin the FULL 12+ weeks to adjust to this. It was my first time using a retinoid and the purging was rough, but genuinely I’ve never seen my skin look so good after the purging ended. It absorbs well and a little goes a long way. I had to stop using it because I got too crazy with actives and I messed up my skin barrier super bad, but I’m hoping I can go Show more
I've been using this on and off for around 2 years. I thought this was going to help my acne, but looking back at pictures I actually think it's made my acne worse! It's made my acne areas really inflamed and red with angry spots. Think it's time to cut it out of my routine... Given it 2 stars as it soaks in pretty fast and is hydrating.
