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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment versus The INKEY List Succinic Acid Acne Treatment .

Last updated on August 14, 2023. Published on October 14, 2021

Overview

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne

Free From

They both do not contain any oils, silicones or sulfates

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

Serum American Brand United States
Facial Treatment British Brand United Kingdom

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Facial Treatment

Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.

Price

Shop

Buy Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment

Starts at $14.97
Shop

Buy Succinic Acid Acne Treatment

Starts at $9.99

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Retinoid

Benefits

Anti-Aging
Acne Fighting

Concerns

Irritating
Rosacea
Eczema (2)

Notable Ingredients

BHA
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Good For Oily Skin
Reduces Large Pores
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying (2)
May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger (2)
Irritating (2)
Rosacea (2)
Eczema (2)
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Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Water. 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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment contains this as ingredient number 7.

The INKEY List Succinic Acid Acne Treatment contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Buffering
Community Rating: Mixed

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 Hydroxide

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment contains this as ingredient number 8.

The INKEY List Succinic Acid Acne Treatment contains this as ingredient number 17.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

25% are loved or liked
13% have mixed ratings
50% are disliked or very disliked
13% have no rating yet
41% are loved or liked
14% have mixed ratings
41% are disliked or very disliked
5% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment 8 ingredients

4.8 /5
from 16 reviews
jojoswrld_'s Avatar'
Jan 7, 2024

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...

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.

Irritating
Light
Absorbs Well
Light Scent
Works Well
jazzzzz1's Avatar'
Jan 16, 2024

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...

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.

Irritating
Light
Absorbs Well
No Scent
0ctopus_garden's Avatar'
Apr 7, 2024

Pro: it cleans and controls my acne! The only acne treatment that works for me.
Contra: drying and sensitizes my skin. Needs to back up with a lot of hydration and calming products.

Pro: it cleans and controls my acne! The only acne treatment that works for me.
Contra: drying and sensitizes my skin. Needs to back up with a lot of hydration and calming products.

Expensive
Drying
Absorbs Well
No Scent
Works Well

The INKEY List Succinic Acid Acne Treatment 22 ingredients

4.3 /5
from 6 reviews
Daisyfrd's Avatar'
Jul 27, 2023

The only product that has made a significant difference within 24 hours, decreases redness and texture quickly

The only product that has made a significant difference within 24 hours, decreases redness and texture quickly

Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 9 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment.

See 9 alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 21 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to The INKEY List Succinic Acid Acne Treatment.

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